Roasted Brussels Sprouts Pizza with Prosciutto and Brown Sugar Balsamic Onions: A Gourmet Delight

This Roasted Brussels Sprouts Pizza with Prosciutto and Brown Sugar Balsamic Onions is a culinary masterpiece, balancing savory, sweet, and salty flavors in a symphony of textures. It’s a gourmet pizza that’s surprisingly easy to make at home, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering. Forget ordering takeout – this homemade pizza will impress even the most discerning palate.

## Why This Pizza Is a Must-Try

* **Flavor Explosion:** The combination of roasted Brussels sprouts, salty prosciutto, sweet and tangy balsamic onions, and creamy mozzarella creates an unforgettable taste experience.
* **Gourmet Without the Fuss:** While the ingredients sound fancy, this pizza is surprisingly simple to assemble. The roasting and caramelizing processes are straightforward and require minimal effort.
* **Perfect for Any Occasion:** Whether you’re hosting a pizza night with friends or just craving a delicious and unique dinner, this pizza is guaranteed to be a hit.
* **Customizable:** Feel free to adjust the ingredients and toppings to your liking. Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for heat, or swap out the prosciutto for bacon. Get creative and make it your own!

## Ingredients You’ll Need

### For the Pizza Dough:

* 1 pound store-bought or homemade pizza dough (see recipe below for homemade option)
* All-purpose flour, for dusting

### For the Brown Sugar Balsamic Onions:

* 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* 2 tablespoons brown sugar
* 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

### For the Roasted Brussels Sprouts:

* 1 pound Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved or quartered (depending on size)
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

### For the Pizza Toppings:

* 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
* 4 ounces thinly sliced prosciutto
* 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
* 2 tablespoons olive oil, for drizzling
* Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)
* Red pepper flakes, for garnish (optional)

### Optional Homemade Pizza Dough Recipe:

* 1 cup warm water (105-115°F)
* 1 teaspoon sugar
* 2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
* 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 2 tablespoons olive oil

## Equipment You’ll Need

* Baking sheet
* Large skillet
* Pizza stone or baking sheet
* Pizza peel (optional)
* Rolling pin (if using homemade dough)

## Step-by-Step Instructions

### Step 1: Prepare the Pizza Dough (if making homemade)

1. **Activate the Yeast:** In a large bowl, combine the warm water and sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the top and let it sit for 5-10 minutes, or until foamy. This indicates that the yeast is active.
2. **Combine Dry Ingredients:** In the same bowl, add the flour and salt. Stir to combine.
3. **Add Wet Ingredients:** Pour in the olive oil and the yeast mixture. Stir until a shaggy dough forms.
4. **Knead the Dough:** Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time.
5. **First Rise:** Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
6. **Punch Down the Dough:** Gently punch down the dough to release the air.

### Step 2: Make the Brown Sugar Balsamic Onions

1. **Sauté the Onions:** Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 10-15 minutes.
2. **Add Brown Sugar:** Stir in the brown sugar and cook for another 2-3 minutes, or until the sugar is melted and the onions are slightly caramelized.
3. **Deglaze with Balsamic Vinegar:** Pour in the balsamic vinegar and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Cook until the vinegar has reduced and thickened slightly, about 5-7 minutes.
4. **Season:** Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat and set aside.

### Step 3: Roast the Brussels Sprouts

1. **Preheat Oven:** Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. **Prepare Brussels Sprouts:** In a large bowl, toss the Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
3. **Roast Brussels Sprouts:** Spread the Brussels sprouts in a single layer on a baking sheet. Roast for 20-25 minutes, or until tender and slightly browned, flipping halfway through.
4. Remove from oven and set aside.

### Step 4: Assemble and Bake the Pizza

1. **Preheat Oven (Again!):** If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven and preheat to 500°F (260°C) for at least 30 minutes. If you don’t have a pizza stone, preheat a baking sheet in the oven.
2. **Shape the Dough:** On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pizza dough into a 12-14 inch circle or desired shape. If using store bought, simply unroll and stretch.
3. **Transfer to Pizza Stone/Baking Sheet:** If using a pizza stone, dust a pizza peel with flour or cornmeal and carefully transfer the dough to the peel. If using a baking sheet, place the dough directly on the preheated baking sheet.
4. **Add Mozzarella Cheese:** Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese evenly over the pizza dough, leaving a small border for the crust.
5. **Add Brown Sugar Balsamic Onions:** Spread the brown sugar balsamic onions evenly over the cheese.
6. **Add Roasted Brussels Sprouts:** Arrange the roasted Brussels sprouts over the onions.
7. **Bake the Pizza:** Carefully slide the pizza onto the preheated pizza stone (or place the baking sheet in the oven). Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. **Add Prosciutto and Parmesan:** Remove the pizza from the oven. Arrange the prosciutto slices over the top and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
9. **Drizzle with Olive Oil:** Drizzle the pizza with olive oil.

### Step 5: Garnish and Serve

1. **Garnish (Optional):** Garnish with fresh basil leaves and red pepper flakes, if desired.
2. **Slice and Serve:** Slice the pizza into wedges and serve immediately. Enjoy!

## Tips for Success

* **Don’t Overcrowd the Baking Sheet:** When roasting the Brussels sprouts, make sure to spread them in a single layer on the baking sheet. Overcrowding will cause them to steam instead of roast, resulting in soggy Brussels sprouts.
* **Use High-Quality Balsamic Vinegar:** The quality of your balsamic vinegar will greatly impact the flavor of the balsamic onions. Opt for a high-quality balsamic vinegar for the best results.
* **Preheat Your Pizza Stone:** Preheating your pizza stone is crucial for achieving a crispy crust. Allow the stone to heat up for at least 30 minutes before baking the pizza.
* **Use a Pizza Peel:** A pizza peel makes it much easier to transfer the pizza to and from the pizza stone. If you don’t have a pizza peel, you can use a rimless baking sheet.
* **Adjust Baking Time as Needed:** Baking times may vary depending on your oven. Keep an eye on the pizza and adjust the baking time as needed to ensure that the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

## Variations and Substitutions

* **Vegetarian Option:** Omit the prosciutto for a vegetarian version.
* **Add Bacon:** Substitute the prosciutto with cooked and crumbled bacon for a smoky flavor.
* **Different Cheese:** Experiment with different cheeses, such as goat cheese, Fontina cheese, or provolone.
* **Spicy Kick:** Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the Brussels sprouts or to the finished pizza for a spicy kick.
* **Add a Balsamic Glaze:** Drizzle the finished pizza with a balsamic glaze for an extra touch of sweetness and tang.
* **Different Greens:** Arugula, spinach or kale can be used instead of Brussels sprouts.

## Serving Suggestions

* Serve this pizza as a main course for dinner.
* Pair it with a simple salad for a complete meal.
* Serve it as an appetizer at a party or gathering.
* Enjoy it with a glass of your favorite wine or beer.

## Make-Ahead Tips

* The brown sugar balsamic onions and roasted Brussels sprouts can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them slightly before assembling the pizza.
* The pizza dough can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Allow it to come to room temperature before rolling it out.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate, per slice)

* Calories: 350-450
* Protein: 15-20g
* Fat: 15-25g
* Carbohydrates: 30-40g

(Note: Nutritional information will vary depending on the specific ingredients and amounts used.)

## Conclusion

This Roasted Brussels Sprouts Pizza with Prosciutto and Brown Sugar Balsamic Onions is a sophisticated and flavorful pizza that’s sure to impress. With its combination of sweet, savory, and salty flavors, it’s a gourmet treat that’s perfect for any occasion. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to experience pizza perfection!