Homemade Squash Apple Pizza to Celebrate the Harvest

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If you are someone who is looking to go outside the box on your next pizza night, you have come to the right place.

Vertical overhead image of a homemade pizza on a metal pan, topped with squash puree, chopped apples and nuts, fresh arugula, and crumbled cheese, on a gray background with a black and white checkered cloth, and scattered topping ingredients, printed with orange and white text at the midpoint and the bottom of the frame.

I rarely say that I have a hands-down favorite pizza because, you know, I love all kinds. It would be like me trying to name my favorite pet that I’ve ever had in my life. That would just be too hard.

Normally, I am pretty straightforward with it. I love pizza toppings, but I like to usually limit it to just a few. They are usually fairly standard, like pesto and tomatoes, or pepperoni and peppers.

Vertical overhead image of a homemade pizza topped with arugula, cheese, nuts, and chopped apples, on a squash puree base, on a metal baking pan with two handles, on a gray surface with a black and white checkered cloth and scattered topping ingredients.

But this recipe? Well, this one is totally swoon-worthy because it has all the flavors of fall piled high on top.

The base sauce isn’t the red variety you’re used to. And it doesn’t really fit in the white pizza either, like our Alsatian white pizza topped with cheese, potato, bacon, and onion.

Instead, this guy is a little different. It’s an orange, buttery, and bright butternut squash puree.

You might be a little hesitant about this idea at first, but I promise that it will be love at first bite once you get that savory sweet burst of flavor in your mouth. As a hardcore tomato sauce addict, this sauce has converted me for sure.

Vertical image of two white plates topped with slices of homemade pizza, with more on a metal baking pan in the background, with a black and white checkered cloth on a gray surface.

It’s safe to say that I am really into fall and all the flavors that come with it. How can you not be excited about fall flavors? There’s pumpkin, apple, squash, and so much more to love.

This recipe satisfies all of those cravings, in one fell swoop of textures and flavors.

The butternut squash puree paired with the onion and pecorino is savory, sweet, and a little bit tangy. These ingredients are baked on the thin crust until the cheese is melted, and the onions have softened.

After that, my favorite leafy green topping comes in to add a bit of freshness. I don’t know about you, but I love, love, love arugula on top of a pizza. The fresh greens are nice and peppery, with just the right touch of crunch.

It’s the only type of leafy green that I really enjoy and come to crave from time to time, if I’m being completely honest.

Vertical overhead image of a homemade pizza on a metal baking pan that has been sliced into four pieces, on a gray surface with a black and white checkered cloth, a whole apple, and scattered fresh arugula and chopped nuts.

Along with the greens, the Gala apple makes for a crisp and sweet addition. Every bite brings with it a bunch of exciting texture.

Finally, the toasted pecans bring added crunch and nuttiness that complements the einkorn crust, and the blue cheese crumbles are piquant and rich.

Toasted pecans are so easy to make, because all you have to do is throw them in the oven for about 5 minutes, and then give them a rough chop. You can crumble a block of blue cheese, or buy it already prepared this way.

Horizontal image of a hand holding a slice of homemade pizza on a white plate, with more of the dish in soft focus in the background.

Let’s rewind for just a second. That’s right, this recipe is made with an einkorn crust instead of a store bought version made with regular flour. The crust is really simple to pull together, and it imparts a little extra nutty flavor to the recipe.

When you’re sick of PSLs and seeking a savory celebration of everything autumn, this is the recipe that you’ll be reaching for, year after year.

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Horizontal closely cropped oblique overhead image of a homemade pizza on a metal pan, topped with pureed butternut squash, chopped fruit and nuts, and crumbles of cheese, on a gray surface.

Squash Apple Pizza

★★★★★

5 from 2 reviews
  • Author: Meghan Yager
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 1 9-inch pizza 1x
Print Recipe

Description

Celebrating fall is so tasty with a homemade squash apple pizza to enjoy. The smooth, creamy puree is topped with tons of textural variety.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 einkorn pizza crust, rolled out very thin
  • 1 cup butternut squash puree
  • 1/4 large yellow onion, sliced into thin strips (approx. ⅓ cup)
  • 1/2–1 cup shredded pecorino cheese, to taste
  • 1 cup packed torn arugula leaves
  • 1 medium Gala apple, diced
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped toasted pecans
  • 1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 425˚F and place pizza stone or baking sheet inside on the center rack.
  2. Top crust with butternut squash puree. Arrange yellow onion strips on top and cover with pecorino cheese. Bake for 15-20 minutes, until the crust is lightly golden on the edges.
  3. Top with arugula, diced apple, pecans, and blue cheese crumbles. Serve immediately.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Pizza
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Fall

Keywords: butternut squash, apple, autumn, harvest

Cooking By the Numbers…

Step 1 – Prep and Measure Ingredients

First, make your einkorn pizza crust if you haven’t already. You can use another type of crust or store-bought dough if you prefer, but I think this crust recipe makes the nicest pairing.

Horizontal closely cropped overhead image of glass and metal bowls of various sizes, filled with sliced onion, chopped pecans, pizza dough, arugula, crumbled cheese, and squash puree, on a white and gray sponge-painted surface.

Roll and shape the dough into a thin round about 9 inches in diameter on a piece of parchment, so you can transfer it easily to the baking sheet or stone.

Next, you’re going to need some roasted butternut squash puree. I like to roast and puree the squash a day in advance when I’m planning to make this recipe.

Horizontal closely cropped overhead image of a rolled out round portion of pizza dough on a metal baking pan with two handles, on a sponge painted glue and white surface.

You can use a pizza stone or a regular baking sheet to make this recipe. Place it in the oven, on the center rack.

If your pecans aren’t already toasted, place them on a small baking sheet. Toast at 350˚F for 5 minutes, keeping an eye on them so they don’t burn. Chop them finely and set them aside.

Turn your oven up to 425˚F.

Slice one-quarter of a large yellow onion into thin strips. If you have a smaller onion, slice a bigger portion of it! We’re going for about ⅓ cup here.

Shred enough pecorino cheese until you have about 1 cup total. I like to use my box grater for this. I prefer the side with a medium blade, not too big and not too small!

Tear enough arugula leaves until you have 1 cup packed leaves total.

Remove the core and dice one medium-sized Gala apple.

Measure out all of the remaining ingredients as listed on the ingredients list.

Step 2 – Assemble

Top the crust with an even layer of butternut squash puree.

Horizontal overhead closely cropped image of a rolled out circle of pizza dough topped with a layer of squash puree and sliced onions, on a metal baking pan with two handles, on a blue and white sponge-painted surface.

Arrange onion strips on top in an even layer.

Closely cropped horizontal overhead image of a round rolled out circle of pizza dough on a metal pan with handles, topped with butternut squash puree and shredded pecorino cheese, on a blue and white sponge-painted surface.

Top with pecorino cheese.

Step 3 – Bake

Horizontal overhead image of a rolled out round of pizza dough topped with squash puree, onions, and cheese, on a round metal baking pan with two handles, on a sponge-painted blue-gray and white surface.

Bake for 15-20 minutes, until the crust is lightly golden on the edges.

Step 4 – Finish

Top with arugula leaves, diced apples, toasted pecans, and crumbled blue cheese.

Horizontal closely cropped oblique overhead image of a homemade pizza on a metal pan, topped with pureed butternut squash, chopped fruit and nuts, and crumbles of cheese, on a gray surface.

Slice and serve immediately.

What Kind of Apple Should I Use for This Recipe?

For this recipe, I highly recommend using a Gala apple because it’s ideal for eating raw, and brings just the right of sweetness to pair with this dish.

If Galas aren’t available or if you prefer to use something else, several varieties are worth a try. Other options include Fuji, Empire, or Mcintosh. To learn more about the best apples for cooking and baking or eating out of hand, read our guide to choosing the right apple.

Horizontal overhead closely cropped image of two plated slices and a serving dish of homemade pizza with apples, arugula, cheese, pecans, and squash puree, on a black and white checkered cloth on a mottled blue-gray surface.

Looking for even more pizza recipes to make at home? Try these Foodal favorites next:

What’s your favorite fall apple to eat? Are you a fan of combining sweet and savory toppings on your homemade pizza creations? Tell us in the comments below, and rate the recipe as well once you try it.

Photos by Meghan Yager, © Ask the Experts, LLC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. See our TOS for more details. Originally published by Shanna Mallon on October 30, 2012. Last updated: August 5, 2022 at 14:33 pm.

Nutritional information derived from a database of known generic and branded foods and ingredients and was not compiled by a registered dietitian or submitted for lab testing. It should be viewed as an approximation.

About Meghan Yager

Meghan Yager is a food addict turned food and travel writer with a love for creating uncomplicated, gourmet recipes and devouring anything the world serves up. As the author of the food and travel blog Cake 'n Knife, Meghan focuses on unique foodie experiences from around the world to right at home in your own kitchen.

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