Short Rib, Caramelized Onion, and Smoked Gouda Pizza Recipe
A deliciously rich and savory pizza featuring tender, slow-cooked bone-in short ribs, sweet caramelized onions, and smoky Gouda cheese on a hand-stretched dough base. Perfect for gourmet pizza lovers seeking a flavorful, hearty meal with fresh herb infusions and homemade pizza sauce.
- Author: nova
- Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus 2½ to 3 hours braising and dough resting time)
- Cook Time: 30 minutes (including braising, caramelizing, and baking)
- Total Time: 3 hours 50 minutes
- Yield: 1 large 10- to 12-inch pizza (serves 2 to 3) 1x
- Category: Pizza
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Short Ribs and Braising Liquid
- 4 teaspoons vegetable oil, divided
- 1 pound bone-in short ribs
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 small head garlic, halved
- 4 cups beef or vegetable stock
- 1 sprig fresh rosemary
- 1 sprig fresh thyme
Caramelized Onions
- 2 cups yellow onion, cut into ¼-inch-thick slices
Pizza Base and Toppings
- 8 to 10 ounces prepared pizza dough (any preferred style), room temperature for at least 1 hour
- Unbleached all-purpose flour, for dusting
- 3 tablespoons Simple Pizza Sauce
- ½ cup shredded smoked Gouda cheese
- 2 tablespoons scallions, white and green parts, sliced on a bias
- Braise the Short Ribs: Heat 2 teaspoons of vegetable oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Season the short ribs with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Add the ribs and halved garlic to the pot, making sure the cut garlic cloves sear on the bottom. Brown the short ribs on all sides until well seared. Add beef or vegetable stock, fresh rosemary, and thyme. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover partially, and simmer gently for 2½ to 3 hours until ribs are tender and beginning to fall off the bone. Remove from heat and let cool completely, then shred the meat and set aside.
- Caramelize Onions: In a medium skillet, heat the remaining 2 teaspoons of vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the sliced yellow onions and sauté for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to avoid burning. Reduce heat to medium-low and continue cooking for an additional 20 to 25 minutes until the onions become richly browned and caramelized. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Preheat the Pizza Oven: Preheat a pizza oven equipped with a pizza stone on the rack to 700°F. This high heat ensures a crisp, golden crust and perfectly melted cheese.
- Prepare the Dough: Stretch the pizza dough into a 10- to 12-inch round, maintaining an even thickness. Transfer the stretched dough to a pizza peel generously dusted with unbleached all-purpose flour to prevent sticking.
- Add Sauce and Toppings: Spread 3 tablespoons of Simple Pizza Sauce evenly over the center of the dough, leaving a 1-inch border for the crust. Sprinkle ½ cup of shredded smoked Gouda evenly over the sauce. Top with the shredded braised short ribs and the caramelized onions for a perfect flavor balance.
- Check and Slide Pizza onto Stone: Gently shake the pizza on the peel to ensure it is not sticking. If it sticks, carefully lift the dough and add more flour underneath. Once free, slide the pizza onto the preheated pizza stone. Set a timer for 5 minutes.
- Bake the Pizza: Bake for 5 minutes at 700°F. When the timer sounds, check for doneness – the crust should be golden and cheese melted. If not yet done, bake for about 1 more minute until perfect.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the pizza from the oven using the peel and slide it onto a cutting board. Garnish with the sliced scallions for a fresh, vibrant finish. Slice and serve immediately.
Notes
- Use bone-in short ribs for the best flavor and tenderness.
- Allow the short ribs to cool before shredding to make handling easier.
- Caramelize onions slowly for a rich, sweet flavor without burning.
- Ensure the pizza dough is at room temperature for easy stretching and better rise.
- Preheat your pizza oven or stone thoroughly to achieve a crisp crust.
- Flour the pizza peel well to prevent dough sticking and tearing.
- Adjust baking time slightly depending on your oven’s performance and pizza thickness.
Keywords: short rib pizza, caramelized onion pizza, smoked gouda pizza, braised short ribs, gourmet pizza recipe