When you think of pizza, bananas might not be the first topping that comes to mind, but trust me, this combination is a game-changer. Inspired by Italian creativity and a love for bold flavors, banana and goat cheese pizza strikes the perfect balance between sweet and savory. It’s a surprising twist that’ll have you rethinking your pizza night lineup.
Goat cheese adds a creamy, tangy richness that pairs beautifully with the natural sweetness of ripe bananas. Toss in a drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of fresh herbs, and you’ve got a dish that’s as elegant as it is delicious. Whether you’re hosting friends or just treating yourself, this pizza is guaranteed to impress.
Banana And Goat Cheese Pizza (Italian) Recipe
When I first started growing bananas, I never imagined they’d star on a pizza like this. But as a banana enthusiast, I’m always experimenting with this versatile fruit, and this unique Banana and Goat Cheese Pizza has become one of my favorites. Let me guide you through creating this sweet-and-savory masterpiece step-by-step.
Ingredients
- 1 pre-made pizza crust (or homemade, about 12 inches)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 medium ripe bananas (sliced into thin rounds)
- 5 ounces goat cheese (crumbled)
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Prep the pizza crust
Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). Place your pizza crust onto a baking sheet or pizza stone for an ideal crispy base. Brush the crust evenly with olive oil to create a golden finish while baking.
- Add goat cheese and mozzarella
Scatter the crumbled goat cheese across the oiled crust, leaving a small border around the edges. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese on top, balancing the creaminess and making the base extra gooey.
- Arrange banana slices
Lay the banana slices over the cheese, ensuring even coverage. As the pizza bakes, the natural sugars in the banana caramelize wonderfully, adding depth to each bite.
- Drizzle with honey and season
Drizzle honey evenly over the bananas for a sweet finish. Then sprinkle the thyme leaves, sea salt, and black pepper. These additions will contrast beautifully with the sweetness of the bananas and honey.
- Bake the pizza
Place the pizza in your preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes or until the crust turns golden and the cheese is melted and bubbling.
- Serve and enjoy
Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for about 2 minutes. Slice it up and serve while still warm. Whether you’re sharing with friends or savoring it on your own, this Banana and Goat Cheese Pizza is a true delight for banana lovers like us.
Ingredients
As a banana lover and someone who grows her own trees, I find that pairing ripe bananas with the right ingredients creates magic. For this Banana and Goat Cheese Pizza, you’ll need a mix of fresh toppings and a solid pizza base to bring it all together.
For The Pizza Dough
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast
- ¾ cup warm water (about 110°F)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
For The Toppings
- 2 medium ripe bananas, sliced into thin rounds
- 4 oz goat cheese, crumbled
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
- ½ tsp sea salt
- ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tsp olive oil for drizzling before baking
Tools And Equipment
As someone passionate about bananas, I always make sure to have the proper tools to bring out their best flavors in my recipes. For this Banana and Goat Cheese Pizza, having the right equipment ensures the process is smooth and enjoyable. Here’s what you’ll need:
Required Tools:
- Pizza Stone or Baking Sheet: A pizza stone gives the crust a beautifully crispy texture, while a baking sheet works well if you don’t have one.
- Mixing Bowls (2): One for mixing the pizza dough, another for prepping toppings like bananas and goat cheese.
- Rolling Pin: To evenly roll out your homemade pizza dough to the perfect thickness.
- Sharp Knife: Essential for slicing bananas into clean, even rounds. It’s great for achieving those consistent slices that bake perfectly.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: A must for accurate measurements of flour, olive oil, and other ingredients in this recipe.
- Pastry Brush: For brushing olive oil onto the pizza crust evenly before layering the toppings.
- Cutting Board: For prepping your bananas and other toppings safely and efficiently.
- Wooden Spoon or Dough Hook: If mixing the dough by hand, a sturdy wooden spoon works wonders. A dough hook is convenient if using a standing mixer.
- Oven Mitts: For safely handling the hot pizza stone or baking sheet.
- Pizza Cutter or Sharp Knife: Perfect for slicing the finished pizza without disturbing the toppings.
These tools are my trusted companions when crafting banana-inspired recipes. They make the preparation smooth and allow the simplicity of the ingredients, especially the bananas, to shine beautifully.
Directions
Prep
- Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If you’re using a pizza stone, place it in the oven while it heats to ensure it’s properly hot.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 ½ cups of all-purpose flour, 1 tsp of salt, 1 tsp of sugar, and 1 packet of active dry yeast. Slowly pour in ¾ cup of warm water and 2 tbsp of olive oil. Stir until the dough begins to come together.
- Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. Cover it with a clean towel and let it rise for 30 minutes in a warm spot.
- While your dough is rising, peel and thinly slice 2 medium ripe bananas. In my experience, the riper the banana, the more naturally sweet your pizza will taste!
- Gather and measure your toppings: crumble 4 oz of goat cheese, shred 1 cup of mozzarella cheese, and set out 2 tbsp of honey, 1 tsp of fresh thyme leaves, ½ tsp of sea salt, and ¼ tsp of freshly ground black pepper.
Assemble
- Once the dough has risen, roll it out on a floured surface to your desired thickness. I like mine thin for a crisp base that really lets the bananas shine.
- Brush the rolled-out dough generously with olive oil, especially along the edges for a golden crust.
- Spread an even layer of mozzarella cheese across the surface, followed by banana slices. I arrange the bananas in slightly overlapping circles for an elegant look.
- Sprinkle the crumbled goat cheese over the banana slices, ensuring all areas are covered.
- Drizzle 2 tbsp of honey over the whole pizza, then lightly scatter the fresh thyme leaves, sea salt, and freshly ground black pepper for that gourmet touch.
Cook
- If using a pizza stone, carefully transfer the prepared pizza onto the preheated stone. Otherwise, place it on a baking sheet and put it in the oven.
- Bake the pizza for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and crispy on the edges and the goat cheese starts to melt and bubble slightly.
- Using oven mitts, remove the pizza from the oven and let it rest for 3-5 minutes. Trust me, this allows the flavors to meld beautifully and ensures the toppings stay put when slicing.
- Slice with a pizza cutter and serve immediately. The warm bananas combined with creamy goat cheese and the aroma of fresh thyme will undoubtedly make this a new favorite!
Make-Ahead Instructions
As a lifelong banana enthusiast and grower, I always look for ways to make my recipes as convenient as possible, even when using fresh bananas! My Banana and Goat Cheese Pizza can easily be prepped ahead of time to simplify the process, especially if you’re hosting or preparing a busy weeknight meal. Here’s how you can do it:
Preparing the Dough in Advance
- Mix and store: After kneading the dough, let it rise as directed. Once risen, punch it down gently and shape it into a ball. Place it in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
- Bring to room temperature: Remove the dough from the fridge 30 minutes before rolling it out. This allows it to soften and makes it easier to shape.
Prepping the Toppings
- Ripe bananas: Slice the bananas just before assembling the pizza for maximum freshness, as sliced bananas can darken over time. If you must slice them earlier, toss the slices lightly in lemon juice to prevent browning. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 hours.
- Goat cheese and mozzarella: Crumble the goat cheese and shred the mozzarella in advance. Store each in separate airtight containers in the fridge until ready to use.
- Herbs and honey: Wash the thyme and pat it dry completely. Store it wrapped in a slightly damp paper towel inside a plastic bag in the fridge. The honey is fine to keep in your pantry or on the counter.
Preassembled Pizza
- Layer and refrigerate: If you want to fully assemble the pizza ahead, carefully roll out the dough, layer the toppings (except the honey and fresh thyme for best results), and cover it lightly with plastic wrap. Keep it in the fridge for up to 6 hours.
- Bake fresh: When ready to bake, let the pizza sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes while the oven preheats. Add the honey drizzle and fresh thyme just before placing it in the oven.
Serving Suggestions
When I think about serving this Banana and Goat Cheese Pizza, I like to focus on enhancing its unique sweet and savory profile. This dish is already stunning, but pairing it with the right accompaniments can elevate the experience. Here are some of my favorite ways to serve and enjoy it:
- As a light appetizer: Slice the pizza into smaller pieces and serve it on a wooden board. I love to garnish the board with extra sprigs of fresh thyme and a small dish of honey for drizzling. Guests always appreciate the interactive experience of adding a little extra sweetness.
- With a fresh green salad: The tangy goat cheese and sweet bananas pair beautifully with a simple salad of arugula, baby spinach, or mixed greens. I usually toss my greens with a light vinaigrette made by whisking olive oil, lemon juice, a touch of mustard, and a dash of salt and pepper.
- For a casual brunch: This pizza makes an excellent centerpiece for brunch. I often place it alongside a spread of fresh fruit, yogurt parfaits, and crusty bread. The combination feels indulgent yet balanced.
- With a refreshing beverage: To drink, I like serving a crisp white wine, sparkling water with lemon, or even a chilled herbal tea. The lightness of the beverage complements the pizza without overpowering its flavors.
- For a cozy night in: This pizza is perfect for a low-key dinner. I enjoy pairing it with a bowl of creamy tomato soup or a roasted vegetable side dish to make the meal more comforting and satisfying.
Conclusion
Banana and goat cheese pizza is such a delightful twist on traditional pizza that it’s bound to surprise and impress. The combination of sweet bananas, tangy goat cheese, and a touch of honey creates a flavor experience that’s both comforting and sophisticated. It’s a dish that feels special yet is so easy to make.
Whether you’re hosting friends, planning a cozy night in, or simply craving something unique, this pizza is a fantastic choice. I hope you’ll give it a try and enjoy every bite of this creative and delicious recipe.
