This pizza was a hit. From the 4 year old to the over-40 year olds, every piece was taken the moment it was cut. After we made this pizza and loved it, Dave and I cobbled together the Strawberry Banana Brûléed Pizza because this one was so intensely flavorful. The strawberries were bright and juicy, the balsamic bold and tangy, the mint bright, crisp and fresh all together with a terrific dough and the creamy cream cheese.
Warm, slightly melted cream cheese on French bread is a personal favorite treat. It is simple but delicious. It was in high school at my best friend Lin’s home that I became addicted to this snack. I’ve not outgrown it, I just rarely indulge, but when I do, a strong cup of dark roasted coffee is the perfect companion. But I digress. I just knew that using cream cheese as the sauce would be absolutely fantastic and I was right. The smoky flavor the oven imparts is this side of heaven.
A note about the balsamic. Usually less is more in recipes, particularly for any type of vinegars, but for me balsamic is always a more is more situation. But remember, I am the girl that said I’d probably take a shot of the stuff if dared.
Hope you enjoy this pizza as much as the rest of us did.
Ingredients
- Pizza Dough
- Cream cheese; softened (1/4 cup +/-)
- 1 cup strawberries; sliced
- Balsamic reduction
- 2 tsp . fresh mint; finely chopped
- 2 tbsp powdered sugar +/-
Instructions
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Roll out the dough ball to the desired thinness.
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Using a pastry brush, brush the edges or crust of the dough with olive oil.
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Spread the cream cheese on the dough, meeting the olive oiled crust line.
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Layer the strawberries over the cream cheese, drizzle the balsamic reduction over the entire pizza.
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Sprinkle the chopped mint and dust the powered sugar over the entire pizza.
Outdoor Pizza Oven
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Place the pizza in the oven, towards the back, it will cook in about 2 minutes, but watch it, and half way through cooking, move it closer to the front of the oven.
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Remove it from the oven, allow it to sit for a minute then slice and serve.
Indoor Oven on Pizza Stone
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Preheat the oven to 400° and allow the stone to preheat for at least 10 minutes.
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Assemble the pizza and slide it onto the stone in the oven.
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Bake for 10-15 minutes or until it has reached the desired doneness.
Recipe Notes
If you don't want to bother with a reduction, you can drizzle straight balsamic vinegar on the pizza. Still tastes amazing!
14 Comments
Terri S
June 27, 2014 at 11:58 amWOW! That looks so good!!! Thank you for sharing the recipe,
Michelle
June 28, 2014 at 12:54 amThank You Teri! It was really tasty.
Brigid OHara Koshko
June 28, 2014 at 12:56 pmSometimes the most simple combination of ingredients can make the most amazing dishes. This is a prime example of it. Can’t wait to try it soon.
Michelle
July 1, 2014 at 8:52 pmBrigid, I hope you enjoy this. I really want to make it again.
Shannon
June 28, 2014 at 1:18 pmOMG. This looks so good. Thank you for sharing.
Michelle
July 1, 2014 at 8:53 pmShannon, Thank you for checking the pizza post out. Let me know if you make it.
Jasmine P.
June 28, 2014 at 4:21 pmThis looks so yummy! I am definitely going to try it!
Michelle
July 1, 2014 at 8:53 pmJasmine, Let me know when you make it. I’m certain you will love it.
CarriesExpKtchn
October 31, 2014 at 5:55 amThis looks delicious and so easy to make too. I’ll definitely be trying this in the near future. Thank you for sharing the recipe.
Michelle
October 31, 2014 at 10:53 amThank you Carrie. Hope you enjoy it.
Theresa Sutton
August 10, 2015 at 12:00 pmOMG! That looks ridiculously delish! My daughter loves strawberries! She will go over the moon for this. I can’t wait to make this for her. Thanks so much for sharing!
Michelle
August 11, 2015 at 12:27 amThank you Theresa.
Becky @ lovetobeinthekitchen
August 10, 2015 at 12:16 pmThis sounds and looks AMAZING! I love pizza and I love strawberries! Pinning to try later!
Michelle
August 11, 2015 at 12:27 amThank you Becky.