As summer gives way to the cozy embrace of fall, I find myself gravitating towards the vibrant flavors of seasonal produce. This savory white pizza marries the earthy sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes with the juicy richness of grilled peaches, making it a delightfully unexpected twist on a classic favorite. Imagine biting into a warm slice, where creamy ricotta melds with the peppery freshness of arugula, all elevated by a drizzle of honey that strikes the perfect balance between sweet and savory.
It’s the ideal dish for gatherings with friends or a comforting dinner enjoyed at home after a long day. With its versatility as a gluten-free choice (just swap your dough) and the beautiful colors of its ingredients, you won’t just be feeding your belly, but also your soul. Join me as we dive into this delicious recipe that brings a touch of summer and fall to your table!
Why is White Pizza with Sweet Potatoes so special?
Irresistible combination of flavors: The sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes perfectly contrasts with the juicy, grilled peaches, creating a uniquely delicious experience.
Fresh and vibrant: Each bite is brightened with peppery arugula and rich ricotta, making it a feast for both the taste buds and the eyes.
Simple to make: Using straightforward techniques, this recipe is approachable for cooks of all skill levels.
Customizable delight: Feel free to swap ingredients like using butternut squash or experimenting with different cheeses to make this pizza your own.
Crowd-pleaser: This dish is perfect for gatherings, providing a beautiful centerpiece that will impress friends and family alike.
Great for all diets: Easily adaptable for gluten-free diets, ensuring everyone at your table can enjoy it!
White Pizza with Sweet Potatoes Ingredients
Get ready to indulge in flavors that dance together on your palate!
For the Batter
- Sweet Potato – Adds natural sweetness and a creamy texture; try butternut squash for a different flavor.
- Olive Oil – Essential for roasting sweet potatoes and grilling peaches; feel free to substitute with avocado oil for high-heat cooking.
- Fine Sea Salt – Enhances the overall flavors; you can use kosher salt if you prefer, just adjust the amount.
- Apple Cider Vinegar – Provides a hint of acidity that brightens the pizza; white wine vinegar works well in a pinch.
For the Sauce
- Salted Butter – Creates a luscious base for the sauce; vegan butter is a great dairy-free alternative.
- All-Purpose Flour – Thicks the sauce beautifully; swap with cornstarch for a gluten-free version.
- Heavy Cream – Adds richness; substitute with coconut cream for a dairy-free alternative.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese – Infuses umami goodness; for a dairy-free option, simply omit it or use nutritional yeast.
For the Toppings
- Breakfast Sausage – Packs in savory flavor and protein; consider plant-based sausage for a vegetarian variant.
- Pizza Dough – Forms the crispy base; any store-bought or homemade dough is fine, including gluten-free varieties.
- Cornmeal – Helps the pizza slide off the stone easily; flour can serve as a substitute if you run out.
- Whole Milk Ricotta – Contributes creaminess; you can swap it for cottage cheese if you prefer a different texture.
- Peach – Adds a sweet and juicy layer, with the option to use nectarines or plums for a fun twist.
- Fresh Arugula – Offers a bright, peppery note; feel free to use spinach or mixed greens as a tasty alternative.
Final Touch
- Honey – Provides a sweet drizzle that ties the flavors together; substitute with maple syrup for a unique flair.
- Crushed Red Pepper – Introduces a hint of heat; adjust according to taste or omit for a milder pizza.
How to Make White Pizza with Sweet Potatoes
- Preheat your oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will set the stage for baking that perfect crispy crust.
- Toss sweet potato cubes with olive oil and fine sea salt. Spread them evenly on the baking sheet and roast for 35-40 minutes until they’re golden brown and fork-tender.
- Simmer honey and crushed red pepper in a saucepan, stirring for a minute. Add in apple cider vinegar, let it simmer for a moment, and then set it aside for 1 hour to infuse those flavors. Strain before using.
- Melt salted butter in a sauté pan, then quickly stir in all-purpose flour to form a roux. Gradually whisk in heavy cream until it thickens. Season with salt and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese for that delicious creamy sauce.
- Cook breakfast sausage in a pan over medium heat, until browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess fat and set it aside while the flavors meld.
- Roll out the pizza dough on a surface dusted with cornmeal into a 10-inch circle. This will provide the perfect base for your scrumptious pizza.
- Spread the creamy white sauce over the rolled out dough. Layer it with ricotta, roasted sweet potatoes, and the cooked sausage for a delightful medley of flavors.
- Grill peach slices for 2-3 minutes until grill marks appear; then, lay them beautifully atop the pizza, adding sweet juiciness.
- Transfer the pizza to a preheated pizza stone and bake for 5-8 minutes until the crust is golden and bubbling. Keep an eye on it to get that perfect finish!
- Top with fresh arugula and drizzled hot honey for a sweet and peppery kick. Cut into slices and serve warm to enjoy!
Optional: Garnish with extra crushed red pepper for an added spicy touch.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Make Ahead Options
These delicious White Pizza with Sweet Potatoes, Peaches & Arugula are perfect for busy weeknights and meal prepping! You can roast the sweet potatoes up to 3 days in advance; simply toss them in olive oil and salt, roast until golden, and store them in an airtight container in the fridge. For the sauce, prepare it 24 hours ahead and refrigerate it; just give it a good stir before spreading it on the dough. When you’re ready to serve, roll out the pizza dough and layer it with the ricotta, roasted sweet potatoes, and grilled peaches. Bake for about 5-8 minutes to achieve that crispy crust, and top it with fresh arugula and hot honey for an unbeatable flavor explosion!
What to Serve with White Pizza with Sweet Potatoes, Peaches & Arugula?
Pairing a delightful dish like this pizza can enhance your dining experience beautifully. Whether you seek a refreshing salad or a delectable drink, let’s explore some wonderful accompaniments!
- Mixed Green Salad: A light, crisp salad with a citrus vinaigrette adds a refreshing contrast to the rich pizza.
- Garlic Breadsticks: These warm, buttery delights create a comforting side that’s perfect for mopping up any remaining sauce or cheese.
- Grilled Vegetable Skewers: Offering a smoky taste, these colorful veggies complement the sweet and savory notes of the pizza beautifully.
- Herbed Quinoa Salad: Nutty quinoa tossed with fresh herbs and a hint of lemon brings a vibrant freshness that harmonizes with the creamy pizza.
- Sparkling Lemonade: The effervescence and zesty flavor refresh your palate between slices and counterbalance the richness.
- White Wine Spritzer: This light, fruity drink keeps the atmosphere festive and pairs wonderfully with the sweet and savory elements of the pizza.
- Chocolate Hazelnut Tart: For dessert, this rich tart adds an indulgent end to your meal, appealing to sweet tooth cravings while balancing the pizza’s savory flavors.
- Lemon Sorbet: A palate-cleansing treat, lemon sorbet is light and refreshing, helping to cleanse your taste buds after the hearty pizza.
Expert Tips for White Pizza with Sweet Potatoes
• Preheat the Oven: Always ensure your oven is fully preheated to 425°F. This guarantees a perfectly cooked crust that’s crisp and flaky.
• Roasting Sweet Potatoes: Cut sweet potatoes into even cubes to ensure they roast uniformly. Smaller pieces cook faster, preventing overcooking and uneven texture.
• Creamy Sauce Consistency: Stir the cream gradually into the roux, whisking consistently to avoid lumps. This will yield a smooth and velvety white sauce for your pizza.
• Topping Balance: Layer toppings generously but avoid overcrowding. This ensures even cooking and prevents the pizza from becoming soggy.
• Watch the Grill: If grilling peaches, keep a close eye on them! They can easily get charred; just a few minutes will enhance their sweetness without overpowering the dish.
• Fresh Arugula Lasts Longer: Add fresh arugula just before serving for a vibrant finish and to maintain its crisp freshness. This adds a beautiful contrast to your white pizza with sweet potatoes.
White Pizza with Sweet Potatoes Variations
Feel free to sprinkle in your own flair and make this dish uniquely yours!
- Butternut Squash: Swap sweet potatoes for roasted butternut squash for a differently delicious sweetness. Its creamy texture complements the flavors beautifully.
- Cheese Swap: Use feta or goat cheese instead of ricotta for a tangy kick! Just imagine the briny richness mingling with the sweet peaches.
- Herb Infusion: Experiment with fresh herbs like basil or thyme for an aromatic twist. Each herb will elevate your pizza’s flavor profile and fragrance.
- Heat Level: Adjust the amount of crushed red pepper based on your spice tolerance. Adding a touch more or less can make all the difference!
- Vegan Delight: For a completely plant-based version, utilize vegan butter, nutritional yeast, and plant-based sausage to substitute all dairy ingredients.
- Topping Variety: Try adding sliced mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers for added texture and nutrition. Each veggie brings its unique flavor to the party!
- Fruit Variety: Instead of peaches, use grilled nectarines or plums. The slightly tart flavor of these fruits will still provide that juicy bite!
- Grain-Free Dough: If you’re avoiding grains, consider using a cauliflower crust for a low-carb, gluten-free alternative that’s still satisfying and delicious.
How to Store and Freeze White Pizza with Sweet Potatoes
Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes to restore crispness.
Freezer: Wrap slices tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating: For best results, reheat in the oven or toaster oven, avoiding microwaving to prevent a soggy crust. Enjoy your delightful white pizza with sweet potatoes once more!
Room Temperature: If left out, consume within 2 hours to ensure food safety.
White Pizza with Sweet Potatoes, Peaches & Arugula Recipe FAQs
How do I choose ripe sweet potatoes and peaches?
Absolutely! When selecting sweet potatoes, look for ones that are firm and smooth without dark spots or blemishes. Peach ripeness can be gauged by its color and gentle squeeze; it should give slightly, indicating juiciness. If they feel hard, let them sit at room temperature for a day or two to ripen.
What’s the best way to store leftover White Pizza with Sweet Potatoes?
For leftovers, store them in an airtight container and keep them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes to crisp up the crust again.
Can I freeze White Pizza with Sweet Potatoes?
Absolutely! To freeze, wrap slices tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag, where they can stay fresh for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating in the oven to retain that wonderful texture!
What should I do if my pizza crust turns out soggy?
Very! A soggy crust can occur from too many toppings or not enough pre-baking of the dough. Make sure to evenly layer your ingredients and consider par-baking the crust for 5 minutes before adding toppings. This will help ensure a crispy base; just keep an eye on it while it bakes.
Are there any dietary considerations for this recipe?
Indeed! This recipe can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free pizza dough. If you’re concerned about allergies, you can easily substitute the ricotta with a dairy-free alternative, and if you’re cooking for vegetarians, simply use plant-based sausage instead of breakfast sausage. Adjusting the recipe this way allows it to be inclusive for everyone at your table.
Can I make this pizza ahead of time?
Certainly! You can prepare the components in advance. Roast the sweet potatoes and grill the peaches a day prior, storing them in the fridge. On pizza night, simply assemble and bake for a quick and delicious meal. This makes it easier and allows you to spend more quality time with your family and friends!
White Pizza with Sweet Potatoes, Peaches & Arugula Bliss
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Toss sweet potato cubes with olive oil and fine sea salt. Spread them evenly on the baking sheet and roast for 35-40 minutes until golden brown and fork-tender.
- Simmer honey and crushed red pepper in a saucepan for a minute. Add in apple cider vinegar, let it simmer, and then set it aside for 1 hour to infuse flavors.
- Melt salted butter in a sauté pan, stir in all-purpose flour to form a roux. Gradually whisk in heavy cream until thickened. Season with salt and stir in Parmesan cheese.
- Cook breakfast sausage in a pan over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat.
- Roll out pizza dough on a surface dusted with cornmeal into a 10-inch circle.
- Spread creamy white sauce over the rolled out dough. Layer it with ricotta, roasted sweet potatoes, and cooked sausage.
- Grill peach slices for 2-3 minutes until grill marks appear, then lay on the pizza.
- Transfer the pizza to a preheated pizza stone and bake for 5-8 minutes until crust is golden and bubbling.
- Top with fresh arugula and drizzled hot honey before serving.