Oktoberfest Pretzel Crust Pizza with Beer Cheese & Caramelized Onions
Step-by-step instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- On a baking sheet, roll out the premade pizza dough into your desired shape.
- Spread the beer cheese evenly over the dough, ensuring a generous layer.
- In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat, then add the sliced onions.
- Cook the onions until they begin to caramelize, about 10-15 minutes.
- Stir in the brown sugar and beer, continuing to cook until the liquid has evaporated and the onions are a deep golden brown.
- Spread the caramelized onions over the beer cheese on the pizza dough.
- Sprinkle the mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan cheeses generously over the onions.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove the pizza from the oven, and sprinkle with chopped parsley and pretzel salt.
- Slice into wedges and serve hot!
Serving suggestions
To truly enjoy every bite of your Oktoberfest Pretzel Crust Pizza, consider pairing it with a cold lager or a crisp apple cider. For side dishes, a simple arugula salad tossed with lemon vinaigrette balances the richness of the pizza perfectly. If you’re hosting a gathering, serving this pizza cut into small slices makes it an excellent finger-food option, perfect for mingling.
Storage and reheating tips
Leftovers? No problem! Store any uneaten pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to three days. To reheat, place slices in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes to achieve that crispy crust again. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the crust chewy rather than crispy.
Helpful cooking tips
- Make sure your onions don’t rush the caramelization process; cooking them slowly brings out their sweet flavor.
- Consider trying different types of cheese for a unique twist. Gouda or Gruyère can add an extra layer of flavor.
- If you’re short on time, you can use store-bought caramelized onions to speed up the process.
Creative twists
Want to switch things up? Try adding cooked bacon bits for a smoky flavor, or swap in brussels sprouts for a crunchy texture. You can also experiment with different beers—an IPA can add a hoppy punch, while a stout will deepen the overall flavor. Vegan cheese and a gluten-free crust are great substitutes if you have dietary restrictions.
Common questions
How long does it take to prepare this pizza?
Prep time is about 10 minutes, and cooking will take around 20 minutes, so you can have this delicious pizza ready in just half an hour!
Can I freeze leftover pizza?
Yes, you can freeze leftovers! Wrap individual slices in aluminum foil and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll last for about 1 month. Reheat directly from frozen.
What can I substitute for beer cheese?
If you don’t have beer cheese, you can mix cream cheese with a few tablespoons of your favorite beer for a similar flavor. Alternatively, any cheesy dip that isn’t too runny can work as a substitute.
Now that you have all the information, embrace the flavors of Oktoberfest right in your kitchen with this unforgettable pizza recipe!
Oktoberfest Pretzel Crust Pizza
A delightful twist on traditional pretzels and pizza, featuring a creamy beer cheese base topped with sweet caramelized onions and a mix of cheeses, baked to golden perfection.
Dough and Cheese Base
- 1 premade pizza dough (Use your preferred brand.)
- 1/2 cup beer cheese (Creamy cheese mixture is preferred.)
Caramelized Onion Topping
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp butter (For sautéing the onions.)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar (Adds sweetness to the onions.)
- 1/4 cup beer (Any beer of your choice.)
Cheese Topping
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (For garnish.)
- pretzel salt (For sprinkling before serving.)
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- On a baking sheet, roll out the premade pizza dough into your desired shape.
- Spread the beer cheese evenly over the dough, ensuring a generous layer.
Caramelizing Onions
- In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat, then add the sliced onions.
- Cook the onions until they begin to caramelize, about 10-15 minutes.
- Stir in the brown sugar and beer, continuing to cook until the liquid has evaporated and the onions are a deep golden brown.
Assembly and Baking
- Spread the caramelized onions over the beer cheese on the pizza dough.
- Sprinkle the mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan cheeses generously over the onions.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove the pizza from the oven, and sprinkle with chopped parsley and pretzel salt.
- Slice into wedges and serve hot!
For a lighter version, use whole wheat pizza dough or low-fat cheese. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
