Delicata & Pear on a Pizza?

Ok listen, I’m sure you read that title and thought to yourself, um why though? I get it, it sounds unconventional, but have you ever tried delicata squash? It’s bomb and so versatile and adds a uniquely savory flavor that is just *chef’s kiss*.  Don’t get me wrong, I love a classic slice with pepperoni but sometimes the unique combos are the most fun and tasty. This pizza uses store bought dough and pre roasted ingredients that make your mealtime execution so simple, and the result is some of the most delicious and unexpected flavor combos – seriously this pizza is a sure to be a crowd pleaser.

Ingredients

1 package of Pillsbury pizza crust (or any premade pizza dough)
Garlic and herb spreadable cheese (Boursin, Alouette or cream cheese)
Head of garlic
1 pear
1 small delicata squash
Prosciutto
Parmesan cheese
Arugula (optional)
Olive oil
Lemon Juice (optional)

Instructions

*Can be done in advance* - preheat oven to 400 degrees. Cut the top of your head of garlic off exposing the inner cloves. Drizzle with olive oil and wrap in tin foil (or place into a garlic roaster). Half and deseed your squash and slice into thin 1/8-1/4-inch half-moon slices. Drizzle with olive oil and salt and pepper then add to a cookie sheet in a single layer. Add your garlic to one corner of your cookie sheet and then pop both into the over for 30-40 minutes, checking halfway through. Garlic may need some extra time depending on the size of your bulb – you want it to easily squeeze out of the roasted bulb.

*When you’re ready to bake* - preheat your oven to 400 degrees.

While your oven preheats, thinly slice or cube your pear and set aside.

On a lightly floured or corn starched cookie sheet, pizza pan or pizza stone, unroll your pizza dough and stretch into your desired shape. Follow direction of your dough, if using Pillsbury, prebake the plain dough for 7 minutes and remove it from the oven.

Add a thinnish layer your spreadable cheese to your dough – the dough will be warm and the heat with help the cheese spread evenly and smoothly. Follow with a layer with your desired number of pears, roasted squash, roasted garlic gloves and strips of prosciutto along with some fresh grated or shredded parm.

Bake for 12-14 minutes, checking at 10 minutes. Remove when crust looks golden brown.

This is optional but topping with a simple arugula salad (tossed in olive oil, lemon and salt) adds an extra layer of yummy peppery fresh flavor.