Randy Chandler
Goat cheese pizza is a delicious and tangy treat, and when paired with rosemary, it becomes a gourmet dish. The key to a good goat cheese pizza is in the dough and the toppings. You can make your own dough or use a pre-made pizza base, but either way, you'll want to brush it with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. For the toppings, you can caramelize some shallots or onions, and add sliced grape tomatoes, or even sliced potatoes. Finish it off with a generous sprinkling of goat cheese and rosemary, and bake until the crust is golden brown.
How to Make a Pizza with Goat Cheese and Rosemary
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Dough | Homemade, store-bought, or pre-made |
| Dough type | Standard, thin crust, pizza oven, or pan |
| Dough shape | Circle or rectangle |
| Dough size | 12-inch or 15-inch |
| Dough thickness | Roll to desired thickness |
| Dough preparation | Dust with cornmeal or semolina flour |
| Oven temperature | 400-500°F |
| Baking time | 8–20 minutes |
| Baking instructions | Bake until the crust is golden brown and crisp |
| Pizza stone | Preheat in the oven |
| Pizza toppings | Goat cheese, mozzarella, rosemary, grape tomatoes, caramelized shallots, or onions |
| Pizza sauce | Tangy tomato sauce or basil pesto |
| Additional toppings | Arugula, prosciutto, avocado, bell peppers, basil, or spinach |
| Serving suggestion | Enjoy with a glass of Chardonnay |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing your dough
Choosing the right dough is essential for any pizza, and that includes goat cheese and rosemary pizza. Here are some tips and options to consider when selecting your dough:
Types of Dough
The type of dough you choose will depend on your personal preference, the equipment you have, and the desired thickness of your pizza base. Here are some common options:
- Standard Pizza Dough: This is the classic choice for a reason—it works great on a pizza stone and delivers a delicious, traditional pizza base.
- Thin Crust Pizza Dough: If you prefer a thinner, crispier base, this is the way to go. It's easy to roll out and slightly healthier since you're using less dough.
- Pizza Oven Dough: If you're lucky enough to have a pizza oven, this dough is designed specifically for optimal performance in high temperatures.
- Perfect Pan Pizza Dough: This dough is made in a cast-iron skillet and takes a little longer, but the result is a delicious, crispy crust without the need for special tools.
- Gluten-Free Pizza Dough: For those with gluten intolerance or dietary preferences, gluten-free dough is a fantastic alternative.
Homemade vs. Store-Bought Dough
You can choose to make your own dough from scratch or purchase pre-made dough. Homemade dough offers the advantage of customisation and a sense of accomplishment, but it requires more time and effort. On the other hand, store-bought dough is convenient and can still produce excellent results, especially if you're short on time.
Dough Preparation
Regardless of the type of dough you choose, proper preparation is key. Make sure to follow the recipe instructions for mixing, kneading, and resting the dough. Allowing the dough to rest for about 45 minutes is crucial for gluten development, which affects the texture and elasticity of the base.
Dough Temperature
When it comes to baking, ensure that your dough is at room temperature before shaping and topping it. This helps ensure even cooking and prevents the dough from shrinking or becoming tough.
Shaping the Dough
To shape your dough, you can roll it out on a floured surface or hand-stretch it. Aim for a uniform thickness, especially if you're going for a thin crust. Don't be afraid to get creative with the shape—while a traditional circle is common, you can also try a rectangle or a freeform shape for a more rustic look.
Remember, the dough you choose will serve as the foundation for your goat cheese and rosemary pizza, so take the time to select and prepare it with care. Happy cooking!
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Preparing the toppings
Prepare the Shallots
Start by slicing your shallots. Heat some olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the sliced shallots and cook until they are translucent and starting to brown. Be careful not to let them crisp—turn down the heat if necessary. Once they are caramelized, remove them from the heat and let them cool to room temperature.
Choose Your Tomatoes
If you are using grape tomatoes, simply slice them and they are ready to go. If you are using larger tomatoes, slice and salt them, then let them drain on a paper towel for 15 minutes. Pat them dry before adding them to your pizza to prevent a soggy pie.
Prepare the Potatoes (optional)
If you would like to include potatoes on your pizza, boil the potato slices for 5-6 minutes until they are just tender. Toss them with olive oil, garlic, and rosemary.
Prepare the Dough
Roll or hand-stretch your pizza dough into a 12-inch circle on a pizza pan or floured countertop. Brush the edges with olive oil. If you are using a pan, you can also brush the entire crust with olive oil.
Assemble the Pizza
Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly across the dough. If you are making a potato pizza, arrange the potato slices over the dough in concentric circles, then season with salt and pepper. If you are making a shallot and tomato pizza, spread the cooled shallots over the mozzarella. Then, add your grape tomatoes or larger tomato slices. If you would like to add other toppings, such as arugula, avocado, basil, caramelized onions, or prosciutto, now is the time to do so. Finally, decorate your pizza with spoonfuls of goat cheese.
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Baking the pizza
The first step in baking your goat cheese and rosemary pizza is to preheat your oven. The ideal temperature is around 500°F, but this may vary slightly depending on your oven. If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven during the preheating process. If not, a pizza pan or a floured countertop will do.
While the oven is heating up, prepare your pizza dough. Roll it out or hand-stretch it into a 12-inch circle. Brush the edges with olive oil, and if you're feeling adventurous, sprinkle on some salt, pepper, and basil. This will add a nice flavour to your crust.
Now it's time to add the toppings. Start with a layer of mozzarella, then add your cooled, caramelized shallots. If you're using bigger tomatoes, remember to slice and salt them beforehand, letting them dry on a paper towel to avoid a sogy pizza. Sprinkle on some rosemary, then add spoonfuls of goat cheese. If you're feeling creative, you can also add other toppings like spinach, prosciutto, or arugula.
Finally, it's time to bake your pizza. Place it in the oven on the preheated pizza stone or a baking sheet. Bake for 10-14 minutes, keeping an eye on it to ensure the crust is golden brown and the cheese has melted.
Once it's cooked to perfection, carefully remove the pizza from the oven using a pizza peel or a rimless baking sheet. Transfer it to a cutting board and let it cool down slightly. Cut it into 6 or 8 slices, and your goat cheese and rosemary pizza is ready to be enjoyed!
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Pizza sauce options
Tomato-based sauces
The classic choice for pizza sauce is a tomato-based sauce, such as a basic marinara or a more complex, homemade pizza sauce. You can also add other ingredients to a tomato-based sauce to change up the flavor, such as chorizo, corn, and beans for a Latin-inspired pizza. Alternatively, try a tomato-based salsa verde made with tomatillos and cilantro.
Pesto
Pesto is a basil-based sauce that can be used as a pizza topping. It can be paired with a wide range of toppings, including wild mushrooms, sausage, summer tomatoes, and cheese.
Tapenade
Tapenade is a savory olive spread that works well with Mediterranean flavors. Try it with grilled zucchini slices, eggplant, feta cheese, and goat cheese.
Muhammara
Muhammara is a tangy and smoky roasted red pepper spread. It pairs well with thinly sliced grilled steak and red onions.
Gremolata
Gremolata is a lemon-garlic sauce with fresh, zesty flavors. It goes well with toppings like artichoke hearts, thinly sliced potatoes, and wilted greens.
Beet and pumpkin puree
For those who can't eat tomatoes, a sauce made of beet and pumpkin puree can be a good alternative. With the addition of garlic, basil, and other spices, it can taste similar to a traditional tomato sauce.
White sauce
A white sauce, or bechamel, can be made by creating a roux with flour and butter and then cooking it with milk and seasonings. This is a good option for those who don't like tomato-based sauces.
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Topping alternatives
The tangy and rich flavour of goat cheese is a great choice for pizza. However, its unique taste requires careful consideration when it comes to toppings. Here are some topping alternatives to goat cheese and rosemary pizza:
Caramelized Onions
Caramelized onions provide a subtle sweetness that balances the tangy flavour of goat cheese. Spread olive oil on the dough, then top it with caramelized onions and dollops of goat cheese. You can also add a drizzle of honey or balsamic glaze for extra sweetness and flavour.
Avocado
For a refreshing and creamy twist, try a Veggie & Avocado Pizza. Combine avocado with bell peppers, basil, and goat cheese. This combination creates a delicious and healthy option.
Prosciutto
Add a savoury twist to your goat cheese pizza by adding prosciutto. The salty, cured ham pairs well with the creamy goat cheese and rosemary.
Arugula
For a lighter and healthier option, top your pizza with lightly dressed baby arugula. The peppery flavour of arugula adds a nice contrast to the richness of the goat cheese.
Fresh Figs
During the summer, replace the tomatoes with fresh fig slices. The natural sweetness of figs pairs well with the tangy goat cheese, and you can also add a drizzle of honey or balsamic glaze for an extra touch of flavour.
There are endless possibilities for topping alternatives when making a goat cheese and rosemary pizza. Get creative and experiment with different combinations to find your favourite!
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Frequently asked questions
Soft goat cheese, also known as chèvre, is the best type of goat cheese to use for a pizza.
Caramelized onions, arugula, prosciutto, basil, and tomatoes are all popular toppings for goat cheese pizzas. If you want to add some extra flavour to your pizza, you can also try using caramelized shallots, rosemary, or mozzarella cheese.
The best way to cook a goat cheese pizza will depend on the type of pizza dough you are using. If you are using a pizza stone, it is recommended to preheat your oven to 500°F and bake your pizza for 10-14 minutes. If you are using a different type of dough, such as thin crust pizza dough, you may need to adjust the cooking time and temperature accordingly.
