If you are searching for a vibrant and wholesome twist on traditional pizza, this Sweet Potato and Kale Pizza with Balsamic Drizzle Recipe is just what your taste buds need. Imagine a golden, creamy sweet potato spread that pairs beautifully with crisp, lightly sautéed kale and sweet onions, all topped with melty vegan mozzarella. The final touch of a tangy, slightly sweet balsamic drizzle pulls all these flavors together into one unforgettable bite. This pizza isn’t just a meal; it’s a colorful celebration of textures and tastes that will have you reaching for seconds before you know it.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering a few simple, fresh ingredients is key to making this pizza shine. Each component plays an essential role – from the creamy sweetness of the mashed sweet potatoes to the vibrant crunch of kale and the luscious balsamic drizzle that balances every bite.
- Pre-baked gluten free pizza crust: Provides a sturdy, crispy base perfect for holding all the toppings without sogginess.
- Large sweet potato: Mashed into a creamy sauce, it delivers natural sweetness and smooth texture.
- Salt and ground black pepper: Seasonings that enhance the sweetness of the potato and the earthy kale.
- Non-dairy milk: Helps mash the sweet potato into a silky, spreadable consistency without dairy.
- Kale: Offers a fresh, slightly bitter contrast and a satisfying crunch when baked.
- Thinly sliced onion: Adds mild sweetness and aroma to complement the sweet potato base.
- Vegan mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully on top, providing a gooey, comforting finish.
- Balsamic vinegar: Reduced into a rich drizzle that brings a tangy depth of flavor.
- Brown sugar (optional): Balances the acidity of balsamic vinegar for that perfect sweet and tangy harmony.
How to Make Sweet Potato and Kale Pizza with Balsamic Drizzle Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Sweet Potato Sauce
Start by boiling large chunks of peeled sweet potato until they become fork-tender, which usually takes about 12 to 15 minutes. Drain the potatoes well, then mash them with non-dairy milk, salt, and black pepper. The goal is a smooth, creamy spread that will form the flavorful base for your pizza toppings.
Step 2: Pre-Bake the Pizza Crust
If you’re using a fresh or homemade crust, make sure to pre-bake it according to instructions until it’s slightly golden. This step ensures the crust stays crisp when the toppings are added and baked later, avoiding that dreaded soggy bottom.
Step 3: Assemble Your Pizza
Spread the luscious sweet potato mash evenly over your pre-baked crust. Then, layer on the washed and massaged kale, thin slices of onion, and generous amounts of vegan mozzarella. Each ingredient builds layers of flavor and texture, setting the stage for a stunning final bake.
Step 4: Bake the Pizza Until Kale is Crispy
Bake your assembled pizza at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10 minutes. Keep an eye on the kale as it begins to crisp up—that’s when you know your toppings have reached their perfect texture, marrying crispness with gooey cheese.
Step 5: Create the Balsamic Drizzle
While the pizza bakes, prepare the balsamic reduction. Heat balsamic vinegar and brown sugar together until the mixture bubbles, then reduce the heat and simmer for a couple of minutes until it thickens slightly. This drizzle will add a delightful tang and subtle sweetness that enhances every bite of your pizza.
Step 6: Final Touch and Enjoy!
Remove the pizza from the oven and immediately drizzle the glossy balsamic reduction over the top. The contrast between the savory pizza and the sharp, sweet sauce is truly mouthwatering. Slice it up and dig in with pure joy!
How to Serve Sweet Potato and Kale Pizza with Balsamic Drizzle Recipe
Garnishes
Feel free to sprinkle some freshly ground black pepper or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick. A scattering of toasted pine nuts can add an extra layer of crunch and a nutty flavor, lifting the dish beautifully.
Side Dishes
This pizza pairs wonderfully with a crisp, light salad tossed in a citrus vinaigrette or a side of roasted garlic herb potatoes for an extra hearty meal. A chilled glass of sparkling water with a lemon wedge will keep the palate fresh.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving individual slices on rustic wooden boards or vibrant plates to highlight the beautiful colors of the sweet potato and kale. For a fun twist, cut the pizza into small squares and offer as mouthwatering finger food at your next gathering.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers (which might be hard because this pizza is so good), store them in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in foil. Keep refrigerated for up to three days. This way, you can enjoy your Sweet Potato and Kale Pizza with Balsamic Drizzle Recipe anytime without missing out on freshness.
Freezing
To freeze, place pizza slices on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze them individually for about an hour. Once solid, transfer the slices into a freezer-safe bag or container. This method keeps slices separate, so you can pull out just what you need, with a storage life of up to two months.
Reheating
Warm up leftover pizza in a 425 degrees Fahrenheit oven until heated through to maintain crispness and keep the cheese melty. If you’re in a rush, the microwave works too, though it won’t stay quite as crispy. Frozen slices can be reheated from frozen or thawed in the fridge the day before.
FAQs
Can I use a regular pizza crust instead of gluten free?
Absolutely! Whether you choose gluten free or a traditional crust, just make sure it’s pre-baked properly so that it holds all the delicious toppings without getting soggy.
Is there a substitute for vegan mozzarella?
If you don’t have vegan mozzarella on hand, try using nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor or a mild shredded dairy cheese if you aren’t avoiding dairy.
How do I prepare kale so it’s not bitter?
Lightly massaging the kale with a little oil or just your hands breaks down the fibrous texture and reduces bitterness, making it perfect as a pizza topping that crisps up nicely.
Can I make the balsamic drizzle ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the balsamic reduction in advance. Store it in a small jar in the refrigerator and warm slightly before drizzling over your pizza to bring back its smooth consistency.
Is this recipe suitable for vegan diets?
Definitely! This Sweet Potato and Kale Pizza with Balsamic Drizzle Recipe uses vegan cheese and plant-based milk, making it a perfect vegan-friendly dish everyone will love.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like the comforting combination of sweet potatoes, kale, and a luscious balsamic drizzle on a crisp crust. This Sweet Potato and Kale Pizza with Balsamic Drizzle Recipe is easy to prepare, bursting with flavor, and wholesome enough to enjoy any day of the week. Give it a try and watch it become a new favorite in your kitchen, bringing joy to your meals and smiles to your table!
Print
Sweet Potato and Kale Pizza with Balsamic Drizzle Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving
- Category: Pizza
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Sweet Potato and Kale Pizza features a creamy, flavorful sweet potato sauce spread on a gluten-free crust, topped with crispy kale, sautéed onions, and melted vegan mozzarella cheese. Finished with a tangy balsamic drizzle, this delicious plant-based pizza combines nutritious ingredients in an easy-to-make, gluten-free recipe perfect for a wholesome meal.
Ingredients
Pizza Base and Sauce
- 1 pre-baked gluten free pizza crust
- 1 large sweet potato, peeled and chopped into large chunks
- ½ teaspoon salt (3 grams)
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper (1 gram)
- ¼ cup non-dairy milk (60 grams)
Toppings
- 3 cups kale, washed, dried, stems removed and lightly massaged (80 grams)
- ½ medium onion, sliced thinly
- 1 ½ cups vegan mozzarella cheese (160 grams)
Balsamic Drizzle
- ½ cup balsamic vinegar (120 grams)
- 2 teaspoons brown sugar, optional (8 grams)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the pizza.
- Cook Sweet Potato: Bring a pot of water to a boil and add the chopped sweet potato chunks. Boil for 12-15 minutes or until the sweet potatoes are fork tender. Drain well.
- Make Sweet Potato Sauce: Mash the cooked sweet potatoes with non-dairy milk, salt, and pepper until you achieve a smooth, spreadable consistency.
- Assemble Pizza: Spread the sweet potato sauce evenly onto the pre-baked gluten-free pizza crust. Top the sauce-covered base with lightly massaged kale leaves, thinly sliced onions, and vegan mozzarella cheese.
- Bake Pizza: Place the pizza in the oven and bake for 10 minutes or until the kale starts to crisp and the cheese melts.
- Prepare Balsamic Drizzle: While the pizza bakes, combine balsamic vinegar and brown sugar in a small pot over high heat. Bring to a bubble, then reduce to low and simmer for about 2 minutes, stirring frequently until thickened. Remove from heat promptly to avoid hardening.
- Serve: Remove the pizza from the oven and drizzle the balsamic reduction over the top. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- Refrigerator Storage: Store leftover pizza in an airtight container or wrapped in foil for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze pizza slices individually on a parchment-lined baking sheet for 1 hour. Transfer to freezer-safe bags and freeze up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Reheat in a 425ºF oven until warmed through or microwave. Frozen pizza can be reheated directly or thawed in the fridge for faster reheating.