Pancetta & Caramelized Onion Pizza

Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cook Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes | Servings: 4–6 (makes 1 large pizza)

Why I Love This Recipe

This pizza is rich, savory, and just a little bit sweet thanks to the caramelized onions. The garlic olive oil base lets the flavors shine, and the crispy pancetta adds the perfect salty crunch.

Ingredients

• 1 prepared pizza dough

• 2 tablespoons garlic olive oil (olive oil + 2 cloves minced garlic + pinch of oregano)

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

• 1/2 cup caramelized onions

• 1/2 cup diced pancetta, cooked until crisp

• Fresh thyme or parsley, for topping

• Olive oil, for brushing crust

• Optional: drizzle of balsamic glaze for finishing

Instructions

1. Preheat & Prep:

   • Preheat oven to 475°F (or higher if using a pizza oven).

   • Roll out the dough and place it on parchment or a pizza peel.

2. Make Garlic Olive Oil Base:

   • In a small saucepan, warm olive oil over low heat.

   • Add garlic and cook for 1–2 minutes, until fragrant but not browned.

   • Stir in oregano, then remove from heat.

3. Assemble the Pizza:

   • Brush the dough evenly with the garlic olive oil base.

   • Sprinkle half the mozzarella over the dough.

   • Add the caramelized onions and crisped pancetta.

   • Top with the remaining mozzarella.

   • Brush the outer crust with olive oil.

4. Bake:

   • Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until crust is golden and cheese is bubbling.

5. Finish & Serve:

   • Sprinkle with fresh thyme or parsley.

   • Drizzle with balsamic glaze if using.

   • Slice and serve warm.

Notes

• Dietary Quick Tip: To make this pizza gluten-free, use your favorite gluten-free pizza crust. For a dairy-free version, simply swap in a plant-based mozzarella. The flavor combo still shines with those caramelized onions and crispy pancetta!

• Time-Saving Tip: Caramelize onions ahead of time and refrigerate—just warm slightly before using.

• Pro Tip: Pancetta doesn’t need oil to crisp—just cook in a dry skillet and drain on paper towels.