This pear and Gorgonzola pizza is a delicious and easy way to enjoy two of our favorite fall flavors. The combination of sweet pears, salty Gorgonzola, and crunchy walnuts is irresistible, and the pizza is finished with a drizzle of honey for a touch of sweetness. Roasted pears were traditionally served over Gorgonzola in Lombardy, in northern Italy, a European culinary practice that migrated to America when waves of Italian immigrants arrived in the early 1900s. What began as a rustic dish of wilted greens topped by slices of ripe pear and pungent Gorgonzola has evolved into a modern pizza, showcasing the dynamic relationship between the mellow, nutty flavor of the cheese and the soft sweetness of the fruit.
The history of pear and Gorgonzola pizza is a long and winding one, dating back to the Middle Ages. In the 12th century, Benedictine monks in the Po Valley of Italy began making a cheese from cow's milk that they called Gorgonzola. The cheese was named after the town of Gorgonzola, where it was first produced. Gorgonzola is a blue cheese, and it has a strong, pungent flavor. In the 16th century, pears were introduced to Italy from France. Pears are a sweet, juicy fruit, and they quickly became popular in Italy. In the 18th century, someone had the brilliant idea to combine Gorgonzola cheese and pears on a pizza. The result was a delicious and unique dish that has become a favorite of food lovers around the world.
Prep time: 15 | Cook time: 12 | Serves: 4
Ingredients
1 pre-made pizza crust
1/2 cup pizza sauce
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup gorgonzola cheese
1 pear, thinly sliced
1/4 cup chopped walnuts
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Preheat oven to 450 degrees F (230 degrees C).
Spread pizza sauce over the pizza crust.
Sprinkle mozzarella cheese over the pizza sauce.
Arrange pear slices and gorgonzola cheese over the mozzarella cheese.
Sprinkle with walnuts and parsley.
Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the crust is golden brown.
Remove from oven and let cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Why It Works
The combination of sweet pears, salty Gorgonzola, and crunchy walnuts is irresistible.
The honey drizzle adds a touch of sweetness that balances out the strong flavors of the cheese and pears.
The pizza is easy to make and can be ready in under 30 minutes.