Perfect Your Pizza: Gerry Vance’s “Caramelized Onions and Candied Bacon”

My inspiration for this pizza is my husband’s love for my candied bacon, and my Italian heritage love of cooking. Pizza is the perfect way to be creative because the possibilities for toppings are endless. The intense flavor of caramelized onions is a great combination with the sweetness of the bacon for an extra layer of goodness.

I have watched the Godfather a million times, and even though I love cannoli, I love pizza more. My pizza paired with Coppola Rose is a perfect match. Please enjoy.

Pairs With

2022

Diamond Collection Rosé

Elegant on the palate and featuring flavors of roses, matcha and currants with a crisp natural acidity.

Price

$18.00

Member Price

$16.20

Diamond Collection Rosé quantity

Add to cart

Ingredients for Pizza Crust:

• 1-3/4 to 2-1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 envelope Rapid Rise Instant Yeast ¼ oz.
• 1-1/2 teaspoons sugar
• 2/3 cup very warm water
• 3 Tablespoons Vegetable Oil

Ingredients for Pizza:

• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan Cheese
• 2 Tablespoons chopped fresh Oregano
• 3 medium Shallots-sliced thin
• 1 cup plus 3 Tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 pound bacon
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon Chile powder
• 1/4 cup julienne sundried tomatoes packed in oil, drained and diced
• 1/4 cup Pepperoncini sliced thin
• 1 cup shaved Parmesan Cheese
• 6 ounces crumbled goat cheese

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
2. Place the sliced shallots in a pan with 3 Tablespoons olive oil. Cook on medium high for about 20 minutes. Stir occasionally until shallots are deep brown in color. Set aside.
3. For candied bacon, combine the brown sugar and Chile then coat the bacon with the mixture. Place the bacon on a wire rack placed over a foil lined sheet pan. Put in oven and cook for about 20 minutes until the bacon becomes crispy. Increase the oven temperature to 425 F when bacon is done.
4. Make the pizza crust while the onions and bacon cook. Combine 1 cup flour, yeast, and sugar and salt in a large bowl. Add very warm water and oil and mix well. Add enough remaining flour to make a soft dough. Knead on a floured surface until smooth about 4 minutes. Rest dough for about 10 minutes. Pat dough with floured hands on a lightly greased pizza pan to a 10-inch diameter. Form a rim by pinching the edge of the dough.
5. Combine 1 cup olive oil, minced garlic, ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese and oregano. Brush on pizza dough. Place in 425-degree F oven for 14 minutes.
6. Remove cooked dough from oven; add sundried tomatoes, Pepperoncini, caramelized onions, candied bacon, goat cheese and Parmesan cheese. Place in oven for about 5minutes, until the cheese has melted.
7. Pair with Diamond Collection Rosé and enjoy.