This Brussels, Caramelized Onion, and Pistachio Pizza is a gourmet twist on homemade pizza that delivers layers of flavor in every bite. Sweet caramelized onions pair beautifully with nutty Brussels sprouts, sharp white cheddar, and crunchy pistachios. The golden crust acts as the perfect base for a balance of sweet, savory, and earthy notes, making this pizza a standout dish for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Combines caramelized onions and Brussels sprouts for rich, complex flavors
Crunchy pistachios add a unique texture and nutty taste
Homemade pizza dough makes it extra fresh and flavorful
Elegant enough for entertaining yet comforting for weeknight dinners
Customizable with different cheeses, herbs, or toppings

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of Ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

crust

1 cup warm water
3 teaspoons active dry yeast
1 tablespoon honey
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
flour and coarse cornmeal for dusting

topping

3 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 large sweet onions, thinly sliced
kosher salt and pepper, to taste
1 pound Brussels sprouts, stems removed and thinly sliced
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 cup freshly grated sharp white cheddar cheese
½ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese, plus more for topping
¼ cup chopped roasted pistachios
fresh herbs like parsley or basil, for topping if desired

Directions

Activate yeast and prepare dough: In a large bowl, combine warm water, yeast, honey, and olive oil. Stir and let sit for about 10 minutes until foamy. Add flour and salt, stirring until a sticky dough forms. Knead on a floured surface with an additional ½ cup flour until smooth.
Let dough rise: Lightly oil the bowl, add dough, and cover with a towel. Let rise in a warm spot for 1 to 1.5 hours until doubled in size.
Caramelize onions: Melt 2 tablespoons butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add onions, salt, and pepper. Cook for 10 minutes, then reduce heat and cook another 20–25 minutes, stirring often, until golden. Remove from skillet.
Sauté Brussels sprouts: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon butter to the skillet. Add Brussels sprouts with salt and pepper. Cook 6–8 minutes until softened and bright green.
Prepare pizza base: Preheat oven to 450°F. Punch down dough and roll or press to fit a 10×15-inch baking sheet dusted with flour or cornmeal.
Assemble: Brush dough with olive oil. Sprinkle half the cheddar, then layer caramelized onions, Brussels sprouts, remaining cheddar, parmesan, and pistachios.
Bake: Bake for 15–20 minutes until crust is golden and cheese bubbly. Remove and cool slightly.
Serve: Top with fresh herbs and extra parmesan if desired. Slice and serve warm.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4 to 6
Prep time: 25 minutes (plus 1–1.5 hours rising time)
Cook time: 45 minutes
Total time: about 2 hours 20 minutes (including rise)

Variations

Use mozzarella instead of sharp cheddar for a more classic pizza flavor.
Swap pistachios for walnuts, hazelnuts, or pine nuts.
Add crispy pancetta or bacon for extra richness.
Drizzle with balsamic glaze before serving for a sweet finish.
Try a whole wheat or sourdough crust for a heartier base.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover pizza slices in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat in the oven at 375°F for 8–10 minutes to keep the crust crispy.
For quicker reheating, use a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes. Avoid microwaving as it can make the crust soggy.

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate it. Let it come to room temperature before using.

Can I use store-bought pizza dough?

Absolutely. Store-bought dough saves time and still delivers a delicious result.

How do I prevent the pizza crust from getting soggy?

Dusting the pan with cornmeal and preheating your oven properly helps keep the crust crisp.

Can I caramelize the onions in advance?

Yes, caramelized onions can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 3 days. Reheat slightly before adding to the pizza.

What’s the best cheese substitute for white cheddar?

Gruyère, fontina, or mozzarella all work well.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, substitute a gluten-free pizza crust or dough mix.

How can I make this vegetarian-friendly?

This recipe is already vegetarian. Simply confirm your cheeses are rennet-free if strict vegetarian.

Can I freeze leftover pizza?

Yes, wrap slices individually and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven for best results.

What other herbs pair well with this pizza?

Thyme, rosemary, or arugula are excellent alternatives to parsley or basil.

Can I make this pizza on a pizza stone?

Yes, a pizza stone will give you an even crispier crust. Preheat it in the oven before baking.

Conclusion

Brussels, Caramelized Onion, and Pistachio Pizza is a gourmet-style recipe that transforms simple ingredients into an unforgettable dish. With its sweet, savory, and nutty flavor profile, it’s perfect for weeknight meals, dinner parties, or even as a unique holiday main course. Whether you stick to the recipe or try one of the variations, this pizza is sure to impress