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Today, we're sharing this simple and sophisticated recipe for Kale, Ricotta and Caramelized Onion Pizza at home for a casual game night with friends or date night in with a loved one. Pair it with some Kendall-Jackson Grand Reserve Pinot Noir and you've got the makings for a perfect night in.
Making pizza at home means you and your guests are in control of the toppings, the best part, right? The only rule about toppings is that there are no rules. Take your favorite flavor profiles and have fun with it. We can't get enough kale and red pepper flakes lately, so we built our pizza from that starting point. Feel free to add/subtract for a profile that best suits your taste.
Why Kale Works So Well on Pizza
Kale might not be the first topping that comes to mind for pizza, but its sturdy texture makes it a natural fit for high-heat baking. Unlike delicate greens that wilt into nothing, kale softens just enough in the oven while still holding its shape. It also brings a subtle earthiness that balances richer toppings like ricotta and caramelized onions.
When lightly cooked before baking, kale becomes tender without losing its bite. That contrast is what gives this pizza its layered texture and keeps each slice feeling intentional rather than overloaded.
Ingredients That Make This Pizza Shine
This pizza relies on a small group of thoughtfully chosen ingredients that work together to create balanced, layered flavor. Each element brings something distinct, from creamy richness to subtle heat, without overwhelming the crust.
- Homemade pizza dough: Provides a sturdy yet tender base that supports the toppings without feeling heavy.
- Marinara sauce: Adds brightness and acidity to balance the richer components.
- Fresh ricotta: Light and creamy, offering a softer alternative to traditional mozzarella.
- Yellow onions: Slowly caramelized to bring natural sweetness and depth.
- Kale: Holds its texture in the oven while adding an earthy, savory note.
- Red pepper flakes: Introduce gentle heat and contrast.
- Balsamic vinegar: Enhances the onions and sharpens the overall flavor profile.
- Fennel sausage (optional): Adds savory richness for a heartier variation.
How to Make Kale, Ricotta and Caramelized Onion Pizza
This pizza comes together in a few simple stages, from preparing the dough to layering the toppings. Taking the time to build each element thoughtfully ensures balanced flavor and a crisp, well-structured crust.
1. Prepare the dough: Dissolve the yeast in lukewarm water until slightly foamy, then mix with flour, salt, and olive oil to form a smooth dough. Knead until elastic, cover, and let rise until doubled in size.
2. Caramelize the onions: Slowly cook thinly sliced onions in olive oil over high heat, stirring occasionally, until deeply golden and softened. Add a splash of balsamic vinegar midway through cooking, then remove from heat.
3. Cook the kale and sausage: In the same pan, sauté the kale until just wilted. If using fennel sausage, cook it thoroughly alongside the kale, then set aside.
4. Par-bake the crust: Roll out the risen dough on a floured surface and transfer it to a baking sheet. Bake briefly until the crust is just set, creating a sturdy base for the toppings.
5. Assemble the pizza: Spread marinara evenly over the crust, then layer on kale, caramelized onions, dollops of ricotta, and sausage if using. Finish with red pepper flakes.
6. Bake until golden: Return the pizza to the oven and bake until the crust begins to brown and the toppings are warmed through. Slice and serve immediately.
Kale, Ricotta and Caramelized Onion Pizza Recipe
Recipe Type:
Entree
Prep Time:
20 minutes
Cook Time:
55 minutes
Total Time:
75 minutes
Servings:
4
Ingredients
- 1 Tbsp. active dry yeast
- ¾ cup plus 2 Tbs. lukewarm water
- 2¾ cups all-purpose flour, plus some for working
- 1 tsp. salt
- 1 Tbs. extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 cup preferred marinara
- 15 oz. fresh ricotta
- 1 lb yellow onions, sliced thinly
- ½ lb fennel sausage (optional)
- 2 cups kale, rinsed and torn to large pieces
- 1-2 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 tsp balsamic vinegar
Instructions
- In a large bowl, dissolve the yeast in the lukewarm water and let stand until slightly foamy. After 10 minutes, stir in the flour and the salt using a fork in a circular motion, gradually pull the flour into the yeast mixture. Continue stirring until a dough forms.
- Lightly flour a work surface with some of the ½ cup flour and transfer the dough to it. Using the heel of your hand, knead the dough until it is smooth and elastic. Place mound back into the bowl. Cover and let rise for at least an hour.
- Meanwhile prep the onions. Heat a large skillet over high heat with a dash of olive oil. Add the onions and stir to coat. Allow to wilt and brown for up to 40 minutes until caramelization occurs. Add a bit of balsamic vinegar halfway through cooking. Remove from heat. In the same saucepan, add kale (and sausage, if you so choose) and cook until the sausage is thoroughly cooked and the kale is wilted. Set aside.
- Preheat the oven for 400.' For assembly, roll out risen dough on a floured surface to a the size of a large baking sheet. Place crust on baking sheet and par-bake in a hot oven for 5-7 minutes. Form an assembly line with your toppings. Remove par-baked crust from the oven and dress with marinara first, following with kale, onions, ricotta, sausage, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes. Bake for another 8-10 minutes or until the crust begins to brown.
Pairing Pizza with Kendall-Jackson Wines
This kale, ricotta, and caramelized onion pizza pairs seamlessly with Kendall-Jackson wines that highlight balance and nuance. Kendall-Jackson Grand Reserve Pinot Noir is an ideal match, offering red fruit character and subtle earth-driven notes that complement the savory kale and the natural sweetness of the caramelized onions. Its structure keeps the ricotta from feeling heavy while echoing the crispness of the baked crust.
For those reaching for a white wine, Kendall-Jackson Chardonnay is another strong choice. Layers of citrus and gentle oak mirror the creamy texture of the ricotta while rounding out the vegetable-forward toppings. Whether served for a casual gathering or an intimate night in, Kendall-Jackson wines bring cohesion to the pairing and elevate this thoughtfully composed pizza.
