1.18.2011

Bacon & Caramelized Onion White Pizza

Okay.  I follow this site religiously (hence it being on my ‘Faves’ list to the right below)... Smitten Kitchen has extremely creative and rich recipes that are fabulous.  I saw the words: pizza, bacon, onions, and cream… and thought… good gosh I have to try this ASAP!

This pizza was sent from Heaven.  I’m sure of it.  It melts in your mouth and everything about it is the perfect combo.  And I figured it out… and it made enough for lunch and dinner for two… that’s FOUR meals… for a whopping $6.50.  Hallah!  This is gourmet Dom Perignon champagne for the Natty Light Beer price!  Cheaper and more delish than a frozen pizza, and super fun to make.

Here’s what you need:
Now slice up the bacon into ¼ - inch strips (note: I highly recommend getting the thick bacon... this is what I had on hand at home so it's what I used... but thicker would most definitely be better!).
Throw it in your preheated pan on medium.
Slice up your onion in the meantime.
Once your bacon is crispy, throw it on a paper towel to de-greasify.  That's not even a word, and I don't even care!  It's so fun to say!  Degreasify... there. I said it.
Throw your onion in that bacon grease!  Yes… I said throw it in the bacon GREASE.  Paula Deen would be so proud. 
Now while those onions are cookin’… toss the crème fraiche and ricotta in your food processor (with a tad bit of flour, salt ‘n peppa).
Ooooooo look at how creamy and beautiful this is!!
Once your onions are tender, take ‘em off the heat.
Roll out your pizza dough.  I LOVE this Fresh and Easy Pizza Dough.  It’s $1.49 and fabulous!  Throw your dough on your prepared baking pan.
Now top it with your cream, bacon, and onions!
Hubby LOVES pepperoni too, so I decided to create another one with the cream base, a shake of parm cheese, pepperoni, and goat cheese crumbles.  It was equally fab.
Now toss these babies into the oven for about 15 minutes.
Doesn’t this look fabulous?!  The crunch of the bacon along with the creamy topping and sweetness of the caramelized onion is the perfect combo.  I’m sure my sissy would love this one… I think she’s the biggest fan of white pizza on this planet!
And the spicy pepperoni along with the creamy topping and tangy, smooth goat cheese was phenom.
Now go to the store… get your pizza stuff and go make it!

Bacon and Caramelized Onion White Pizza

Thanks to smitten kitchen for this one.

Serves: 4 for a light dinner… would be great as an appetizer at a party (8 or 16 pieces, depending upon how tiny you slice it)
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10-15 minutes

Ingredients:
½ Pound Pizza Dough
Olive Oil, for oiling baking sheet
½ Cup Formage Blanc or Ricotta (I used Ricotta)
½ Cup Crème Fraiche or sour cream (I used the Crème Fraiche, definitely recommend it)
1 Tbsp Flour
Salt and Pepper to taste
¼ Pound Thickly-Sliced Bacon, cut crosswise into ¼-inch strips
1 Medium Onion, thinly sliced

Directions:
Preheat oven to 450 degrees.  In a medium skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until the fat is rendered and the bacon is crisp. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain bacon on paper towels.  Add onion to skillet and cook until softened and beginning to caramelize (about 7-10 minutes).
Blend together ricotta, crème fraiche, and flour.  Lightly season with salt and pepper.
Divide dough into 4 pieces. Roll each piece into an 8-inch round, about 1/8-inch thick.
Oil two large baking sheets. Transfer dough onto baking sheet and spread creamy mixture over the rounds within ¼ - inch of the edge.  Sprinkle with bacon and onion. Bake on bottom shelf of the oven about 10-15 minutes, or until crust is golden brown. Cut into wedges and serve.

Variation: Want something different?  Get a package of pepperoni, some parmesan and goat cheese.  In place of the bacon and onion, spread these toppings on your cream-topped crust.  Fabulous!