Cranberry & Brie Pizza With Caramelized Onions Recipe

Zesty Cranberry & Brie Pizza with Caramelized Onions Recipe

Crafting a delightful cranberry & brie pizza with caramelized onions promises a culinary adventure that blends sweet and savory flavors.

Unexpected combinations often spark the most memorable meals.

Cheese lovers will adore this creative twist on traditional pizza.

Soft brie melts beautifully against a crisp crust, creating a luxurious texture.

Tangy cranberries add a vibrant pop of brightness that dances across your palate.

Caramelized onions bring a deep, rich undertone that complements the creamy cheese perfectly.

Whip up this sophisticated yet approachable dish and surprise everyone at your next gathering.

Christmas Macarons Ingredient List

Pizza Base:
  • Pizza Dough: Fresh and ready to be transformed into a delicious canvas.
Toppings for Caramelization:
  • Onions: Sweet and soft base for flavor depth.
  • Sugar: Helps onions caramelize beautifully.
  • Salt: Enhances caramelization process.
Cheese and Soft Components:
  • Brie: Creamy and rich cheese that melts perfectly.
Sauce and Fruit Components:
  • Cranberries, Honey, Balsamic Vinegar: Create a tangy and sweet jam-like mixture.
Herbs and Finishing Touches:
  • Arugula, Thyme: Fresh and peppery green garnish.
  • Black Pepper, Salt: Final seasoning for flavor enhancement.
Oil and Cooking Components:
  • Olive Oil: Used for cooking onions and preparing pizza base.
  • Flour: Helps roll out pizza dough smoothly.

Steps for Cranberry & Brie Pizza with Caramelized Onions

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

Heat the oven to a sizzling 475°F. If you have a pizza stone, slide it into the oven during preheating to create a crispy crust foundation.

Step 2: Shape the Dough

Sprinkle flour on your work surface and roll out the pizza dough into your preferred thickness. Gently transfer the dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet or preheated pizza stone.

Step 3: Create Caramelized Onions

In a large skillet, warm olive oil over medium heat. Add:
  • Sliced onions
  • Sugar
  • Salt

Stir occasionally and let the onions transform into golden, sweet strands for 15-20 minutes. Set aside when perfectly caramelized.

Step 4: Prepare Cranberry Sauce

Combine in a small saucepan:
  • Cranberries
  • Honey
  • Balsamic vinegar

Cook over medium heat, stirring periodically, until cranberries burst and the mixture thickens like a jammy dream, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat.

Step 5: Layer the Pizza

Spread the caramelized onions across the pizza dough. Dollop spoonfuls of cranberry mixture and scatter Brie cheese pieces generously.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide the pizza into the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes. Look for a golden brown crust and melted, bubbly Brie.

Step 7: Finish and Serve

Pull the pizza from the oven. Sprinkle with fresh arugula and thyme if desired. Season with salt and cracked black pepper. Slice and serve immediately while hot and fragrant.

Pizza Tips That Blend Cranberry, Brie, and Onion

  • Caramelize Onions Perfectly: Low and slow is the key to achieving those rich, sweet onions without burning. Stir occasionally and maintain medium heat for the best results.
  • Manage Moisture Masterfully: Pat cranberries dry before cooking to prevent excess liquid from making your pizza soggy. This technique ensures a crisp crust every time.
  • Cheese Melting Magic: Cut Brie into small, even pieces to help it melt uniformly across the pizza. Room temperature cheese melts more smoothly than cold cheese.
  • Balance Flavor Layers: Drizzle a touch of honey after baking to add brightness and enhance the sweet-savory combination of cranberries and Brie. This final touch elevates the entire dish.
  • Upgrade Pizza Crust Technique: Brush the edges of the pizza dough with olive oil before baking to create a golden, crispy crust that looks professionally made.

Store Cranberry Brie Pizza and Reheat for Crispiness

  • Store pizza slices in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking and maintain quality.
  • Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 1 month to preserve flavor and texture.
  • Warm pizza slices at 350°F for 7-10 minutes. Place directly on the rack or use a baking sheet to restore crispy crust and melt Brie perfectly.
  • Heat pizza for 30-45 seconds on a microwave-safe plate. Add a small cup of water to prevent dryness and maintain moisture while reheating.

Smoked Salmon Wreath Pairings

  • Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a bright, acidic Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to cut through the rich brie and complement the tangy cranberry sauce.
  • Create Appetizer Companion: Serve a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette that mirrors the pizza's herbal and citrus notes, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
  • Match with Sparkling Cocktail: Prepare a festive pomegranate prosecco cocktail that echoes the pizza's sweet-tart cranberry elements and provides a refreshing contrast to the creamy cheese.
  • Complement with Charcuterie Plate: Arrange a small board with prosciutto, marcona almonds, and fig jam to provide salty, nutty accompaniments that balance the pizza's sweet and savory components.

Christmas Macaron Festive Styles

  • Gluten-Free Pizza Variation: Replace traditional pizza dough with a cauliflower crust or gluten-free premade dough for those with wheat sensitivities.
  • Vegan Cheese Alternative: Swap Brie for dairy-free cashew cheese or almond-based cheese to create a plant-based version of the pizza.
  • Low-Carb Version: Use a cauliflower base or thin zucchini crust instead of traditional pizza dough for a lighter, carbohydrate-reduced option.
  • Herb-Infused Adaptation: Experiment with different fresh herbs like rosemary or sage instead of thyme to change the flavor profile while maintaining the pizza's core essence.

FAQs

  • Why use balsamic vinegar in the cranberry mixture?

Balsamic vinegar adds a deep, sweet-tangy flavor that enhances the cranberries, creating a more complex and rich sauce that balances the sweetness of honey.

  • Can I substitute regular onions for caramelized onions?

While you can use raw onions, caramelizing them brings out a rich, sweet flavor that significantly improves the pizza’s overall taste and adds depth to the dish.

  • What type of Brie works best for this recipe?

Choose a soft, high-quality Brie that melts easily. Younger Brie tends to melt more smoothly and blend better with the other ingredients.

  • Is parchment paper necessary when making this pizza?

Parchment paper helps prevent sticking and makes transferring the pizza easier, but you can also use a well-oiled baking sheet or pizza stone if preferred.

Pizza That Combines Brie, Onions, and Cranberry in One Bite

  • Craft Gourmet Magic: Transform ordinary pizza night into a culinary adventure with this sophisticated blend of sweet, tangy, and creamy flavors that elevates home cooking.
  • Impress with Simplicity: Minimal ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe accessible for home cooks of all skill levels, delivering restaurant-quality results without complex techniques.
  • Celebrate Seasonal Flair: Highlight winter's best produce with cranberries and caramelized onions, creating a festive dish perfect for holiday gatherings, cozy dinners, or elegant appetizer spreads.
  • Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Easily adaptable for vegetarian preferences, suitable for entertaining friends, date nights, or a special family meal that breaks away from traditional pizza styles.
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Cranberry & Brie Pizza With Caramelized Onions Recipe

Cranberry & Brie Pizza With Caramelized Onions Recipe


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4.6 from 20 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Sweet and savory Cranberry & Brie Pizza dances with caramelized onions, creating a gourmet experience that blends creamy cheese, tangy fruit, and rich, golden-brown onions. Crisp flatbread serves as the perfect canvas for this elegant culinary creation you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
  • 8 ounces (226 grams) Brie cheese, rind removed and cut into small pieces
  • 1 cup fresh cranberries
  • 1 large onion, thinly sliced

Flavoring Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
  • 1/2 teaspoon sugar
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste

Garnish Ingredients (Optional):

  • 1/4 cup fresh arugula
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves

Instructions

  1. Warm the oven to a scorching 475°F (245°C), positioning a pizza stone inside if using to create an intense heat environment.
  2. Gently stretch the pizza dough across a flour-dusted surface, creating a thin, even canvas that will support the rich toppings.
  3. Transform ordinary onions into a luxurious caramel-like delicacy by sautéing them in olive oil, sprinkling with sugar and salt, and coaxing them to a deep golden hue over medium heat for approximately 15-20 minutes.
  4. Craft a vibrant cranberry reduction by simmering the berries with honey and balsamic vinegar, encouraging them to burst and thicken into a glossy, jam-like consistency over medium heat.
  5. Artfully distribute the golden caramelized onions across the prepared dough, creating a flavorful foundation for the pizza.
  6. Dot the surface with spoonfuls of the crimson cranberry compote, allowing it to nestle between creamy Brie chunks strategically placed across the pizza.
  7. Slide the pizza into the preheated oven, allowing the intense heat to transform the crust to a crisp golden brown and melt the Brie into luxurious pools.
  8. Once baked, elevate the pizza with a verdant sprinkle of fresh arugula and delicate thyme leaves, finishing with a whisper of salt and cracked black pepper to enhance the complex flavors.
  9. Serve immediately, while the pizza radiates warmth and the Brie remains perfectly molten.

Notes

  • Adjust the pizza stone temperature carefully to prevent burning the delicate crust while ensuring crispy edges.
  • Choose a good quality Brie with a creamy texture that melts smoothly and complements the tangy cranberry sauce.
  • Swap honey for maple syrup or agave nectar to create alternative sweet notes in the cranberry reduction.
  • Prepare caramelized onions in advance to save time and develop deeper, richer flavor during the cooking process.
  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 12 g
  • Sodium: 250 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 38 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 10 g
  • Cholesterol: 40 mg
Marcus Hale

Marcus Hale

Founder & Recipe Storyteller

Expertise

  • Demystifying knife work, sauce emulsification, and pastry basics.
  • Curating seasonal guides that adapt global recipes to local, in-season produce.
  • Crafting blog posts, videos, and social media tips.

Education

Holyoke Community College – HCC-MGM Culinary Arts Institute

  • Program: Culinary Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Hands-on global cuisine training emphasizes sustainable cooking and recipe development under accredited chefs.

Marcus grew up surrounded by maple trees, farm stands, and the smell of Sunday stew simmering on the stove. After earning his Culinary Arts Certificate from the HCC-MGM Culinary Arts Institute, he knew he didn’t want to work in fancy kitchens, he wanted to cook for real people.

At Whip Up Cook Up, Marcus is the guy turning memories into meals. His recipes are fast, full of flavor, and built for home cooks who want big taste without the drama.

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