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Pear and Brie Pizza Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 64 reviews

This Pear and Brie Pizza is a delightful combination of sweet and savory flavors featuring thinly sliced pears, creamy brie cheese, crunchy walnuts, and fresh thyme on a homemade, chewy pizza dough. Drizzled with honey and baked to golden perfection, it makes a sophisticated and unique pizza perfect for entertaining or a special meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Pizza Dough

  • 1/4 oz active dry yeast (1 pkg)
  • 1 1/4 cups warm water (100 degrees F)
  • Pinch of sugar
  • 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil (plus extra for the bowl)

Pear and Brie Pizza Toppings

  • 2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 large pears, cored and very thinly sliced
  • 8 oz brie cheese, roughly chopped
  • 1/2 cup walnuts, finely chopped
  • 4 tsp fresh thyme, minced
  • 2 Tbsp honey
  • Pink salt (or another good quality salt), to taste

Instructions

  1. Activate the yeast: Whisk the active dry yeast and a pinch of sugar into the warm water (100 degrees F). Let it stand for 5 to 10 minutes until it becomes bubbly or foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
  2. Prepare the dough: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, combine the flour and kosher salt. With the mixer on low speed, gradually add the yeast mixture and olive oil, kneading for about 5 minutes until the dough is smooth. Alternatively, mix by hand and knead on a floured surface for 8 to 10 minutes until smooth.
  3. Knead and shape: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for another 2 to 3 minutes until the dough is very smooth. Shape into a ball.
  4. First rise: Place the dough ball into a large bowl lightly coated with olive oil, turning to coat all sides. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and let the dough rise at room temperature in the warmest part of your kitchen until it doubles in size, about 1 to 1 1/2 hours.
  5. Divide the dough: Lightly punch down the risen dough and divide it into two equal portions. Shape each portion into a ball and cover with plastic wrap while you prepare to shape them.
  6. Preheat oven and heat pans: Preheat your oven to 450 degrees F. Place two baking sheets or a pizza stone in the oven for about 5 minutes to heat thoroughly.
  7. Stretch the dough: Working with one dough ball at a time, use your hands to gently stretch it into a 12-inch round on a floured surface. If the dough resists and springs back, cover it and let it rest for a few minutes before trying again. Repeat with the second dough ball.
  8. Prepare baking sheets: Carefully remove the hot baking sheets or pizza stone from the oven and place them on a heatproof surface. Sprinkle each with a handful of cornmeal to prevent sticking.
  9. Place the dough on pans: Transfer each stretched dough round onto a prepared baking sheet. Stretch slightly to ensure even shape and thickness.
  10. Add toppings: Brush each dough round with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Arrange the thinly sliced pears evenly in slightly overlapping concentric circles on each pizza. Scatter the chopped brie, walnuts, and minced thyme evenly over the pears. Drizzle with honey and sprinkle pink salt to taste.
  11. Bake the pizzas: Return the pizzas to the oven and bake for about 12 minutes, until the crust is golden brown, the toppings are bubbling, and the cheese is melted. If the brie begins to darken too much during the last few minutes, lightly cover the pizza tops with foil.
  12. Serve: Remove the pizzas from the oven, slice, and serve hot for the best flavor and texture experience.

Notes

  • Ensure the water is at the correct temperature (around 100 degrees F) to properly activate the yeast without killing it.
  • If using a pizza stone, preheat it well to get a crispy crust.
  • Let the dough rest if it springs back too much when stretching to relax the gluten.
  • Use ripe but firm pears to avoid overly mushy pizza toppings.
  • Substitute walnuts with pecans or pine nuts if preferred.
  • To make cutting easier, let the pizza rest for a few minutes after baking.

Keywords: Pear Pizza, Brie Pizza, Gourmet Pizza, Homemade Pizza Dough, Sweet and Savory Pizza, Fall Pizza Recipe

Find it online: https://platedbyemma.com/pear-and-brie-pizza-recipe/