Caramelized Onion Pizza with Melty Cheese (Printable)

Tender pizza dough topped with sweet, slow-cooked onions and rich, melted cheese creates a comforting, flavorful meal.

# What You'll Need:

→ Dough

01 - 1 pound pizza dough, homemade or store-bought

→ Caramelized Onions

02 - 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
03 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
04 - 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
05 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
06 - 1/2 teaspoon sugar
07 - 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (optional)

→ Cheese & Toppings

08 - 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
09 - 1/2 cup shredded fontina or Gruyère cheese
10 - 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
11 - 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (optional)
12 - Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

→ Pizza Assembly

13 - 1 tablespoon cornmeal or flour for dusting
14 - 1 tablespoon olive oil for brushing

# How To Make It:

01 - Preheat your oven to 475°F. If using a pizza stone, place it in the oven to heat.
02 - In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and butter. Once melted, add sliced onions, salt, and sugar. Cook, stirring often, for 20–25 minutes until golden brown and deeply caramelized. Stir in balsamic vinegar, if using, and cook for 1 more minute. Remove from heat and set aside.
03 - On a lightly floured surface, stretch or roll out pizza dough to a 12-inch round. Transfer to a parchment-lined baking sheet or a pizza peel dusted with cornmeal.
04 - Brush the dough lightly with olive oil. Evenly spread the caramelized onions over the dough, leaving a 1/2-inch border.
05 - Top with mozzarella, fontina (or Gruyère), and Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle with thyme leaves and black pepper.
06 - Bake for 12–15 minutes, until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbling and browned in spots.
07 - Slice and serve hot.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • The sweetness of slowly cooked onions pairs perfectly with salty melted cheese creating the most incredible flavor balance
  • This pizza transforms simple ingredients into something restaurant quality without requiring any special techniques
02 -
  • Caramelizing onions properly cannot be rushed so plan ahead and let them develop that deep color and flavor
  • Do not overload your pizza with toppings or the crust will stay soggy in the middle
03 -
  • Make a double batch of caramelized onions and keep some in the freezer for future pizzas
  • A drizzle of hot honey after baking adds an amazing sweet and spicy finish