This Caramelized Onion Pesto Flatbread Pizza is the perfect combination of rich, savory flavors and fresh, aromatic ingredients. With a crisp flatbread base, luscious pesto sauce, sweet caramelized onions, and melty cheese, this easy-to-make dish will elevate any meal. Whether you’re preparing it as a light dinner, an appetizer, or a party snack, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Sweet & Savory Combo: The delightful mix of sweet caramelized onions and aromatic pesto is simply irresistible.
- Quick & Easy: The use of store-bought flatbread cuts down on prep time, making this pizza incredibly easy to prepare.
- Perfect for Sharing: It’s the ideal appetizer or light meal for any occasion, whether it’s a casual family dinner or a more sophisticated gathering.
- Customizable: Add your favorite toppings like arugula, goat cheese, or grilled chicken to make it even more personal.
- No Pizza Dough Needed: By using flatbread, you bypass the need for traditional pizza dough, simplifying the recipe without compromising on flavor.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 2 flatbreads (naan or pita works well)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- ¼ cup pesto sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a spicy kick)
- Fresh basil or arugula (for garnish)
Directions
Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lay the flatbreads on a baking sheet, ready to be topped.
Caramelize the Onions
In a skillet, heat the butter and olive oil over medium-low heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and season them with a pinch of salt and a teaspoon of sugar (optional, for extra sweetness). Stir occasionally to avoid burning and cook the onions for about 20-25 minutes, or until they turn a golden brown color. During the last few minutes, stir in the balsamic vinegar for extra depth of flavor and let the onions cook for another 2 minutes before removing them from the heat.
Assemble the Pizza
Spread the pesto sauce evenly over each flatbread, ensuring every corner is covered. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese generously on top, followed by the caramelized onions. Add a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese for extra richness and flavor. For some additional crunch, you can also sprinkle a few pine nuts on top.
Bake the Pizza
Place the assembled flatbreads in the oven and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the edges of the flatbread turn golden and crispy. If you prefer extra crispiness, you can bake for an additional 2-3 minutes.
Garnish and Serve
Once out of the oven, top the pizza with a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for heat (optional) and fresh basil or arugula for a touch of freshness. Slice into wedges and serve immediately for the best experience!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 2-3 flatbreads (about 6 slices per flatbread)
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes (for caramelizing the onions)
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Variations
- Goat Cheese & Fig Version: Add crumbled goat cheese and sliced figs for a delightful sweet-and-savory twist.
- Chicken Pesto Flatbread: Add grilled chicken on top of the pizza for a protein-packed version.
- Mushroom & Onion Flatbread: Layer in sautéed mushrooms along with the caramelized onions for extra depth of flavor.
- Spicy Kick: Choose a spicy pesto sauce or top with chili flakes for an extra burst of heat.
- Gluten-Free Option: Swap out regular flatbread for gluten-free pita or naan to accommodate dietary preferences.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigerator: Store any leftover flatbread pizza in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: You can freeze the flatbread before baking. Simply wrap the assembled pizza tightly in foil or plastic wrap and freeze for up to a month. When ready to bake, simply place it in a preheated oven and bake directly from frozen.
- Reheating: To reheat, place the flatbread in a 375°F oven for about 5 minutes or use an air fryer at 350°F for 3 minutes to bring back that crispy texture.
Caramelized Onion Pesto Flatbread Pizza
Ingredients
- 2 flatbreads flatbreads (naan or pita)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- ¼ cup pesto sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil or arugula (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and place flatbreads on a baking sheet.
- In a skillet, heat the butter and olive oil over medium-low heat. Add the sliced onions and cook for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown. Stir in balsamic vinegar and cook for an additional 2 minutes. Remove from heat.
- Spread pesto evenly over each flatbread. Top with shredded mozzarella, caramelized onions, and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
- Bake the flatbreads for 8-10 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the edges are crispy.
- Top with red pepper flakes, fresh basil, or arugula for garnish. Slice and serve!
Nutrition
FAQs
- Can I use homemade pizza dough instead of flatbread?
Yes! If you prefer to make your own pizza dough, pre-bake it for about 5 minutes before adding the toppings for the best results. - How do I make homemade pesto?
Simply blend fresh basil, garlic, Parmesan, pine nuts, olive oil, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt until smooth and creamy. It’s quick, easy, and much tastier than store-bought pesto. - Can I use red onions instead of yellow?
Absolutely! While red onions offer a sharper flavor, their sweetness intensifies when caramelized, making them a great alternative to yellow onions. - Can I add protein to this pizza?
Certainly! Try adding grilled chicken, prosciutto, or crispy bacon for a delicious protein boost. - How do I get an extra crispy flatbread?
For extra crispiness, pre-bake the flatbread for 2-3 minutes before adding the toppings. This step ensures that the base stays crunchy even after baking with the toppings. - Can I use store-bought caramelized onions?
Yes, you can save time by using store-bought caramelized onions, although homemade ones offer a richer, more robust flavor. - What’s the best cheese for this pizza?
Mozzarella works beautifully as it melts wonderfully, but you could also use Fontina, goat cheese, or Gruyère for a more complex flavor profile. - How do I make this dairy-free?
Use dairy-free pesto and substitute the mozzarella and Parmesan with vegan cheese alternatives for a completely dairy-free pizza. - Can I cook this in a skillet instead of the oven?
Yes! If you prefer a stovetop version, simply cook the flatbread on medium heat in a skillet, covering with a lid to help the cheese melt. - What’s the best way to serve this?
You can slice the pizza into strips or squares for an appetizer or serve it whole for a satisfying light meal.
Conclusion
This Caramelized Onion Pesto Flatbread Pizza combines fresh ingredients, delicious pesto, and sweet caramelized onions for a satisfying and flavorful dish that can be enjoyed by everyone. Whether you’re hosting a party, serving it as an appetizer, or having it as a simple dinner, this flatbread pizza is sure to impress. Quick to prepare and customizable with endless toppings, it’s an ideal addition to your recipe repertoire. Try it today and discover how easy it is to create gourmet flavors at home!