Pizza with Goat Cheese and Honey
Highlighted under: Authentic World Food Collection
I absolutely love making pizza at home, and this Pizza with Goat Cheese and Honey has quickly become one of my favorites! The combination of creamy goat cheese and drizzled honey creates a perfect balance of savory and sweet. I really enjoy how simple it is to whip up this dough and top it with my favorite ingredients. This pizza is also very versatile, making it perfect for a cozy night in or impressing guests at a gathering. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you will be hooked!
As I was looking for something different to serve for dinner, I stumbled upon the combination of goat cheese and honey on pizza. I decided to try it out, and the results were phenomenal! The creamy goat cheese melts beautifully, while the honey adds a delightful sweetness that sets it apart from traditional pizzas.
One of my favorite tips I discovered along the way is to use a preheated pizza stone. It creates a crispy crust that holds up deliciously to the toppings. It’s an excellent way to elevate homemade pizza, and I highly recommend it for this dish!
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Rich and creamy goat cheese meets a hint of sweetness from honey
- Simple yet gourmet feeling - perfect for any occasion
- Quick to prepare, making weeknight dinners a breeze
Understanding Goat Cheese
Goat cheese is a key player in this recipe, bringing a rich creaminess that complements the sweetness of honey beautifully. Its tangy flavor adds depth to the pizza, which sets it apart from more traditional cheeses like mozzarella. When choosing goat cheese, opt for fresh and crumbled versions for easy distribution over the base—they melt beautifully yet retain their unique character. I recommend trying a soft chevre for a milder taste, or a firmer aged goat cheese if you prefer a stronger flavor profile.
Consider the fat content of the goat cheese you select, as this affects the overall creaminess of the final product. Higher fat content will yield a creamier texture, which is desirable on a pizza. If you're looking for a non-dairy alternative, try a cashew cheese spread flavored with herbs to get a similar creamy texture without the dairy.
Perfecting the Dough
The pizza dough is foundational to achieving that ideal crust. Proper kneading is crucial; you'll want to knead the dough until it becomes smooth and elastic—about 5 minutes should suffice. If it's sticky, don’t hesitate to sprinkle in a little more flour, doing so gradually. Keeping the dough in a greased bowl prevents it from drying out as it rises for 20 minutes. This brief rising time allows for a quicker pizza evening, ensuring you won’t be waiting too long for your dinner.
If you plan to make this pizza in advance, you can refrigerate the dough after it rises. Just make sure to take it out and let it come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before rolling it out. This makes stretching the dough much easier and results in a better texture in the final bake.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 packet active dry yeast
- ¾ cup warm water
For the Toppings:
- 4 ounces goat cheese, crumbled
- ¼ cup honey
- 1 cup fresh arugula
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
- Olive oil for drizzling
Make sure to prepare your toppings while the dough is rising.
Instructions
Prepare the Dough
In a bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until bubbly. Add flour, salt, and olive oil, then knead for about 5 minutes until smooth. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 20 minutes.
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C) and place a pizza stone inside if you have one.
Roll Out the Dough
Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into two balls. Roll each ball out into a round shape on a floured surface.
Add Toppings
Transfer the rolled dough to a pizza peel or baking sheet. Spread crumbled goat cheese evenly over the base, then drizzle with honey and sprinkle with thyme leaves.
Bake the Pizza
Carefully slide the pizza onto the preheated pizza stone or bake it on the sheet for about 12-15 minutes until the crust is golden.
Serve
Remove from the oven, top with fresh arugula, and drizzle a bit more honey. Slice and enjoy!
Adjust the toppings to your preference, and experiment with different cheeses!
Pro Tips
- For an even more gourmet touch, add a splash of balsamic glaze after baking.
Serving Suggestions
This pizza pairs wonderfully with a light, refreshing salad. Consider serving it with a simple arugula and lemon vinaigrette to echo the fresh arugula topping. You can also serve it alongside a glass of white wine, like a crisp Sauvignon Blanc, which complements the flavors of the goat cheese and honey beautifully.
For a more substantial meal, you could add a side of roasted vegetables. Simply toss some seasonal veggies with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and roast them at 400°F (200°C) until tender and slightly caramelized. This adds a delightful contrast to the sweet and savory pizza.
Storage and Reheating
If you have leftover pizza, it can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When reheating, a skillet works wonders—heat it over medium until the crust is crispy again and the cheese is melted. You can cover it with a lid for a few minutes to ensure even heating without burning the crust.
For longer storage, consider freezing the pizza. Wrap slices in plastic wrap and then foil to prevent freezer burn. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat. Avoid the microwave if you want to maintain the crust's crispness.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the dough and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before using.
→ What other toppings work well with goat cheese?
You can add figs, prosciutto, or caramelized onions for additional flavor.
→ Is there a gluten-free option for the dough?
Absolutely! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blends.
→ How do I store leftover pizza?
Store leftover pizza in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for best results.
Pizza with Goat Cheese and Honey
I absolutely love making pizza at home, and this Pizza with Goat Cheese and Honey has quickly become one of my favorites! The combination of creamy goat cheese and drizzled honey creates a perfect balance of savory and sweet. I really enjoy how simple it is to whip up this dough and top it with my favorite ingredients. This pizza is also very versatile, making it perfect for a cozy night in or impressing guests at a gathering. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you will be hooked!
Created by: Rachel Green
Recipe Type: Authentic World Food Collection
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 2 pizzas
What You'll Need
For the Dough:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 packet active dry yeast
- ¾ cup warm water
For the Toppings:
- 4 ounces goat cheese, crumbled
- ¼ cup honey
- 1 cup fresh arugula
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
- Olive oil for drizzling
How-To Steps
In a bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until bubbly. Add flour, salt, and olive oil, then knead for about 5 minutes until smooth. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 20 minutes.
Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C) and place a pizza stone inside if you have one.
Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into two balls. Roll each ball out into a round shape on a floured surface.
Transfer the rolled dough to a pizza peel or baking sheet. Spread crumbled goat cheese evenly over the base, then drizzle with honey and sprinkle with thyme leaves.
Carefully slide the pizza onto the preheated pizza stone or bake it on the sheet for about 12-15 minutes until the crust is golden.
Remove from the oven, top with fresh arugula, and drizzle a bit more honey. Slice and enjoy!
Extra Tips
- For an even more gourmet touch, add a splash of balsamic glaze after baking.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Total Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Cholesterol: 195mg
- Sodium: 85mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 32g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 24g
- Protein: 6g