Name: Roasted Butternut Squash Prosciutto Pizza with Caramelized Onions Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1/2 pound pizza dough, at room temperature; 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil; 4 cups cubed butternut squash or pumpkin; 2 teaspoons honey; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh sage; 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon; 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (use to your taste); 2 pinches crushed red pepper flakes; Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste; 2 tablespoons salted butter; 2 yellow onions, thinly sliced; 3/4 cup apple cider; Salt and pepper, to taste; Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes; 1 cup shredded whole milk mozzarella; 1 cup shredded fontina cheese; 1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese (optional); 3 ounces thinly sliced prosciutto, torn

Jump to Recipe·4 from 32 reviews

If you’re craving a pizza that perfectly balances sweet, savory, and a touch of spice, this Roasted Butternut Squash Prosciutto Pizza with Caramelized Onions Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. Roasting the butternut squash brings out its natural sweetness, while the crispy prosciutto adds just the right salty bite, all harmonized beautifully by luscious caramelized onions. This pizza feels like an autumn celebration on a crust, ideal for impressing guests or cozying up for a comforting meal at home.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a pile of cooked orange cubed pieces of food, likely roasted butternut squash, sitting on a flat silver surface that is lightly browned and speckled with herbs and oil. The cubes vary slightly in size and have some browned spots from cooking, giving them a textured, slightly crispy look. Small green herb flakes are scattered across the pieces, adding subtle color contrast. A metal spatula with some herb bits is partially visible on the right side of the image next to the cubes. The background is a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic behind this pizza lies in its thoughtfully chosen ingredients—each one contributes a unique flavor note or texture that makes this recipe stand out. You don’t need a long list, but every item is essential for that perfect balance of sweet, savory, creamy, and spicy.

1/2 pound pizza dough, at room temperature: The sturdy base that holds all the delicious toppings together with a light, golden crust.
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil: Adds richness and helps roast and coat ingredients beautifully.
4 cups cubed butternut squash or pumpkin: Roasted to tender sweetness and vibrant color.
2 teaspoons honey: Elevates the natural sweetness in the squash and balances the spices.
2 tablespoons chopped fresh sage: A fragrant herbal note that pairs wonderfully with the squash and cheese.
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon: Adds warm, subtle spice to round out the flavor.
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper: Provides just a hint of heat—you can adjust to your preference.
2 pinches crushed red pepper flakes: For a spark of extra spice at both the roasting and finishing stages.
Kosher salt and black pepper: The essential seasoning to bring all flavors to life.
2 tablespoons salted butter: Needed for slow caramelization of the onions, adding depth and richness.
2 yellow onions, thinly sliced: Transformed into golden caramelized goodness that melts on your tongue.
3/4 cup apple cider: Adds sweetness and acidity to the onions, helping them caramelize perfectly.
1 cup shredded whole milk mozzarella: Classic gooey cheese base that stretches beautifully.
1 cup shredded fontina cheese: Brings nuttiness and creaminess, melding with mozzarella for perfect melt.
1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese (optional): For an extra tangy kick if you’re feeling adventurous.
3 ounces thinly sliced prosciutto, torn: Salty, crispy, delicate ribbons finish the pizza with savory elegance.

How to Make Roasted Butternut Squash Prosciutto Pizza with Caramelized Onions Recipe

Step 1: Prepare and Roast the Butternut Squash

Start by preheating your oven to 425°F and positioning the rack in the upper third of your oven. Toss the cubed butternut squash with olive oil, honey, fresh sage, cinnamon, cayenne pepper, crushed red pepper flakes, kosher salt, and black pepper on a baking sheet. This combination gives the squash a flavorful coating that caramelizes beautifully. Roast these in the oven for 15-20 minutes until just tender—this roast brings out the natural sweetness that makes your pizza toppings irresistible.

Step 2: Caramelize the Onions

While the squash is roasting, melt salted butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add thinly sliced yellow onions and cook them gently for three minutes to soften. Pour in half the apple cider, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and cook until the liquid mostly evaporates. Add the remaining cider and keep cooking until the onions turn a rich golden brown and become gloriously caramelized. A pinch of crushed red pepper adds a subtle heat that keeps the flavors interesting and lively.

Step 3: Prepare the Pizza Dough

Place your pizza dough on a lightly oiled quarter sheet pan and drizzle a bit of olive oil on top. Cover it with plastic wrap and let it rest so it can relax and spread more easily when you press it out. Once rested, gently press the dough to cover the entire sheet pan, forming the perfect canvas for your toppings.

Step 4: Assemble Your Pizza

Start layering by spreading the caramelized onions evenly over the dough—you might not need all the onions, so use what feels right. Next, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and fontina cheeses (and blue cheese if you choose) over the onions. Tear the prosciutto into bite-sized pieces and scatter them on top, followed by the beautifully roasted butternut squash cubes. Drizzle the dough’s edge lightly with olive oil to encourage a crisp, golden crust.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Slide your pizza into the oven, now increased to 500°F, and bake for 10 minutes. Rotate the pan and bake for an additional 3-5 minutes until the crust is golden and the cheeses have melted into a bubbling, savory cloud. Finish with a sprinkle of additional crushed red pepper flakes to give the pizza a pleasant kick as soon as it comes out of the oven. Now it’s ready to slice and enjoy!

How to Serve Roasted Butternut Squash Prosciutto Pizza with Caramelized Onions Recipe

The image shows three slices of pizza on a wooden board with a crispy, golden crust. The pizza has melted white cheese spread evenly on top, with layers of roasted orange butternut squash cubes that have a slightly charred look. There are thin, folded slices of pinkish cured meat scattered across, and small green herb leaves placed mainly in the center of the slices. The overall texture looks soft with some slight crispiness on the edges. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A few fresh sage leaves scattered across the top right before serving add a lovely herbal fragrance and stunning visual appeal. You can also drizzle a little honey or a splash of balsamic glaze for a shiny, sweet contrast that elevates every bite.

Side Dishes

Pair this pizza with a crisp green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette or a simple arugula salad for peppery freshness that cuts through the richness. Roasted garlic mashed potatoes or a light butternut squash soup can round out a cozy meal beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your Roasted Butternut Squash Prosciutto Pizza with Caramelized Onions Recipe on a rustic wooden board for a warm, inviting feel. Cut into squares or classic slices depending on your crowd. For a fun twist, offer small slices alongside dipping sauces like garlic aioli or a spicy pepper honey, turning your pizza into a widget-perfect party appetizer.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover pizza is a treasure! Store any uneaten slices in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This keeps the crust reasonably crisp and the toppings fresh, ready for a satisfying next-day meal or snack.

Freezing

If you want to save your Roasted Butternut Squash Prosciutto Pizza with Caramelized Onions Recipe for longer, freeze individual slices wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and placed inside a freezer-safe bag. Frozen pizza lasts up to 2 months but is always best enjoyed sooner for peak flavor and texture.

Reheating

To reheat, pop your slices into a preheated oven at 375°F for about 8-10 minutes or until warm and the crust is crispy again. Avoid microwaving if you want to preserve that delightful crunch and melty cheese experience.

FAQs

Can I use pre-made pizza dough for this recipe?

Absolutely! Pre-made pizza dough works wonderfully for this dish and saves you time without compromising on taste or texture. Just make sure it’s at room temperature before you start assembling.

Is it necessary to use both mozzarella and fontina cheese?

While mozzarella offers the classic melt and stretch, fontina adds a creamy, nutty depth. Using both creates a rich, balanced cheese layer, but you can adjust according to what you have on hand.

Can I skip the blue cheese?

Yes! The blue cheese is optional and adds a tangy contrast, but leaving it out won’t diminish the pizza’s overall flavor. It’s perfect if you prefer milder cheeses or are serving guests who aren’t fans.

How spicy is this pizza with cayenne and red pepper flakes?

The heat level is moderate and can be adjusted by adding more or less cayenne and red pepper flakes depending on your taste. The spices enhance without overpowering, so everyone can enjoy the layers of flavor.

What’s the best way to handle the prosciutto topping?

Tearing the prosciutto into small pieces helps distribute its salty goodness evenly over the pizza. It crisps up slightly during baking, adding delightful texture and flavor with every bite.

Final Thoughts

This Roasted Butternut Squash Prosciutto Pizza with Caramelized Onions Recipe is one of those rare meals that feels special and gourmet yet comes together with straightforward steps and accessible ingredients. Whether you’re hosting dinner or indulging in a solo cozy night, this pizza will fill your kitchen with warmth and your heart with joy. Give it a try and watch it quickly become a new favorite!