Ontario Apple, Caramelized Onion and White Cheddar Pizza

Frozen puff pastry makes this elegant crowd pleaser as easy as (pizza) pie! You'll love the flavour compliments of sweet Ontario apples, mellow caramelized onions, tangy aged cheddar and fresh thyme. Cut into small squares for an appetizer, or serve with a crisp green salad for a light lunch.

Makes 4 to 6 servings.

Chef Tip: The white cheddar can also be substituted with an equal amount of Gruyère or Smoked Applewood cheddar.

Variety Tip: *For best results use a mix of Ambrosia or Gala with Crispin, Empire or Russet apples.

Ingredients

2 tbsp butter 30 mL
2 onions, sliced into 1/4 (6 mm) rounds 2
2 apples, Cored and sliced into wedges* 2
1/4 tsp each salt and pepper 1 mL
1 tbsp cider vinegar 15 mL
1/2 pkg. frozen puff pastry (1 sheet), thawed 1/2
1/2 cup shredded aged white cheddar cheese 125 mL
1 tbsp chopped fresh thyme 15 mL

Directions

 

Before you begin: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).

Melt butter in large heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Cook onions until caramelized and softened, stirring occasionally, about 15 minutes. Stir in apple wedges and cook 5 minutes longer (apples will be firm and a light golden colour). Season with salt, pepper and vinegar. Let cool slightly.

Roll puff pastry into a flat 10-inch (25 cm) square. Cut a 1/2-inch (1 cm) strip from each side. Brush the edges of the remaining pastry square with water and arrange strips on top, trimming, to form a border (or pizza crust) on all four sides. Using fork, prick bottom of pastry all over.  Arrange onion and apple mixture inside border. Sprinkle with cheddar and thyme.

Bake in the centre of preheated oven until pastry is puffed and golden and cheddar is melted and bubbly, about 20 to 25 minutes. Let cool 5 minutes before slicing into squares. Serve warm or at room temperature.

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