Pear Pizza with Fried Sage Recipe

This Pear Pizza with Fried Sage is a delightful twist on a classic, blending sweet and savory in every bite. Juicy, caramelized pears pair perfectly with creamy cheese, while crispy fried sage adds an earthy, aromatic crunch. In just under 30 minutes, you’ll have a dish that’s as elegant as it is comforting, ideal for a cozy dinner or a unique appetizer.

The combination of soft, gooey cheese, tender pears, and golden, crispy crust creates a symphony of textures and flavors. Each slice offers a balance of richness and freshness, making it a crowd-pleaser for any occasion. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, this recipe is simple yet impressive, promising a meal that’s both satisfying and memorable.

Ingredients for Pear Pizza with Fried Sage

• Pizza dough, rolled thin
• Olive oil (about 2-3 tbsp, with some minced garlic)
• 1 almost ripe pear, thinly sliced (about ⅛ inch)
• ⅓ cup (or more), grated pecorino cheese
• 1 ball of fresh mozzarella, sliced
• Part of a red onion, thinly sliced
• ¼ cup good feta cheese, crumbled
• ¼ cup pine nuts
• Handful of arugula
• Sage leaves, fried (about 8-10 leaves)
• Salt, to taste
• Optional: A few pinches of red pepper flakes
• Optional: Drizzle of honey

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C).
2. Prepare the pizza dough: Brush the rolled-out dough with olive oil mixed with minced garlic and a pinch of salt. Evenly sprinkle the grated pecorino cheese over the dough.
3. Layer the toppings: Near the edge of the dough, place a layer of pear slices in a circle. Slightly overlap the pear layer with a circle of sliced mozzarella, then another circle of pears, and so on. Top with red onion slices, crumbled feta, and pine nuts. Drizzle with a bit more olive oil and sprinkle with salt.
4. Bake the pizza: Place the pizza in the preheated oven and bake until the crust is browned and the cheese is bubbly (about 8-10 minutes, depending on the thickness of your dough).
5. Fry the sage leaves: While the pizza is baking, heat a small skillet with about an inch of oil over medium heat. Test the oil by tossing in one sage leaf—if it bubbles as it hits the oil, it’s ready. Fry the sage leaves for about 5 seconds each, then remove and place them on a paper towel to cool.
6. Finish the pizza: Once the pizza is out of the oven, top it with arugula and the fried sage leaves. Optional: Add a few pinches of red pepper flakes and a drizzle of honey for extra flavor.
7. Serve and enjoy! Slice the pizza and serve immediately while warm.

Perfect Pairings: Sauce and Topping Ideas

While this pear pizza is delicious as-is, you can elevate it further with a drizzle of balsamic glaze or a light smear of fig jam on the crust before adding toppings. For a creamier twist, swap the olive oil base for a thin layer of ricotta or goat cheese. If you’re feeling adventurous, add prosciutto or pancetta for a salty contrast to the sweet pears.

Serve It Right: Presentation and Pairings

Slice this pizza into small wedges for an elegant appetizer or larger portions for a main course. Pair it with a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or a light salad with a lemon vinaigrette. For a cozy meal, serve alongside a bowl of butternut squash soup or a charcuterie board with complementary flavors like walnuts and blue cheese.

Time-Saving Tips for Busy Cooks

Use store-bought pizza dough to save time, or prep your dough ahead and freeze it. Slice the pears and red onion in advance and store them in an airtight container with a squeeze of lemon juice to prevent browning. Fry the sage leaves while the pizza bakes to multitask efficiently.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, place the pizza on a baking sheet in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes to maintain crispiness. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the crust soggy. If the arugula wilts, simply add fresh greens after reheating.

Recipe Variations to Try

Swap pears for thinly sliced apples or figs for a different fruity twist. Replace pecorino with Parmesan or Asiago for a similar nutty flavor. For a vegan version, use dairy-free cheese and skip the honey. Experiment with different nuts like walnuts or pistachios for added crunch.

Pear Pizza with Fried Sage

Amy

This Pear Pizza with Fried Sage is a delightful twist on a classic, blending sweet and savory in every bite. In just under 30 minutes, you’ll have a dish that’s as elegant as it is comforting, ideal for a cozy dinner or a unique appetizer.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Servings 2

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• pizza dough, rolled thin
• olive oil with some minced garlic
• 1 almost ripe pear, thinly sliced (about ⅛ inch)
• ⅓ cup grated pecorino or more
• 1 ball fresh mozzarella, sliced
• part of a red onion, thinly sliced
• ¼ cup good feta cheese
• ¼ cup pine nuts
• handful of arugula
• sage leaves, fried
• salt
• optional: a few pinches of red pepper flakes
• optional: drizzle of honey

Instructions

 

• Brush pizza dough with olive oil, garlic and a bit of salt.
• Evenly sprinkle with grated pecorino.
• Near the edge, place a layer of pears in a circle, then slightly overlap the pear layer with a circle of sliced mozzarella, then another circle of pears, etc.
• Top with red onion slices, crumbled feta and pine nuts.
• Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle on a few pinches of salt.
• Cook until browned and bubbly (timing will depend on your dough – mine was very thin – I cooked my pizza at 450 for about 8-10 minutes.
• Meanwhile fry your sage. Heat a small skillet with about an inch of oil. Toss one sage leaf in to test if your oil is hot enough (if it bubbles as it hits the oil). Fry sage leaves for about 5 seconds each. Remove place on a paper towel to cool.
• Remove pizza from the oven and top with arugula and sage leaves.
• Optional – add a few pinches of red pepper flakes and a drizzle of honey.

Keyword fried sage, fruit topping, gourmet pizza, pear pizza, savory dessert

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!