I absolutely love how this Savory Bacon, Sage & Pumpkin Puff Pastry Pizza Recipe comes together—there’s something about the blend of crispy bacon, earthy sage, and creamy pumpkin that just sings autumn comfort in every bite. It’s one of those recipes that works brilliantly as a cozy weekend treat or an impressive appetizer when friends come over. Whenever I make it, my family goes crazy for the sweet caramelized onions balanced by the richness of ricotta and mozzarella on that perfectly flaky puff pastry crust.
When I first tried this recipe, I was amazed at how simple ingredients could create such a sophisticated flavor profile. You’ll find that the pumpkin adds a subtle sweetness and moisture without overwhelming the savory notes from bacon and sage. Plus, it’s a breeze to make once you get the hang of caramelizing onions and handling puff pastry. Whether you’re looking for an easy dinner or a seasonal crowd-pleaser, this Savory Bacon, Sage & Pumpkin Puff Pastry Pizza Recipe is definitely worth trying.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Comforting Flavor Combo: The mix of bacon, sage, and pumpkin gives you a perfect balance of savory and slightly sweet in every bite.
- Quick Yet Impressive: This recipe looks fancy but comes together in just about an hour, great for busy weeknights or unexpected guests.
- Flaky Puff Pastry Base: Using store-bought puff pastry saves time and yields that buttery crunch you crave.
- Versatile Serving: Perfect as a light dinner, appetizer, or party snack—everyone loves it!
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients work hand in hand to bring a harmony of texture and flavor, and they’re mostly pantry-friendly or easy to find at your local market. Using fresh sage and quality pumpkin puree really elevates the dish.
- Bacon: Look for thick-cut for better texture; cooking it just enough to render fat keeps it chewy after baking.
- Sweet Onions: They mellow beautifully when caramelized, adding a gentle sweetness that pairs wonderfully with pumpkin.
- Apple Cider: Adds a subtle tang and helps speed up the caramelization of onions—don’t skip it!
- Frozen Puff Pastry: Thaw completely before using to avoid cracking and get that perfect puff.
- Ricotta Cheese: Creamy and mild, it balances the stronger flavors and keeps the pizza moist.
- Pumpkin Puree: Choose plain canned pumpkin (not pumpkin pie mix) for the best flavor and texture.
- Mozzarella Cheese: Freshly grated melts best and adds that gooey, melty texture everyone loves.
- Fresh Sage Leaves: The star herbal note that ties everything together with its earthy aroma.
- Egg and Water (Egg Wash): Brushing the edges helps the pastry turn golden and glossy.
- Parmesan Cheese: A finishing touch that adds a salty kick right before serving.
Variations
I love making this Savory Bacon, Sage & Pumpkin Puff Pastry Pizza Recipe my own by swapping out ingredients depending on the season or what’s in my fridge. It’s a great base for creativity, so don’t hesitate to experiment!
- Add Mushrooms: I sometimes toss in sautéed cremini mushrooms for an added earthy depth, which my husband especially loves.
- Make it Vegetarian: Swap bacon for toasted walnuts or smoked tempeh to keep that smoky flavor without meat.
- Use Different Herbs: Thyme or rosemary make great alternatives to sage if you want a different herbal note.
- Spice It Up: A pinch of red pepper flakes sprinkled on top before baking gives a mild heat that balances the sweetness.
How to Make Savory Bacon, Sage & Pumpkin Puff Pastry Pizza Recipe
Step 1: Render the Bacon Fat and Prep Onions
Start by heating a skillet over medium heat and cooking the chopped bacon until the fat just renders out—don’t cook it crisp here because it will continue crisping in the oven. This is a trick I learned to keep the bacon tender yet flavorful. Scoop the bacon pieces out with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Then toss the sliced onions into the hot bacon fat, seasoning with salt and pepper. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently for about 10 minutes until they start softening. Lower the heat and add the apple cider to deglaze the pan—that’s when things get magical. Stir and let the onions cook gently for 15 to 20 more minutes until they’re beautifully caramelized and slightly sticky.
Step 2: Prepare the Puff Pastry and Cheese Mixture
While your onions are doing their thing, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Roll out the thawed puff pastry sheet on a baking tray lined with parchment paper and poke the surface all over with a fork to prevent bubbling. In a bowl, mix ricotta and pumpkin puree until smooth and combined—you’ll love how the creamy mixture makes the base rich but not heavy. Spread this all over the parchment-lined puff pastry, leaving about a one-inch border around the edges.
Step 3: Assemble and Bake the Pizza
Layer the mozzarella evenly over the ricotta-pumpkin spread, then add your caramelized onions and bacon pieces on top. Tear fresh sage leaves and scatter them generously—this herb gives the pizza its signature flavor punch. Finally, mix the egg with water and brush the edges of your pastry for that gorgeous golden finish. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the pastry is puffed, crisp, and golden brown on the edges. Right after pulling it out of the oven, sprinkle parmesan cheese over the top and let it cool slightly to firm up before slicing.
Pro Tips for Making Savory Bacon, Sage & Pumpkin Puff Pastry Pizza Recipe
- Don’t Overcook the Bacon Early: Rendering just enough fat without crisping keeps bacon tender after baking in the oven.
- Be Patient with Onion Caramelization: Adding apple cider helps speed up the process and adds complexity to the flavor.
- Keep Puff Pastry Cold Before Baking: This ensures it puffs up nicely without melting too fast.
- Use a Fork to Dock Puff Pastry: Pricking holes avoids unwanted air bubbles for a flat and even base.
How to Serve Savory Bacon, Sage & Pumpkin Puff Pastry Pizza Recipe
Garnishes
I like to top this pizza with a few extra fresh sage leaves just before serving—they’re so fragrant and add a lovely bright herbal note. Sometimes, I’ll sprinkle a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper on top to enhance all the flavors. A drizzle of good-quality olive oil can also add a subtle richness that’s delightful.
Side Dishes
This pizza pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed simply with lemon vinaigrette or a light arugula salad with shaved parmesan. When I serve it for dinner, a bowl of butternut squash soup makes for a seasonally inspired and comforting combo. Roasted veggies like Brussels sprouts or asparagus also complement the flavors nicely.
Creative Ways to Present
For gatherings, I’ve cut this pizza into small squares and served it on a wooden board with sprigs of fresh sage tucked around for a rustic look. Another fun idea is to add edible flowers or microgreens on top for a pop of color and elegance. During holiday meals, pairing it with a glass of crisp white wine or pumpkin ale creates a festive vibe everyone appreciates.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I usually store leftover pizza in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheating in a toaster oven or regular oven helps keep the puff pastry crisp instead of soggy, which I’ve found is a game changer compared to microwaving.
Freezing
Yes, you can freeze this pizza! I wrap it tightly in foil and place it in a freezer-safe bag. When I’m ready, I let it thaw in the fridge overnight and then crisp it up in a hot oven to revive the flaky crust and melty cheese.
Reheating
To reheat, I set my oven or toaster oven to 350°F and warm slices for about 10 minutes until heated through and the pastry is crisp again. This method keeps the texture and flavors close to freshly baked, which is always a win.
FAQs
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Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned pumpkin puree?
Absolutely! Fresh pumpkin needs to be cooked and pureed first. Roast or steam the pumpkin until tender, then blend it smoothly. Just be sure to measure out an equivalent amount to match the recipe’s 2/3 cup of canned pumpkin puree for best results.
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Is it necessary to use fresh sage leaves?
Fresh sage really makes a difference in flavor and aroma, adding that distinct earthy note. If you don’t have fresh, dried sage can work in a pinch, but use it sparingly as it’s more potent and less vibrant.
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Can I prepare the caramelized onions ahead of time?
Yes, caramelized onions can be made a day or two in advance and stored in the fridge. This is actually a great time-saver since the flavors deepen overnight. Just warm them slightly before assembling the pizza.
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How do I avoid soggy puff pastry?
Make sure to thoroughly poke holes in the puff pastry before adding toppings—this prevents bubbling. Also, avoid overly wet toppings and ensure your oven is fully preheated so the pastry cooks quickly and crisps.
Final Thoughts
This Savory Bacon, Sage & Pumpkin Puff Pastry Pizza Recipe is a delightful fall-inspired treat that always feels like a special occasion in my kitchen. I love how approachable the recipe is yet how impressive the final result looks and tastes. If you want to wow your family or guests with something cozy and delicious, give this a try—you’ll enjoy every bite as much as I do. Trust me, this one’s a keeper!
PrintSavory Bacon, Sage & Pumpkin Puff Pastry Pizza Recipe
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 2 to 4 people 1x
- Category: Pizza
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Savory Bacon, Sage & Pumpkin Puff Pastry Pizza is a delicious fall-inspired dish combining crispy bacon, sweet caramelized onions with apple cider, creamy ricotta and pumpkin puree, fresh sage, and gooey mozzarella on a flaky puff pastry crust. It’s an easy-to-make, savory treat perfect for a cozy meal or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
For the Bacon and Onions
- 3 slices bacon, chopped
- 2 sweet onions, thinly sliced
- Kosher salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup apple cider
For the Pizza
- 1 sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed
- 3/4 cup ricotta cheese
- 2/3 cup pumpkin puree
- 1 cup freshly grated mozzarella cheese
- 1 handful fresh sage leaves
- 1 large egg + 1 teaspoon water (for egg wash)
- Parmesan cheese, for topping
Instructions
- Render the Bacon: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add the chopped bacon. Cook, stirring often, just until the fat is rendered but the bacon is not yet crispy, as it will continue to crisp in the oven. Remove with a slotted spoon and place on paper towels to drain excess grease.
- Caramelize the Onions: Add the sliced onions to the skillet with the bacon fat. Season with kosher salt and pepper. Cook over medium heat, stirring often, for 10 minutes until the onions begin to soften. Lower the heat to low and stir in the apple cider. Continue cooking, stirring frequently, for another 15 to 20 minutes until the onions are slightly caramelized.
- Prepare Puff Pastry Base: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Roll out the thawed puff pastry sheet onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Prick the pastry all over with a fork to prevent bubbling.
- Mix Ricotta and Pumpkin: In a bowl, combine the ricotta cheese and pumpkin puree, stirring until smooth and well incorporated. Spread this mixture evenly over the puff pastry, leaving a one-inch border around the edges.
- Add Toppings: Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese evenly over the ricotta-pumpkin layer. Top with the caramelized onions, cooked bacon, and fresh sage leaves. Brush the exposed edges of the pastry with the egg wash made from beaten egg and water.
- Bake the Pizza: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and crisp at the edges. Remove from the oven and immediately sprinkle parmesan cheese on top.
- Cool and Serve: Let the pizza cool slightly before slicing and serving to allow the flavors to meld.
Notes
- Do not overcook the bacon in the skillet; it will crisp further in the oven.
- Use a sweet onion variety such as Vidalia for best flavor.
- Make sure the puff pastry is fully thawed before use for easier handling.
- You can substitute fresh sage with dried sage if unavailable, but reduce the quantity as dried herbs are more potent.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the bacon and add sautéed mushrooms instead.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven for best texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of pizza
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 11g
- Cholesterol: 60mg