Description
This Halloween Pumpkin Pizza is a festive and delicious twist on traditional pizza, featuring a creamy pumpkin puree base seasoned with Italian herbs and topped with melted mozzarella cheese. Perfect for a spooky fall gathering, this easy-to-make pizza brings seasonal flavors together with a crispy crust and fresh basil garnish.
Ingredients
Scale
Pizza Base
- 1 lb pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
Toppings
- 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 2 tsp olive oil
- 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C), placing a pizza stone inside if you have one to ensure a crispy crust.
- Prepare Dough: Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface to your preferred shape and thickness, ensuring the crust is even for uniform baking.
- Make Pumpkin Sauce: In a bowl, combine the pumpkin puree with the Italian seasoning, mixing well to infuse the flavors evenly throughout the sauce.
- Assemble Pizza: Spread the seasoned pumpkin puree evenly over the rolled-out dough. Then sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese uniformly over the pumpkin base. If you like a bit of heat, add crushed red pepper flakes on top.
- Bake Pizza: Carefully transfer the pizza onto the preheated pizza stone or a baking sheet. Bake it in the oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the pizza from the oven, garnish with fresh basil leaves, and let it cool slightly before slicing into 8 pieces and serving.
Notes
- Using a pizza stone helps achieve a crispier crust but is optional.
- For a spicier kick, add extra crushed red pepper flakes to taste.
- Fresh basil adds a bright contrast and should be added just before serving.
- Store any leftover pizza in an airtight container and reheat in the oven for best results.
