This Pear Pizza Recipe is a summer favorite that strikes the perfect balance between savory flavors and the natural sweetness of the pear. Caramelized onions add slow-cooked richness, while creamy Brie brings a mellow, melty finish. It’s the kind of pizza you’ll crave on a warm summer evening, especially when pears are in season and you’re putting together a pizza night with friends. Served alongside classic pizzas, this pear pizza recipe rounds out the table with elegance and a little something different.
I used to work at an Italian restaurant that made a pear and Brie pizza so good I still think about it every year when pear season rolls around. It was the perfect mix of savory and sweet, like a nod to those French cheese courses served after dinner but before dessert. Just three toppings, but somehow full of layered, unexpected flavor. This version brings all of that back: the rich caramelized onions, the mellow Brie, and the ripe pear all working together in a way that feels elegant but easy. It’s the kind of thing I want to eat with a cold glass of rosé on a warm summer night, when dinner lingers into the evening.
If you’re looking for other pizzas to add to your lineup, try our Classic Margherita Pizza, simple, fresh, and always a crowd-pleaser.
Why You’ll Love This Pear Pizza Recipe
- A unique twist on traditional pizza – This pear pizza brings a fresh, unexpected flavor that elevates any pizza night.
- Great for entertaining – It pairs beautifully with a chilled glass of rosé and adds something special to your spread.
- Just 5 ingredients – Simple, straightforward, and perfect for when you want an easy yet impressive homemade pizza.
- Perfect summer pizza – Especially delicious when pears are in season, making it a light and fresh choice for warm evenings.
Ingredients (and easy swaps)
- Yellow onions: Thinly sliced and slowly caramelized to bring out their natural sweetness. If you want a slightly sharper flavor and a pop of color, try using red onion instead, they caramelize beautifully, too.
- Extra virgin olive oil: You can swap in avocado oil or a mild vegetable oil if you don’t have olive oil on hand.
- Salt: Just a pinch to enhance the flavors—feel free to use sea salt or kosher salt.
- Bartlett pears: Look for fresh pears that are just slightly soft to the touch for the best sweetness and texture. If Bartletts aren’t in season, Bosc pears make a great alternative with a firmer bite.
- Brie cheese: Creamy and mellow, Brie melts beautifully on the pizza. Camembert or a mild goat cheese would work well as substitutes. If you want to be bold, try swapping in Gorgonzola cheese or even blue cheese for a sharper, more intense flavor.
- Pizza dough: Use your favorite store-bought or homemade pizza dough. For a gluten-free option, look for a gluten-free pizza crust or flatbread.
How to Make This Pear Pizza Recipe with Caramelized Onions and Brie
Caramelize onions: Heat 1½ tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sliced onions and cook until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add a pinch of salt, lower heat to medium-low, and cook, stirring every few minutes, until golden and sweet, about 45–60 minutes. Reduce to low heat if they brown too fast.
Shape dough – Preheat oven to 500℉ and place a rack in the lower third. Working on a lightly floured surface, stretch or roll dough to fit a 12-inch pizza pan. Place dough on pan and brush with remaining ½ tablespoon olive oil.
Spread caramelized onions – Evenly spread the onions over the dough.
Place pears – Arrange sliced pears evenly on top. Ensure the pizza is evenly covered so their are pear slices on every piece.
Place Brie – Scatter Brie pieces over the pizza.
Bake – Bake for 8–10 minutes, until crust is golden brown and cheese is melted. Serve immediately.
Expert Tips and FAQ for Making the Best Pear Pizza
What type of pizza dough can I use?
Any pizza dough you love will work for this pear pizza recipe, homemade or store-bought. Classic thin crust dough gives you a crisp, chewy base that lets the toppings shine. For a shortcut, pick up fresh dough from your local grocery store or bakery. This recipe makes either one 12-inch pizza or two 9-inch pizzas. It also works well with thin crust, flatbread, or gluten-free dough. Just keep an eye on bake time if your crust is thinner or thicker than standard.
Caramelize onions low and slow.
The onions should be soft, sweet, and golden, not dark or crisp. Stir often, and lower the heat if they start browning too fast. Patience here pays off in flavor, so take your time and don’t rush the onions.
How do I get the crust to bake up golden and crisp?
The key is a hot oven, 500℉ is ideal. The next best thing is placing your pizza on the bottom rack of the oven which will also help create a crisp crust. Brush the dough lightly with olive oil before topping, and don’t overload it with ingredients, which can make the crust soggy.
What other toppings can I use on this pear pizza?
This pear pizza recipe keeps things simple with Brie, caramelized onions, and pears, but it’s easy to dress this delicious combo. For a savory twist, add thin slices of salty prosciutto after baking. Fried sage of fresh thyme also pair beautifully with the sweet and creamy elements. If you want to experiment with cheese, try Gorgonzola or blue cheese for a bolder bite, or goat cheese for a tangy finish. Drizzling with a balsamic reduction can also add a nice visual element.
How should I store and reheat leftovers?
If you have leftovers (lucky you), store them in an airtight container in the fridge. To reheat, skip the microwave and use a skillet over medium heat or a 375℉ oven for 5–7 minutes—this keeps the crust crisp and the cheese melty.
Pear Pizza Recipe with Caramelized Onions and Brie
Equipment
- pizza tray
Ingredients
- 2 medium yellow onions thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil divided
- 1 pinch salt
- 2 bartlett pears sliced into ¼ inch thick slices
- ½ cup brie cheese sliced into bite sized pieces
- 1 portion pizza dough
Instructions
- Caramelize Onions: Heat a medium cast iron pan over medium heat. Add 1½ tablespoons of the olive oil and the sliced onions. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions begin to soften and turn translucent. Sprinkle in a good pinch of salt, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Continue cooking for 45–60 minutes, stirring every few minutes, until the onions are soft and golden. Adjust the heat to low if they start to darken too quickly, you’re aiming for a mellow golden yellow, not deep brown.
- Preheat: Set your oven to 500℉ and place a rack in the lower third.
- Shape Pizza Dough: Stretch or roll your pizza dough to fit a 12-inch pizza pan. Transfer the dough to the pan, then brush the surface with the remaining ½ tablespoon of olive oil.
- Top Pizza: Spread the caramelized onions evenly across the dough. Arrange the pear slices on top, spacing them out so each bite gets a little fruit. Finally, spread the sliced brie over top of everything.
- Bake: Bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the crust is golden and crisp and the cheese is melty. Serve right away.
Sounded weird but was actually really delicious, will make this again
Really Good