Roasted Brussels Sprout and Red Cabbage Pizza

Up until about five years ago, I was a self-professed Brussels sprout hater. Where this came from, I have no idea. I’m pretty sure my parents never even attempted to give me Brussels sprouts, and I have no recollection of really ever giving them a try. Yet, I was adamant about my dislike. Which just seems downright silly now. My husband finally convinced me to give them a whirl, and let’s just say that I’ve been making up for lost time ever since.

My go-to method for preparing Brussels sprouts is to simply roast them in the oven with a little bit of olive oil and honey, which is what I used as the base for this pizza. The slight sweetness from the honey balances out the Brussels sprouts perfectly, along with a little garlic and red pepper flakes for a hint of heat.

In addition to the roasted Brussels sprouts, you’ll also add some shredded red cabbage for a pop of gorgeous color and some toasted walnuts for some crunch. Classic, mellow mozzarella ties it all together and doesn’t overpower the flavors from the toppings.

When the pizza bakes, the high temperature of the oven gives the Brussels sprouts a bit of char on the outer leafy layer, leaving them a touch crispy, while also sort of caramelizing the sliced surfaces. Finish the pizza off with a sprinkle of lemon zest to brighten it all up, making for one fantastic seasonal fall meal.

Roasted Brussels Sprout and Red Cabbage Pizza

Honey-roasted Brussels sprouts, shredded red cabbage and toasted walnuts make the perfect toppings for this fall-inspired pizza.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 to 6 servings

Ingredients

For the roasted Brussels sprouts:

• 1/2 pound Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved lengthwise
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• Pinch of red pepper flakes, or more to taste

For the pizza:

• 1 pound refrigerated pizza dough
• Cornmeal (for dusting)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 1/4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
• 3/4 cup shredded red cabbage
• 1/4 cup chopped toasted walnuts      
• Zest of 1 lemon, for garnish

Instructions

Roast the Brussels sprouts:

1. Preheat the oven to 400ºF.
2. Add the Brussels sprouts to a rimmed baking sheet. Drizzle with the olive oil, honey, garlic, salt and red pepper flakes. Toss to combine. Bake for about 12 to 15 minutes, stirring once halfway through, until tender. Set aside to cool slightly.

Make the pizza:

1. Increase the oven temperature to 500ºF. If you have a pizza stone, place it (carefully!) in the oven to heat up.
2. Meanwhile, on a well-floured surface, roll out and shape the pizza dough and then transfer it to a piece of parchment that has been lightly dusted with cornmeal. Brush the dough with the olive oil. Top with 1 cup of the mozzarella. Next, add the cabbage, walnuts, roasted Brussels sprouts and finally the remaining 1/4 cup of the mozzarella cheese.
3. Transfer to the oven (put the parchment paper with the pizza directly on the hot pizza stone; if you don’t have a pizza stone, set the parchment on a large baking sheet instead). Bake the pizza until the crust is golden brown, 10-13 minutes. Sprinkle with the lemon zest and cut into slices, then serve.