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Craving a fall-inspired pizza? Look no further than this Squash Pizza recipe! Flavorful roasted butternut squash sauce, creamy cheese, and salty prosciutto combine in perfect harmony for a unique and deliciously satisfying pizza experience.
Update: This recipe was originally published in January 2017. I made edits to the post below to include more information about making pizza with roasted butternut squash crust at home.
Hi, friends! I hope you ready to ditch the ordinary and give your pizza nights at home a major upgrade because today’s recipe is one of my all time favorites. Confession – I’ve been making this squash pizza every single fall weekend since 2017. And, honestly, I show no signs of slowing down, it’s just that good.
Table of Contents
About this butternut pizza recipe
This recipe for butternut squash pizza is all about the crust and toppings – it’s layers of heavenly flavors, you guys.
Featuring sweet, savory, smooth and luscious butternut squash puree topped with thinly sliced red onions, creamy, decadent goat cheese, earthy thyme, salty prosciutto, crunchy pumpkin seeds (pepitas), and nutty parmesan all layered on a chewy, warm naan flatbread. But, feel free to use regular pizza dough if you prefer!
Ingredients for butternut pizza
Butternut squash sauce
- Butternut Squash
- Garlic
- Olive Oil
- Fresh Thyme
- Chili Powder
- Honey
Pizza toppings
- Butternut Squash Sauce: See above.
- Red Onion
- Goat Cheese
- Parmesan Cheese
- Prosciutto
- Pumpkin Seeds
- Salt and Pepper: To enhance all the flavors
How to make butternut squash pizza
Now that we have discussed how downright delicious this pizza is, let’s talk about how it all goes down. The most time consuming part of this flatbread is the butternut squash puree. But, it only takes 20-30 minutes and whipping it together is SUPER EASY. Here’s how:
How to make butternut squash sauce for pizza
- Roast Squash: Throw some diced squash onto a baking sheet with a few cloves of garlic, a sprinkle of chili powder, and thyme, and a drizzle of oil. Then, roast in the oven until tender.
- Puree: Next, transfer the squash and garlic to a food processor with a bit of honey and puree. Done and done.
How to make pizza with butternut squash sauce
- Sauce Pizza Crust: Generously spread the roasted butternut squash puree sauce on a piece of naan bread, a flatbread, or prepared pizza dough.
- Add Toppings: Scatter with red onions, crumbled goat cheese, and grated parmesan all over the squash. Transfer to a warm oven and bake until golden.
- Garnish: Remove the pizza from the oven and garnish with prosciutto, fresh thyme, and pumpkin seeds.
- Serve: Slice and chow down.
Tips for the best squash pizza
- I have used plain naan, garlic naan and flatbreads to make this pizza and all of them are delicious. You can make your own pizza dough and use that as well if you would like, just be sure to par-bake the pizza dough before adding the toppings. Instead of using 2 pieces of naan or flatbread, you can make one large pizza if desired.
- If you want to make prosciutto roses like you see here, simply take a small slice of prosciutto and wrap it around your finger. Voila. Prosciutto Roses.
- If you want your prosciutto to be crispy, simply add the prosciutto to the pizza with the red onion and goat cheese and bake as directed.
- The butternut squash puree can be made up to 4 days in advance and stored, covered, in the refrigerator.
FAQs: frequently asked questions
Below you’ll find the most common questions and answers about butternut squash on pizza. If you have a question you’d like answered, please drop it in the comments section below!
Do I have to pre-cook the butternut squash?
Yes, roasting the butternut squash is essential to this recipe. Cooking it beforehand ensures the squash becomes tender enough to puree into a sauce. Also, roasting the squash caramelizes it, which adds depth of flavor and a pleasant texture to your butternut squash pizza sauce.
What’s the best way to roast butternut squash?
The best way to roast squash is in the oven. There are two common methods to preparing the squash for roast, but I’m partial to the first one:
- Cubed: Cut the squash into bite-size cubes, toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then roast them on a baking sheet at 400°F (200°C) for 20-30 minutes, or until fork tender.
- Wedges: Cut the squash into wedges, drizzle with olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and roast directly on a baking sheet at 400°F (200°C) for 30-40 minutes, or until tender and slightly caramelized.
What kind of cheese should I use for butternut squash pizza?
Many varieties of cheese pair well with butternut squash, depending on your preferred flavor profile:
- Goat cheese: This recipe calls for goats cheese which lends a tangy and slightly salty element that complements the sweetness of the squash.
- Mozzarella: A classic pizza choice that offers a mild and creamy flavor.
- Fontina: This creamy cheese has a nutty flavor that pairs well with the sweetness of the squash.
- Ricotta: Lends a creamy and slightly sweet flavor that adds a unique touch.
- Combination of cheeses: Feel free to experiment! Combining mozzarella with goat cheese, ricotta, or fontina creates a delicious flavor profile.
What other toppings can I add to my butternut squash pizza?
The beauty of pizza pies lie in their versatility! Here are some delicious options to complement this pizza with butternut squash:
- Caramelized onions: Adds a touch of sweetness and savory depth.
- Crispy bacon or sausage: Offers a salty and savory contrast to the sweetness of the squash. Bonus points if you candy your bacon first.
- Sage leaves: Crisp sage leaves on the stove in butter and add them to your pizza for delightful crunch and earthy flavor.
- Arugula: Leafy arugula lends a peppery kick. Just be sure to add the arugula after baking for freshness.
- Walnuts or pecans: Salty, toasted nuts lend a welcome crunchy textural contrast.
Can I use pre-made pizza dough for this recipe?
Absolutely! Pre-made pizza dough is a convenient option that can save a ton of time. Look for store-bought dough in the refrigerated section of the grocery store or use your favorite pizza dough recipe if you prefer making your own.
Pizza night deserves a delicious upgrade. Add this easy Butternut Squash Flatbread Pizza to the rotation!
Until next week friends, cheers – to easy, yet elegant pizzas!
Cheyanne
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More pizza recipes!
How to make Butternut Squash Flatbread Pizza recipe and video👇
Butternut Squash Pizza
Ingredients
- Butternut Squash Sauce (yield about 1 ½ cups):
- 4 Cups Butternut Squash – cubed (about ½ a medium squash)
- 3 Cloves Garlic – peeled
- 3 TBS Olive Oil , divided
- 1 TBS Fresh Thyme , plus more for topping pizza
- ½ tsp Chili Powder
- 1 TBS Honey , or more to taste
- Pizza:
- 2 Pieces Garlic Naan
- ½ Red Onion – thinly sliced
- 6 ounces Goat Cheese – cut into ¼’’ thick slices
- ½ Cup Parmesan – freshly grated
- 3 ounces Prosciutto
- Roasted Pumpkin Seeds (optional for topping)
- Kosher Salt and Ground Pepper , to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy clean up. Add the squash and garlic to the baking sheet. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons of olive oil and sprinkle with thyme and chili powder. Season generously with salt and pepper. Toss to combine.
- Roast squash in the oven until fork tender, about 20-30 minutes, tossing halfway through cooking.
- Make the squash sauce: Transfer squash and garlic to a food processor. Add in the remaining tablespoon of oil and honey. Puree until creamy and smooth, adding more olive oil (or vegetable broth or water) if it’s too thick. (You want it creamy, smooth and spreadable, but not too thin). Taste and adjust for seasoning with salt and pepper and sweetness with honey.
- For the Pizza: Place naan on a baking sheet. Spread with a heaping 1/3 – ½ cup of the squash sauce. Top with red onion, goat cheese slices and parmesan. Bake for 13-15 minutes, or until golden brown.
- To serve: Remove from oven and top with prosciutto, fresh thyme and pumpkin seeds. Serve immediately. Enjoy!
Video
Notes
1. I have used plain naan, garlic naan and flatbreads to make this pizza and all of them are delicious. You can make your own pizza dough and use that as well if you would like, just be sure to par-bake the pizza dough before adding the toppings. Instead of using 2 pieces of naan or flatbread, you can make one large pizza if desired. 2. If you want to make prosciutto roses like you see here, simply take a small slice of prosciutto and wrap it around your finger. Voila. Prosciutto Roses. 3. If you want your prosciutto to be crispy, simply add the prosciutto to the pizza with the red onion and goat cheese and bake as directed. 4. The butternut squash puree can be made up to 4 days in advance and stored, covered, in the refrigerator.
Nutrition
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Nanc
It was a good year for squash (and pumpkins) here. Now to preserve them. Your recipe convinced me to pressure can some in pints for the sauce. (freezer is already full).
Cheyanne Bany
Preserving squash and pumpkin is an excellent idea, Nancy! If you use some of your preserved goodies to make this pizza, I hope you enjoy it as much as we do! Cheers and thank you so much for stopping by!
Karen @ Seasonal Cravings
Too pretty to eat with those fancy flowers! Not, I love all the yummy salty flavors going on in here and it reminds me of our summer trip to Italy. Yes!
Katherine | Love In My Oven
What a beautiful pizza!! I love everything about it. The squash, the seeds – the PROSCIUTTO!! You knocked it outta the park friend!! My hubby gets sick of my same-old pizza and I think he’d be over the moon if I gave this one a try! Thanks for keeping it simple for us 😉
stacey @ The Sugar Coated Cotted
Still a winner and perfect for the season!! Pinned! Take care. 🙂
Kathy @ Beyond the Chicken Coop
I love your pizzas! They almost look too beautiful to eat…almost! 🙂 I think I could still dig right in, but only after staring at it for a minute or two!
heather (delicious not gorgeous)
this sounds perfect for when i don’t want to deal w pizza dough! (even if said dough is pre-made and all i have to do is shape and bake it). plus all that cheese. GIVE ME ALLLLLLL THE CHEESE
Karen (Back Road Journal)
Love the fall flavors…especially the pumpkin seeds added for extra crunch.
Ben|Havocinthekitchen
Yeeeeeah, I do remember this beautiful pizza. But we’ve got to seriously talk. I’m angry with you, Chey! That’s totally your fault that you’ve introduced me a naan pizza, and I’m making it insanely often lately. Seriously, since the beginning of September I’ve made it 4 times. And trust me, I don’t bake ONE pizza at once (Cause why even bother turning the oven?) So please we need to find a solution to stop me from eating all these pizzas:)
Cindy
Those rosettes! Stop! They are beautiful. I can’t wait to share this recipe with my sisters. It hits all the right notes of beautiful, sweet, tart, and looks completely doable. Love the video. Thanks woman for sharing.
Kelsie | the itsy-bitsy kitchen
Well I missed this the first time you posted so THANK YOU for the re-post! Butternut squash pizza? Heck to the yes. This sounds awesome! I’d even be ok if it was extra hard to make–but I won’t complain that it isn’t :). Have a great week, Chey!
Dawn – Girl Heart Food
This pizza looks as pretty now as it did then and love those prosciutto roses! Awesome job on the video girl! P.S. You wouldn’t happen to deliver, would you?? Cheers to a fab week! XO
Mary Ann | The Beach House Kitchen
Such a great fall flavored pizza Chey! I love the butternut squash base. And those prosciutto roses always look so pretty. Another fabulous video too!!
Kathryn @ Family Food on the Table
Love the new video and all the yummy fall flavors here!
Jennifer @ Show Me the Yummy
OMG. Yes. Just yes. I need this pizza in my life!
Shashi at RunninSrilankan
Cheyanne, I’m so loving that butternut squash sauce with chili and honey – really runs the gamut of the flavor spectrum for me! I’m a huge fan of K.I.S.S (keep it simple stupid). Even though sometimes some dishes need to be a bit more elaborate – some of my favs have been simple ones like this! I’ve tried hummus and pumpkin puree with naan/flatbreads – now I so cannot wait to try your sauce! And ooh so love those prosciutto roses!
Ruby & Cake
Butternut squash and goats cheese are the best pizza combo in the whole world and those prosciutto roses are perfection! I wish I had ths on my plate right now
Kevin | Keviniscooking
Oh boy me likey! It’s raining cats and dogs here and I would die to have this in my kitchen right now. You have so many of my favorites loaded on here and what a beautiful combination of flavors. YUM!
Ami@NaiveCookCooks
Girl I am on board with you with simple recipes that do not need way too many ingredients!! It’s been one of my goals too. Love that you used naan and that puree looks so good and flavorful!! I can’t wait to dig in this pizza!
Traci | Vanilla And Bean
Way to go, Chey, for stepping outside of that box and challenging yourself for the year! I’m okay with recipes that take a while and usually reserve those to the weekend. During the week though, I’m all about quick (for me that is one hourish – hehe) or quicker. And, I’m okay with recipes that have lots of ingredients, as long as many are flavor builders like celery, onions, carrots, and spices! I don’t really count them if I’m tallying ingredients anyway. But flatbread?! I’m in and it IS such a quick meal to pull together! I’ve started making my own flatbread… talk about easy! I love butternut squash and goat cheese – such a flavorful combo you have here ! And that little pinch of chili pow – adding a bit of intrigue to it, eh? LOVE it!! Delicious work my dear!
Kate @ Framed Cooks
Well, you get the award for most beautiful pizza in creation – I mean, the prosciutto looks like ROSES! Beautiful and scrumptious, all in one pizza! Pinning, of course – have the best weekend, my friend!
Natalie | Natalie’s Food & Health
Friday night is pizza night in my house. And I’m always in search for new recipes. With this recipe, you came just in right time. I was telling my hubby last night I want to try something different with pizza. And this is IT! LOVE prosciutto roses, and the goat cheese, and the sweet butternut squash. Just YUM! Making this, pinning and sharing! Have a lovely weekend friend 😉
Cindy
OMG…. dying over that those prosciutto roses. Just wrap around your finger? Genius. And delicious. Kudos to your creative gene, and thanks for keeping it easy for us!
Ben Maclain
Oh, I love your new game, Chey – easy recipes with 10 or less ingredients sounds exciting! May I join you, please. Ouch, I think most of my dishes are already less than 10 ingredients so I might consider making only the meals with 20 and over components. Or recipes with an obligatory ingredient – let’s say lavender:) Anywhays, I do love this flatbread pizza. The combination of the flavors is irresistibly good. Perfect for a weekend! And yes, I call Thursdays “Small Fridays”:)
karrie @ Tasty Ever After
I love easy and I love pizza and I love everything you put on this pizza! Never used naan as a pizza crust but I will now 🙂 I swear I could eat butternut squash and pumpkin seeds every day too. Thinking I’ll have to make this with Rach’s chili and eat them while watching the playoffs this weekend. GO PATS!! 😉
annie@ciaochowbambina
If pizzas were like high school and were awarded senior year superlatives, your pizzas would win best looking every time! (Do they even do those anymore? Is best looking even a thing? I hope not…beauty is in the eye of the beholder I always say!) Anyway – I can get behind best looking pizzas and yours are it! Thanks for sharing another delicious recipe, my friend! Cheers!
Ashley@CookNourishBliss
Ahhh so many of my favorites on here!! Butternut squash, goat cheese, pumpkin seeds!! And it’s a flatbread pizza! It’s like you made this for me 🙂 I’m definitely all about simple meals at times … but I also love to use more ingredients, etc etc when I think it’s worth it for the flavor! So a balance sorta?? haha Okay I’m rambling now
lucie
Oh wow. Im loving butternut squash right now. This flatbread looks like the best comfort food for a cold January evening. So good Cheyanne!
G
This looks so delicious and would seriously be a perfect dish for a Valentines Day lunch!! – http:/www.domesticgeekgirl.com
Mary
OK Ok Ok, I never ever ever ever ever made a flatbread and I don’t know why. I always order them when I go to restaurants or bars or anywhere that serves flatbreads. I love your quick easy and minimalist recipes. 2017 rocks, it’s going to be the best year ever!!!!!! The butternut squash is a brilliant addition.
Demeter | Beaming Baker
Cocktails, hummus and pizza: those are totally my top 3 favorite recipes on NSN!! I was just dreaming about one of your naan pizzas the other day, and due exclusively to the bestie connection, this post appeared! I’m so sure of it. <3 <3 <3 It's been awhile since I've seen those gorgeous roses atop one of your incredible creations, and here we are: dinner BLISS. 🙂 Loving the new simple ingredient list recipe vibes! I can't wait to see all the wonderful foods you come up with. And yes, I totally agree that sometimes a more complicated ingredients list is for-realsies worth it. Now, will ya cut me like 3 slices each of ALL your pizzas? Ya know, so we can keep my next meal nice and simple? 😉 😉 🙂 Hope you have an awesome weekend dear! Muah. xoxo
annie
I am loving that butternut base! I’m also trying to simplify my recipes — it can be rough. You’re rockin it!
Geraldine | Green Valley Kitchen
I love 10 ingredient or less recipes, Cheyanne – the more the better! And isn’t flatbread pizza the best – so simple and so delicious – and I LOVE the goat cheese on there. Have a great weekend!
Stephanie@ApplesforCJ
Love, love, love Pizza Cheyanne! But never thought of putting a butternut squash sauce on it. This combination sounds amazing. I think the new theme for easy recipes is a grand idea. Pinning this cause I know what I’m topping my next Pizza with 🙂
allie
So pretty Cheyanne – Love this pizza. Can’t believe you were holding out on us with this since OCTOBER – but all is forgiven with these pretty prosciutto roses. Simple is so good!!! For simple brains like mine – who like to eat delicious but easy. Have a wonderful weekend my friend!!! XOXO
Jennifer @ Seasons and Suppers
Love this theme and this pizza! So pretty (love prosciutto roses 🙂 and of course, goat cheese always draws me in. Perfect!
Rachelle @ Beer Girl Cooks
I love your new theme and you just can’t go wrong with simple and delicious! This flatbread pizza is absolutely perfect, girlfriend! I’m a huge fan of goat cheese, pumpkin seeds, and prosciutto, so you need to hop in your Black Betty and bring this to my house STAT! P.S. I love your prosciutto roses too! Pinned!
Stacey @ The Sugar Coated Cottage
I have noticed the new theme and I like it, of course I like the complex recipes to . This pizza is amazing and that butternut squash sauce is delicious and the perfect base for the amazing toppings!! Take care!
Dawn @ Girl Heart Food
BAHAHAHA…..I always use K.I.S.S. throughout every day conversation!! Too funny! I love easy, tasty meals and they are so perfect, especially for busy weekdays. Prosciutto on anything pretty much makes it a winner in my books and goat cheese is just the icing on the cake or pizza! I would easily devour this whole thing my myself #noshame. Have a wonderful weekend, sweets! xo
Gayle @ Pumpkin ‘N Spice
I’m ALL about the simple and easy meals on my blog, so you are speaking my language! And when prosciutto is involved…watch out! It’s seriously SO good, and feels like a treat for me since I don’t buy it too often. This pizza looks GORGEOUS, girl! I’m seriously in love with those roses! And the pumpkin seeds and goat cheese…I could go on and on. Pizza is my #1 favorite food, so I’ve got to try this on pizza night. What a fun way to jazz up some flatbread! Pinned, of course! Happy weekend to you!
Kathryn @ Family Food on the Table
You know I’m doing some serious high fives ✋✋✋ for simple, easy meals! Especially when you still bring ALL the flavors to the party! I adore a flatbread pizza over the original and this is right up my alley. That butternut squash puree looks creamy and heavenly and then the cheese and prosciutto toppings – some of my favorites! Glad you didn’t let this one slide and finally shared it with us – so much better late than never! Have a wonderful weekend my friend! XO
Angie@Angie’s Recipes
I too love to use flatbread to make pizza. My husband loves esp. baked tortilla wraps spread with a thin layer of leftover chili con carn for the lunch. And I am jealous that you can still find butternut squash in winter…here in Germany all the pumpkins and squashes are gone soon after the Halloween…
Miriam – londonkitchendiaries.com
Goats cheese and butternut squash are a match made in heaven! Love to combine these two ingredients and I do love a slice of good pizza 🙂 Looking forward to more quick and easy recipes with less than 10 ingredients – it is fantastic to be able to whip up something delicious in the evenings during the week that does not take too long to make. Have a lovely weekend!