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Ultra-Thin-Crust Pizza with Onions, Mushrooms, and Ricotta

Ultra-Thin-Crust Pizza with Onions, Mushrooms, and Ricotta

When I first encountered a recipe for a thin-crust pizza using a flour tortilla as a base I was indignant. "That's not a pizza! That's a quesadilla!" But I soon got over my ire. This approach is actually rather brilliant, a great example of borrowing from one cuisine to expand another. The recipe for this thin-crust pizza is inspired by one I found in Everyday Food magazine. The trick is to keep the toppings thin and light, otherwise the crust will end up being soggy. It really helps to use a pizza stone; the pizza will cook up faster and crisper. I've included directions for both using a stone and not.

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Ultra-Thin-Crust Pizza with Onions, Mushrooms, and Ricotta Recipe

Ingredients

  • Olive oil
  • 1 small red onion, halved and thinly sliced
  • Pinch of sugar
  • 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
  • 2 large flour tortillas (sandwich wraps)
  • 1 cup shredded Asiago cheese (about 2 ounces)
  • 2/3 cup ricotta cheese
  • 6 button or cremini mushrooms, trimmed and thinly sliced
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

Equipment needed:
It really helps to have a baking stone and a pizza peel. If not, you'll use a rimmed baking sheet with some parchment paper.

Method

1a If you are using a baking stone, place the stone on top of the middle rack in the oven. Preheat the oven to 450°F. Allow the oven to stay at 450°F for at least 15 minutes before cooking, to thoroughly heat up the stone.

1b If you are NOT using a baking stone, place racks in the upper and lower thirds of the oven. Preheat the oven to 450°F.

ultra-thin-pizza-1.jpg
2 Heat 1 Tbsp olive oil in a small sauté pan on medium hight heat. Add the sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions begin to soften. Add a pinch of sugar and the balsamic vinegar, cook for a few more minutes until the onions are thoroughly softened and translucent. Remove from heat.

3a If you are using a baking stone, sprinkle some corn meal on your pizza peel and place one tortilla on top of the pizza peel. (If you don't have a pizza peel, you can use a rimless baking sheet.) Thoroughly brush the top of the tortilla with olive oil.

3b If you are not using a baking stone, line two rimmed baking sheets with parchment paper and brush with olive oil. Place a tortilla on each baking sheet and brush each with olive oil.

ultra-thin-pizza-2.jpg
4 Sprinkle each tortilla with half a cup of shredded Asiago cheese. Add bits of ricotta cheese, 1/3 cup for each tortilla. Sprinkle with mushrooms and with the slightly caramelized onions. Sprinkle with a little salt and pepper.

5a If you are using a baking stone, and can fit both pizzas on the stone (it depends on the size of your tortilla) do it. Use the pizza peel to transfer the pizzas to the stone in the oven. If your tortillas are large, you'll need to cook them one at a time. But that's okay. Cooking on the stone goes very quickly. Bake the pizzas until the crust is crisp and very brown - 5-7 minutes using the baking stone. Cut with a pizza cutter or a knife.

5b If you are using baking sheets, place the baking sheets in the oven. Bake until the crust is crisp and brown all over (the time varies, depending on the oven and if your cookie sheet has already been heated, start with 10 minutes and check), rotating the sheets to ensure even baking. Cut with a pizza cutter or a knife.

Each pizza serves 1-2, depending on how hungry you are.

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46 Comments

Have you seen the "flatouts"? If not, they are sandwhich wraps that come in different flavors. They have a recipe on the back of their label for making pizzas. I haven't tried them yet, but they look good! They have an Italian flavored bread that just smells delicious and tastes the same! Wonder what that would be like as a "pizza"?!

Posted by: Lisa Simons on May 31, 2007 12:20 AM

This is perfect for us since while I love a thick bread-y crust, you cannot make a pizza crust thin enough for my husband! I will have to give this a try!

Posted by: Deborah Dowd on May 31, 2007 3:30 AM

I've made pizza using a similar method with low carb 100% whole wheat flour tortillas and it turned out very well. I think I need a pizza stone though. I can tell that would make it even better! Great recipe.

Posted by: Kalyn on May 31, 2007 4:27 AM

I have done tortilla pizzas before (and pita bread as well) but never thought to put it on my baking stone. I'll definitely have to try that next go.

And the method described for the onions sounds fantastic! This is definitely going on my "must try" list!

Posted by: Amie on May 31, 2007 5:15 AM

How funny! I just made pizza last night on tortillas! I had never heard of it before and was a little skeptical but it came out really good (and it is really quick).

Posted by: Dana on May 31, 2007 5:20 AM

Elise, most pizzas here in Sao Paulo are made with a very thin crust, too - pizza dough is used and rolled very thin. :)

Posted by: Patricia Scarpin on May 31, 2007 5:50 AM

I adore this approach. There used to be a place right across the street from my office that would make these "pizzas" airy and thin (with sauteed wild mushrooms, if you asked). They were fantastically light and healthful, and I've missed them since the place closed. Time to try it at home! Thanks for the reminder.

Posted by: deb on May 31, 2007 6:15 AM

This sounds wonderful! It's like the pizza I get at a local sub sandwich place in the Boston area when I visit my sister. They make the pizzas on Syrian bread, which is like a thin pita. Ultra thin and ultra crispy! I'll definitely try this soon.

Posted by: Cheryl on May 31, 2007 6:17 AM

Oooooh! This looks tasty, and I'm gonna be getting some large tortillas this week for quesadillas anyway. Thanks for the great idea Elise!

Posted by: Jerry on May 31, 2007 7:01 AM

Oh YUM! This is on my list to make. Thank you so much for the recipe.
~Jody

Posted by: Jody on May 31, 2007 7:45 AM

I used to sell "Pizzadillas" in my little carryout/catering shop. They were folded and cooked on a flat top with traditional pizza sauce, cheese, pepperoni, etc. but they were a good change from standard sandwich/deli offerings. I too thank you for the reminder!

Posted by: Cary on May 31, 2007 8:21 AM

Reminds me a little of a Navajo Taco. Borrows from one cuisine to use with another. Sounds deliciuos. Can't wait to try it.

Posted by: Nancy on May 31, 2007 9:13 AM

I have never thought of using tortillas for pizza - what a great idea! This would make such and easy, fast meal (which I am always on the look out for!!)

Posted by: Deborah on May 31, 2007 10:41 AM

Not a pizza fan at all. I find them too heavy. This, however, totally appeals to me. My partner is going to love you if this recipe converts me to pizzas!

Posted by: Wendy on May 31, 2007 12:24 PM

We've been doing this for years. I use tomato paste for the sauce for a more traditional pizza. During the summer, when it's just way too hot to turn on the oven, I use the toaster oven to make them.
We can only do one at a time but that's fine.

AG

Posted by: AG Wright on May 31, 2007 12:58 PM

Where's the Sauce! :) I'm curious, since the olive oil seems to be sort of oven frying the tortilla as it bakes to get that crunchy texture, what would smearing some tomato sauce on top of it and making a more traditional mozzarella / pepperoni / sausage type pizza do? would it just get soggy?

Posted by: DSX on May 31, 2007 1:53 PM

I've done pizza on pita bread...cooked on the grill. They turned out great.

Posted by: brian on May 31, 2007 3:35 PM

Oh this is so delish and SO simple to make! I made these for my family tonight and they were a complete hit! We added browned ground beef and used mozerella cheese (not fond of ricotta). My young men wanted tomato sauce on theirs and it didn't sog up the crust at all. These are definitely a "do again" at our house.
Thanks for sharing!
~Jody

Posted by: Jody on May 31, 2007 5:40 PM

Howdy---To me, super thin, crusty pizza is one of the elements of the perfect universe. I'm from New York and this type of pizza is easy to find. Anyhow, thanks for a great blog! Chef JP

Posted by: Chef JP on May 31, 2007 6:09 PM

That looks too good to pass up. :) Thanks for waking up and thinking "What am I going to cook today?" - and then for sharing it with us!!!

Posted by: Sprittibee on May 31, 2007 10:04 PM

I've used this idea for years at birthday parties. For parties, we use small tortillas and let each child build their own pizza. Toppings set out in small dishes make it easy for everyone to get what they want. Great for those who don't eat meat or only like cheese and sauce. The ingredients can all be prepared ahead of time, and it keeps the the kids busy during the party.

Posted by: Canajun Gurl on June 1, 2007 4:47 AM

I posted a recipe for tortilla "pizzas" in your comments section on pbj tortilla sandwiches! LOL! I guess great minds think alike! :)

My hubby and I've been doing this for years, and the toppings are truly endless! Once you start - its easy to let your creative side take over!

Instead of pizza sauce, try artichoke tapenade, tomatillo salsa, bechamel~~!! Its amazing how good these are and how versatile.

Posted by: Heather on June 1, 2007 8:11 AM

What a great idea! I have always thought that pizza bases were rather stodgy and detracted the attention from the toppings. I have this recipe for Armenian lavash and I'll probably give it a Georgian topping with a walnut based sauce.

Your blog never disappoints! Take care.

Posted by: faustianbargain on June 1, 2007 1:16 PM

Looks great, love the combination of toppings.

This reminds me of pizza I had in Paris. We went to this restaurant and they served us an array of very, very thin crust pizzas.. a dessert one too. (I wish I had taken pics/written everything down, but unfortunately I wasn't as big of a foodie then.)

Posted by: Sarah on June 1, 2007 8:08 PM

I just had an "appetizer" pizza at a local restaurant that was very thin crust with a cilantro pesto, feta and mozzarella and fresh tomatoes. It was so delicious and I was wondering how I could recreate it at home. I'll have to try it as a tortilla pizza. Thanks for the idea. Anyone have suggestions for the cilantro pesto? I was thinking fresh cilantro, EVOO, parmesian and garlic. I'll let you know how it goes!

Posted by: Marisa on June 1, 2007 10:43 PM

Hi Marisa - cilantro pesto is yummy. I've got a recipe for cilantro pesto here on the site, made with almonds.

Posted by: Elise on June 1, 2007 11:41 PM

Hi Elise,

I make 2 very large pizzas with dough I make every Friday for pizza and movie night at my house. I make flour tortillas for tacos. I also make quesadillas with left over tortillas.
I am really impressed your recipe that is easy enough for kids to make and with your photos that are always excellent.

Linda In Washington State

Posted by: Linda in the Evergreen State on June 2, 2007 9:49 AM

My husband and I are trying out new recipies as newlyweds... and this one was a huge hit. Our oven is broken, so we used our new indoor grill instead (low heat to cook the mushrooms and hot heat to finish off the crust) and they turned out to be amazing. We used smaller tortillas and each ate two! They went great with our signature Cuba Libres!

Thank you for another amazing meal.

Posted by: MSW on June 3, 2007 5:59 PM

Thanks for recipe - I tried it this weekend for a quick lunch for my kids...of course they loved it. But they requested that next time if you could make a version with chocolate chips too, because "mamma needs the rechipee" ;-) gotta love toddlers.

Posted by: Steamy Kitchen on June 3, 2007 6:01 PM

I use low carb tortillas and flatouts to make lower carb pizzas and they're very good, indeed! Some of my favorite toppings are lightly sauteed onion, bell pepper, and zucchini from the garden with a little asiago cheese sprinkled on top. Very good tasting, frugal, and low in carbs! Your picture makes me want some pizza - beautiful!

Posted by: Denise of Plain Ol' Food on June 3, 2007 10:02 PM

Just finished making it for the family. 2 adults, 3 kids under 6, and we needed 9 pizzas. The kids wouldn't stop eating! Great recipe and great site.

Posted by: Eric on June 4, 2007 5:55 PM

As a single guy, tortilla pizzas have been my go-to meal for years because they are so easy, quick, and an excellent use for leftovers. I never thought, however, of using a pizza stone and a really hot oven, and it makes a huge difference: it gives them that extra "oomph" that elevates them from a quick, embarrassingly simple bachelor's meal to serious cuisine I would serve to guests. I will never make them without the pizza stone again! Thank you for the idea and I love your site.

Dan D. Buffalo, NY

Posted by: Dan D. on June 7, 2007 7:48 AM

Just made these for dinner tonight - awesome! I used mozz. instead of ricotta. The pizza stone is key to the quick cooking and a crispy crust. Cut into slivers, these would make great appetizers to serve with drinks on a balmy summer evening. Thanks!

Posted by: Somia on June 7, 2007 7:15 PM

My family is from Pakistan and one of the things that everyone loves to eat but only grandmothers seem to have time to make is a spinach and mustard greens curry. Thankfully, a Pakistani company called Mitchell's (they also make jam) has started selling cans of the stuff, thankfully. It's got a delicious smoky, rich, spicy taste. It's called Sarson ka Saag and can now be found in some South Asian grocery stores in America. Anyways....I had some of this stuff left over and i threw it onto a sundried tomato tortilla with some roasted corn-tomato salsa and pepper jack cheese and threw it in the oven.....sometimes dorm cooking turns out pretty good:)

Posted by: Taiyyaba on June 14, 2007 12:08 PM

I just tried this recipe with a Mediterranean spin, using onions, feta, chopped Kalamata olives, and mushrooms. It's so good that I'm leaving a comment as I chew. Thanks for the great recipe!

By the way, I don't have a pizza stone, but I used smaller tortillas and I think that may have helped it from getting soggy in the center.

Posted by: Another Elise on June 17, 2007 7:31 PM

I just made this. I was pleasantly surprised at how tasty the crust was!

Here's my "pie:"
http://www.flickr.com/photos/jbaugher/764941128/

Posted by: Josh Baugher on July 9, 2007 4:47 PM

I made this last night, when I realized I had forgotten to take any meat out to defrost and had no sauce for pasta. Delicious! So quick and easy (a plus on a work night), and really tasty. My boyfriend and I each customized our own toppings, and while he was skeptical that a pizza based on a flimsy tortilla would fill him, it did! Another hit, Elise! Way to go!

Posted by: Steph on September 5, 2007 7:08 AM

This looks great! The concept of toppings baked on a tortilla looks like the fantastic Turkish pizza available in Amsterdam (Netherlands). Sometimes they roll it up like a wrap with salad greens and garlic sauce inside. Delicious.

Posted by: Rachel on January 11, 2008 8:44 AM

Would this be good with anchovies?

Don't see why not, if you like anchovies. ~Elise

Posted by: Christine B on November 14, 2008 7:45 AM

OH MAN! I made this for a party I was throwing. It was so delicious! I followed your recipe to a T. Perfection!

Posted by: qp on March 12, 2009 2:49 PM

Wow, this has to be the ultimate thin crust pizza. I made a super low calorie version using only 10g of cheddar and 30g of ricotta, adding a bit of roast pepper, a few chives, salt and pepper, chilli flakes, onion and garlic. The crust goes nice a crispy in parts, but is soft enough to fold into small parcels when eating.

A wholewheat tortilla only has about 150 calories, so if combined with a light topping can make a very healthy meal.

Posted by: Riz on April 21, 2009 5:26 AM

Outstanding pizza.
Great website

Posted by: Claudia on March 7, 2010 10:28 AM

I do something very similar to this, except mine is a breakfast pizza. I let the tortilla get nice and crispy in the oven first while I make some scrambled eggs and country gravy and fry up some sausage, then I use the gravy as a sauce, spread a thin layer of shredded cheese over it, put on the eggs and sausage and then sprinkle a little more cheese over the top to hold all the toppings together, and then stick it under the broiler just long enough to melt the cheese. Makes an amazing and fairly easy breakfast, takes a little prep work but my bus driver used to love these, and so did her four year old grandson that sometimes tagged along for the ride before he went to preschool!

What a great idea, thanks for sharing! ~Elise

Posted by: Jessica Whistman on March 8, 2010 10:44 AM

I think this recipe is awesome! I am not much of a cook, and if I can do something, someone else definitely can! I couldn't find ricotta at trader joe's so I used mozarella instead. I used 100% wheat flour and had very thin slices of tomatoes to put atop it all (bake it), then added fresh tomatoes on top. It tasted quite good! Thanks for sharing. I really like your blog and your pictures. Cheers!

Posted by: Amy on March 9, 2010 9:04 AM

This looks so amazing! I'm new to cooking and am going to try something like this cuz I splurged on a pizza stone - I made fresh pesto (first time ever) and want to try that on it. Do you think it would work? Any suggestions of what else to put on it? I just love this idea because it looks simple and carb friendly ;-) Thank you!

I love fresh pesto on pizza. Great with caramelized onions. ~Elise

Posted by: Kris O'Connor on September 25, 2010 11:38 AM

We love these. We use different kinds of sandwich wraps and any vegetables we have in the fridge. One of our favorites is red onion, mushroom, sliced broccoli florets and olives.

Posted by: Bren on June 25, 2011 1:40 PM

I apologize for the inconvenience, comments are closed. ~Elise

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