Name: Broccolini and Red Onion Pizza Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 bunch broccolini, slice thicker stalks in half; 1/4 of a small red onion, thinly sliced into rings; 4 tbsp grated parmesan; 1 3/4 cups grated mozzarella cheese, divided; 1 batch store bought or homemade pizza dough; 2 tbsp cornmeal; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1/2 tsp chili flakes; A few pinches of salt; Black pepper, to taste; 1/4 tsp garlic granules

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If you are looking for a pizza that bursts with vibrant flavors and a delightful balance between fresh and savory, the Broccolini and Red Onion Pizza Recipe is an absolute game changer. This pizza combines the slightly crisp bite of broccolini with the sweet sharpness of red onion, all melted into gooey mozzarella and sprinkled with Parmesan for a cheesy finish. The chili flakes add just the right touch of heat to awaken your taste buds, making every bite a satisfying experience worth sharing with friends or family. It’s a perfect way to elevate your pizza night while keeping things colorful, fresh, and delicious.

Ingredients You'll Need

A wooden cutting board with a checkered pattern holds fresh green broccoli stems with leaves clustered on the left side, showing varied textures of smooth stems and bumpy florets. On the upper right corner, there are thin, circular slices of purple onion arranged loosely. A large knife with a silver blade and black handle lies diagonally on the board, with the blade pointing toward the top center. The board sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients are simple yet essential for creating a pizza that is both fresh and flavorful. Each one plays a pivotal role, from the tender crunch of broccolini to the melty mozzarella that binds everything together with its creamy texture.

Broccolini: Provides a fresh, green crunch with a mild, slightly sweet flavor that contrasts beautifully with the cheese.

Store-bought or homemade pizza dough: The foundation of your pizza, creating the perfect crispy and chewy crust.
Red onion: Thinly sliced rings add sweetness and a pop of color with just the right amount of bite.
Grated Parmesan: Adds a sharp, nutty flavor that enhances the overall taste profile.

Mozzarella cheese: Divided use ensures gooey meltiness with a golden finish.
Chili flakes: Bring a touch of heat that lifts the flavors.
Cornmeal: Prevents sticking and adds a delightful crunch to the crust.

Olive oil: Infuses the crust with flavor and helps it brown beautifully.
Salt, black pepper, and garlic granules: Seasonings that bring depth and round out the flavor of the entire pizza.

How to Make Broccolini and Red Onion Pizza Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Par-Cook the Broccolini

Start by heating your oven to 500 degrees Fahrenheit. While the oven heats, bring your pizza dough to room temperature to make it easier to work with. Next, thinly slice the broccolini stalks and prepare two pots: one of boiling salted water and one filled with ice water. Blanch the broccolini for about 2 minutes until just crisp-tender, then immediately shock it in the ice water to halt cooking. Once cooled, pat it dry to avoid soggy pizza topping.

Step 2: Shape the Dough and Prebake

Scatter cornmeal on your baking sheet to keep the dough from sticking and drag the dough into a long oval shape. This might take a few gentle tries to relax the gluten if the dough snaps back. When the shape is good, brush the top with olive oil, sprinkle with salt, garlic granules, and cracked black pepper. Pop it in the oven for 4 minutes to start crisping the crust before adding toppings.

Step 3: Add Cheese and Toppings

Remove the dough from the oven and sprinkle a layer of Parmesan, followed by 1 ½ cups of mozzarella and a light dusting of chili flakes for that subtle spicy kick. Lay the red onion rings evenly across the pizza, then scatter the blanched broccolini on top. Finish by sprinkling the remaining mozzarella cheese for a melty, bubbly finish.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Return the pizza to the oven and bake for an additional 10 to 14 minutes. You want the crust to turn a beautiful golden brown and the cheese to melt thoroughly, bubbling with a slight golden crust of its own. This step locks in all the flavors and textures that make this recipe a standout.

How to Serve Broccolini and Red Onion Pizza Recipe

The image shows a rectangular pizza on a well-used baking tray with a golden-brown crust. The pizza has a white cheese layer melted evenly across the surface with some light browning spots. On top, there are bright green broccolini pieces placed in a scattered pattern, along with dark green leafy vegetables adding texture. Thin slices of purple onion are also visible, peeking through the cheese and greens. The baking tray sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To elevate your Broccolini and Red Onion Pizza Recipe even further, try fresh garnishes like a light drizzle of good quality olive oil or fresh basil leaves. A sprinkle of finishing salt or cracked black pepper right before serving will sharpen the flavors and add that gourmet touch.

Side Dishes

This pizza pairs wonderfully with a bright, zesty salad made with arugula, lemon juice, and shaved Parmesan. Alternatively, roasted garlic or a simple tomato basil soup complements the pizza’s richness and freshness with cozy, comforting flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, cut your pizza into smaller squares for a party-style appetizer or serve alongside a flight of craft beers or chilled white wine to really accentuate the pizza’s bold yet balanced flavors. Arrange the pizza on a wooden board with fresh herbs scattered around for a rustic, inviting look.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover slices in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To keep the crust from getting soggy, place a piece of parchment paper between slices. This way, you preserve the freshness and texture of your Broccolini and Red Onion Pizza Recipe.

Freezing

If you want to save some for later, wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw in the fridge overnight for the best taste experience.

Reheating

To reheat, place the pizza slices on a baking sheet in a preheated 375-degree oven for about 8 to 10 minutes. Heating on a wire rack inside the oven also works well to keep the crust crispy. Avoid the microwave when possible, as it tends to make the crust chewy or soggy.

FAQs

Can I substitute broccolini with regular broccoli?

Absolutely! While broccolini offers a sweeter, more delicate flavor, regular broccoli works just as well if blanched properly to keep it tender before adding to the pizza.

Do I have to pre-bake the pizza dough?

Pre-baking ensures the crust stays crisp and doesn’t get soggy from the toppings, especially since there’s moisture in the broccolini and onions. Skipping this step might lead to a softer, less stable crust.

Can this pizza recipe be made gluten-free?

Definitely! Use your favorite gluten-free pizza dough instead of regular dough. Just follow the same process for shaping, pre-baking, and topping.

How spicy is this pizza with chili flakes?

The chili flakes add a gentle warmth without overpowering the pizza, but you can adjust the amount to suit your preferred spice level or omit them if you prefer no heat.

What cheese combinations work well with this recipe?

Mozzarella and Parmesan are classic for melt and sharp flavor, but feel free to try fontina, provolone, or even a bit of goat cheese for a tangy twist that complements the broccolini beautifully.

Final Thoughts

This Broccolini and Red Onion Pizza Recipe is one of those gems you’ll find yourself craving again and again. It captures a perfect harmony of flavors and textures that are both simple and impressive. Whether you’re serving it for a casual weekday dinner or a weekend gathering, it’s a refreshing reminder of how delicious homemade pizza can be. Give it a try—you’ll be so glad you did!

Broccolini and Red Onion Pizza Recipe

Ingredients You'll Need