Butternut Squash Soppressata Pizza Recipes

SOPPRESSATA PIZZAS

Steps:

• Make the dough: Put 2 1/4 cups warm (100 degrees F) water in a large measuring cup; stir in the yeast to dissolve, then stir in the sugar and olive oil. Let stand until bubbly, 3 to 5 minutes. Combine 5 cups flour and 2 teaspoons salt in a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Add the yeast mixture and mix on medium-low speed, adding a little more flour or water, if needed, until a rough, sticky ball of dough forms, about 1 minute. Let rest 5 minutes, then mix on medium low until no longer sticky, about 1 more minute. Transfer the dough to an oiled surface and knead with oiled hands until smooth, about 10 times. Let rest 5 minutes, then knead briefly again and transfer to an oiled bowl. Cover with plastic wrap; refrigerate at least 8 hours or overnight. Divide the dough into 4 balls, dust with flour and cover loosely with plastic wrap. Let sit at room temperature 2 hours before making the pizzas.
• Make the sauce: Crush the tomatoes in a bowl using your hands. Stir in the olive oil, garlic, 1 1/2 teaspoons salt and the oregano. Cover and let stand 2 hours. Position a pizza stone or inverted baking sheet on the lowest oven rack; preheat to 500 degrees F for at least 30 minutes. Stretch each ball of dough into a 12-to-14-inch round on individual sheets of parchment paper. Let rest 15 minutes. Remove and discard the garlic from the sauce. Spread a thin layer of sauce on each pizza, leaving a border. Top with one-quarter each of the mozzarella, parmesan, cherry peppers, soppressata and radicchio; drizzle with olive oil. Slide 1 pizza (on the parchment) onto a pizza peel or another inverted baking sheet, then slide onto the hot stone in the oven. Bake until the crust browns, 12 to 15 minutes. Top with oregano. Repeat to make 3 more pizzas. Photograph by Con Poulos

BUTTERNUT CRUST PIZZA

Steps:

• For the crust: Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
• Toss the squash cubes with the olive oil and salt. Spread out in one layer on a baking sheet and roast until tender, stirring once, 30 to 35 minutes. Remove from the oven. Tip the squash into a bowl and mash until fairly smooth to make about 2 cups of puree.
• To the puree, add the flour, shredded Parmesan, egg, baking powder and Italian seasoning, then mix until well incorporated.
• Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly coat with cooking spray. Spread the mixture into a 12-inch circle on the baking sheet, spreading into an even layer with the back of a spoon or spatula. Bake until lightly browned, about 30 minutes.
• While the pizza cooks, make the pesto: In a food processor, combine the arugula, basil, almonds, grated Parmesan, lemon juice and olive oil, then puree until smooth.
• Remove the pizza crust from the oven and carefully slide onto a serving plate or cutting board using a metal spatula (the crust is not super fragile but is more fragile than a regular pizza base).
• Top with the pesto and spread it, leaving a 1/2-inch border.
• For the toppings: Add the arugula, prosciutto and Parmesan shavings. Drizzle with the balsamic glaze.

BUTTERNUT SQUASH PIZZAS WITH ROSEMARY

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (205 degrees C). Place sliced onion and squash in a roasting pan. Sprinkle with rosemary, salt, pepper, and 2 tablespoons of the olive oil; toss to coat.
• Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until onions are lightly browned and squash is tender; set aside.
• Increase oven temperature to 450 degrees F (230 degrees C). On a floured surface, roll each ball of dough into an 8 inch round. Place the rounds on a baking sheet sprinkled with cornmeal (you may need 2 baking sheets depending on their size). Distribute squash mixture over the two rounds and continue baking for 10 minutes, checking occasionally, or until the crust is firm. Sprinkle with cheese and remaining tablespoon olive oil. Cut into quarters, and serve.