Savory Pumpkin Ricotta Flatbread Pizza

Recipe posted in: Flex Meals & Snacks, Lunches & Dinners, Appetizers, Main Courses
Savory Pumpkin and Ricotta Flatbread Pizza

Fall is here, and with it comes the perfect time to indulge in the rich, comforting flavors of the season. If you’re looking for a unique way to enjoy pumpkin, this Savory Pumpkin Ricotta Flatbread Pizza is a must-try!

Combining creamy ricotta cheese, savory pumpkin puree, caramelized onions and melted gruyere, this dish brings a deliciously creative twist to traditional pizza. Not only does it satisfy your pizza cravings, but it’s also a healthier option that fits perfectly into a balanced diet.

Whether you’re serving it as a weeknight dinner or as an appetizer for your next gathering, this pumpkin flatbread will quickly become a fall favorite.

A Nutritious Take on Pizza

This isn’t your ordinary pizza. With a base of whole grains and a flavorful combination of pumpkin and ricotta, this flatbread pizza is packed with nutrients. Pumpkin is a fall superfood loaded with vitamins A and C, which are great for your skin and immune system. Meanwhile, ricotta cheese provides a protein boost without adding too much fat, making it a lighter choice than many traditional pizza toppings.

The mix of pumpkin and ricotta also creates a creamy pumpkin pizza sauce that’s slightly sweet and savory, pairing perfectly with the other toppings. Adding caramelized onions brings a deep, rich flavor, while fresh thyme and sage give this pizza a fragrant, earthy aroma.

How to Make Savory Pumpkin Ricotta Flatbread Pizza

Making this pumpkin and ricotta pizza is incredibly simple, and it only takes a few steps. Here’s a quick breakdown of how to whip up this fall-inspired dish:

  1. Caramelize the onions: First, thinly slice a sweet onion and sauté it in a little canola oil until it’s golden and caramelized. This can take around 10 to 15 minutes, but the result is well worth the wait.
  2. Prepare the pumpkin pizza sauce: In a bowl, mix together part-skim ricotta cheese, pumpkin puree, minced garlic and fresh thyme. This combination creates a rich, velvety base that you’ll spread across your flatbread.
  3. Assemble the flatbread: Spread the pumpkin and ricotta mixture evenly across whole grain flatbreads (you can use Flatout Flatbreads or a lavash wrap). Then top with shredded gruyere cheese and those sweet, caramelized onions.
  4. Bake to perfection: Pop the flatbreads into a preheated 400-degree oven and bake for just a few minutes, until the cheese melts and the flatbread crisps up. Garnish with fresh sage leaves before serving.

Nutritional Breakdown and Health Benefits

One serving of this Savory Pumpkin Ricotta Flatbread Pizza comes in at just 292 calories, making it a satisfying yet guilt-free option. Each serving counts as one SmartCarb, two PowerFuels and half of a Vegetable on Nutrisystem, making it a balanced meal that fits into most meal plans.

Pumpkin is a powerhouse ingredient, rich in fiber and low in calories, which helps to keep you feeling full longer. It’s also a great source of beta-carotene, which converts to vitamin A in the body and supports healthy vision, immune function and skin health.

Ricotta cheese, particularly when using part-skim, offers a lower-fat option that’s still rich in protein. Gruyere adds depth and a sharp, nutty flavor without overwhelming the dish.

Serving Suggestions

This savory pumpkin flatbread is versatile enough to be served as a light lunch, dinner or even as an appetizer at your next fall gathering. Pair it with a simple seasonal side salad for a more complete meal—think arugula, dried cranberries and a light vinaigrette that complements the earthy flavors of the pizza.

For something heartier, serve it alongside a bowl of creamy butternut squash soup or roasted root vegetables.

Ways to Customize Your Pumpkin Flatbread

One of the best things about this pumpkin ricotta flatbread pizza recipe is how easy it is to customize. If you want to switch things up, here are a few ideas:

  • Add protein: While this flatbread is already loaded with PowerFuels, adding some protein can make it even more filling. Try adding grilled chicken, turkey sausage or crumbled bacon for extra flavor and texture.
  • Go vegetarian: If you’re keeping it meatless, you can add even more veggie toppings like roasted red peppers, mushrooms or spinach. These will enhance the nutritional value and make it even heartier.
  • Swap the cheese: If you’re not a fan of gruyere, feel free to substitute with other cheeses like mozzarella, goat cheese, feta or even a sprinkle of parmesan for a different flavor profile.
  • Make it gluten-free: Simply swap out the whole grain flatbread for a gluten-free option, and you can easily enjoy this flatbread if you’re following a gluten-free diet.

A Perfect Fall Dish

This Savory Pumpkin Ricotta Flatbread Pizza truly embodies the best flavors of fall. It’s a delicious and healthier alternative to traditional pizza, with a unique blend of seasonal ingredients that are both nutritious and satisfying. Whether you’re a pumpkin lover or just looking to try something new, this recipe is sure to impress.

From its creamy pumpkin pizza sauce to its crispy flatbread crust, every bite offers a delightful mix of textures and flavors that will have you coming back for more. So, fire up your oven, gather your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy this warm and comforting fall dish!

Servings: 4

Calories per Serving: 292

On Nutrisystem, Count As: 1 SmartCarb, 2 PowerFuels and ½ Vegetable

Ingredients:

  • 1 Tbsp. canola oil
  • 1 large sweet onion, sliced thin
  • ¾ cup ricotta cheese, part skim
  • ¾ cup pumpkin puree
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp. fresh thyme
  • 2 whole grain flatbreads (i.e., 2 Flatout Flatbreads or 1 lavash wrap)
  • 1 cup gruyere cheese
  • Fresh sage leaves, for garnish

Directions:

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
  2. Heat canola oil in a pan set to medium heat. Once hot, add the onions and cook for 7-15 minutes, until onions are caramelized.
  3. In a bowl, combine ricotta, pumpkin puree, garlic and thyme.
  4. Spread the ricotta mixture on to each flatbread. Top with gruyere cheese and caramelized onions. Sprinkle sage on top.
  5. Bake for a few minutes, until cheese has melted.
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