Butternut squash pizza
Instructions
Pizza dough
Toppings
Select the ideal butternut squash
When selecting a butternut squash for your pizza, pick one that feels heavy for its size and shows a consistent beige colour. Avoid any with soft spots or visible cracks, as these can spoil both the texture and flavour.
Smooth and pliable dough
The dough should be soft and elastic, able to stretch without tearing. It is important that you knead the dough thoroughly to develop the gluten that gives it its structure and texture. Knead by hand or with a mixer for at least 10 minutes until it is smooth and springs back when pressed. This ensures the base can support the weight of the toppings without becoming soggy. If needed, adjust the flour or water slightly to get a dough that is neither too sticky nor too dry, making it easy to handle and resulting in a crisp crust when baked. Allow the dough to rest for 1 to 1 ½ hours until it has doubled in size.
Use a pizza stone
Using a pizza stone really levels up this recipe by spreading the heat evenly and pulling extra moisture out of the dough, which gives you that nice, crisp crust. For the best results, preheat your oven to around 275–300 °C. The stone stays hot, which is key for keeping the base crispy, especially with toppings like butternut squash and mushrooms that tend to release a lot of moisture.
Pre-bake the base
To get an extra crispy base on your butternut squash pizza, try pre-baking the dough before piling on the toppings. Bake the base until it just starts to turn golden; this will keep it from getting soggy with toppings like butternut squash and mushrooms. Once that is done, add your toppings and finish baking to perfection.
FAQ: Questions about butternut squash pizza
Discover all you need to know with our answers to the most frequently asked questions on making butternut squash pizza.
Ingredients
Pizza dough
|
Flour
|
175 g |
|---|---|
|
Whole wheat flour
|
225 g |
|
Yeast
|
15 g |
|
Olive oil
|
1 tbsp |
|
Water
|
250 ml |
|
Sugar
|
½ tsp |
|
Salt
|
1 tsp |
Toppings
| 300 g | |
|
Olive oil
|
4 tbsp |
|
Milk
|
6 tbsp |
|
Garlic clove
|
1 |
|
Bottle gourds, very thinly sliced
|
120 g |
|
Mushrooms
|
120 g |
|
Salami
|
150 g |
|
Rosemary
|
10 g |
|
Basil
|
10 g |
|
Black pepper
|
Other recipes
Sweet and savoury butternut squash pizza
No matter the day of the week, our recipe for butternut squash pizza is the perfect addition to your pizza night. Sweet butternut squash pairs up with savoury mushrooms and salami. As the squash bakes, it softens and gets extra sweet and delicious. And let us be honest – the warm, golden colour of the squash makes this pizza a delight for the eyes and taste buds.
Looking for more pizza recipes? Try our easy polenta pizza or pizza with tomato sauce and white cheese.
Crispy homemade crust with white cheese sauce
A pizza is only as good as its crust, which is why we make ours from scratch. The whole wheat crust offers a golden, crisp base with crunchy edges that holds the toppings well. Spread the white cheese sauce on top to create a creamy layer. The cheese mixture is combined with grated garlic and olive oil to create subtle, rich, tangy flavours next to the savoury vegetables and salami.
With mushrooms and salami
Top the pizza with tender mushrooms and savoury salami to balance out the natural sweetness of the butternut squash. The earthy mushrooms bring a rich, umami flavour, while the salami adds a salty note that pulls everything together. The mix of textures – soft mushrooms and slightly crispy, juicy salami – makes each bite satisfying and full of flavour.
An amazing pizza fit for autumn
Pizza is great year-round, but this butternut squash version is just perfect for those chilly autumn days. With its sweet, tender flavour and orange hue that matches the falling leaves, butternut squash brings a cosy, seasonal touch. Whether you are having a laid-back family dinner or making a weekend meal special, this pizza celebrates all the best flavours of autumn in every bite.
Try different toppings
Try experimenting with different pizza toppings to add some extra flavour. If you are craving a bit of sweetness, roasted red peppers or caramelised onions are great choices. Roasted peppers bring a smoky sweetness that pairs perfectly with the butternut squash, while caramelised onions add a rich, deep flavour that feels a little more indulgent.
You can also spice up the squash for a cosy autumn vibe. Try a mix of honey, sage, cinnamon, and cayenne for a blend of sweet and savoury with just a bit of spice. The honey caramelises beautifully, cinnamon and sage add warmth, and the cayenne gives it a nice kick.
If you want a savoury touch, there are some tasty options beyond salami. Prosciutto crisps up in the oven, adding a delicate saltiness, while crumbled Italian sausage gives a heartier flavour. For a lighter option, strips of grilled chicken work great, too.
