Grilled Steak, Blue Cheese & Balsamic Pizza: An Unforgettable Homemade Recipe
Prepare your taste buds for an extraordinary culinary journey! This isn’t just any pizza; it’s a magnificent symphony of flavors and textures, starring succulent grilled steak, tangy blue cheese, and a sweet-savory balsamic reduction, all atop a perfectly crispy homemade crust. Truly, gaze upon this glorious creation!
What better way to kick off a new year, or any day for that matter, than with a dish that tantalizes every sense? And let me tell you, when balsamic vinegar is involved, you’re always on the right track. My renewed love affair with balsamic is in full swing, and frankly, I can’t imagine a better ingredient to infuse richness and depth into so many dishes. Balsamic is truly back, baby, and it’s bringing all its deliciousness to this gourmet grilled steak pizza!
Embracing the New Year with Bold Flavors
As the calendar turns, there’s always an exhilarating energy in the air, a fresh start brimming with possibilities. I’m absolutely thrilled for this year! The mere fact that we’ve all moved past the prophecies of the Mayan calendar feels like a grand affirmation of good things to come, doesn’t it? It’s a perfect time to embrace new challenges and expand our horizons, especially in the kitchen.
Speaking of new beginnings, are you setting any resolutions this year? I’ve learned that making resolutions too ambitious can lead to quick burnout. So, for this year, I’m keeping mine focused and achievable, yet still impactful. My goals include savoring treats a little more mindfully (perhaps just a tad less cake, but never none!), truly committing to a consistent workout routine (more than just a couple of times a month, ideally!), and diving into more intricate cooking techniques. One of those exciting culinary challenges? Crafting pizza dough from scratch – no more relying on those convenient boxed mixes!
Yes, I have a profound feeling this year will be filled with delicious discoveries and personal growth. Starting with this magnificent steak and blue cheese pizza is certainly a high note!
The Magic of Balsamic Vinegar in Gourmet Pizza
Let’s talk about the star player that ties all these incredible flavors together: balsamic vinegar. My recent obsession isn’t just a fleeting fancy; it’s a deep appreciation for its complex, tangy, and subtly sweet profile. When reduced, balsamic transforms into a syrupy, concentrated glaze that adds an incredible depth of flavor. On this pizza, it acts as a sweet counterpoint to the savory steak and the sharp, pungent blue cheese, bringing a gourmet touch that elevates the entire dish.
From dressings and marinades to glazes and dessert drizzles, balsamic is incredibly versatile. Its ability to enhance both sweet and savory notes makes it a pantry staple for any aspiring home chef. For this recipe, the balsamic reduction isn’t merely a garnish; it’s the finishing flourish that balances every ingredient, ensuring each bite is an explosion of perfectly harmonious flavors.
Mastering Homemade Pizza Dough from Scratch
One of my resolutions, as mentioned, is to delve into more challenging cooking techniques, and making pizza dough from scratch is a fantastic place to start. While store-bought dough offers convenience, there’s an unparalleled satisfaction and superior taste that comes with a homemade crust. The process itself, from the initial mixing in a stand mixer to the satisfying rise, is a rewarding experience. It allows you to control the texture, flavor, and freshness, resulting in a pizza base that’s truly exceptional.
For this recipe, we’ll use a straightforward method involving a stand mixer, allowing the dough to rest and develop flavor and elasticity. Patience is key during the rising process; allowing it to nearly triple in volume means a light, airy, yet sturdy crust that can beautifully support our gourmet toppings. Don’t be intimidated by yeast or kneading; the instructions are clear, and the result is well worth the effort. A perfect homemade crust sets the stage for a truly unforgettable pizza night.
Perfecting Your Grilled Steak for Pizza Topping
The star protein on this pizza is the New York strip steak, and grilling it to perfection is crucial. Grilling imparts a smoky char that complements the other rich flavors beautifully. The key is a hot pan or grill, good quality olive oil, and precise cooking times to achieve that coveted medium-rare doneness. Once cooked, allowing the steak to rest tented with foil is a non-negotiable step. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring every slice is tender and juicy, not dry. Slicing it thinly just before adding to the pizza ensures each bite gets a piece of that succulent steak without overwhelming the other ingredients.
For an optimal grilled steak pizza experience, consider marinating your steak for a short period before grilling. A simple marinade of olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper can add another layer of flavor and tenderness. The rich, savory notes of the steak pair wonderfully with the tangy blue cheese and sweet balsamic reduction, creating a sophisticated flavor profile that’s a step above your average pepperoni pie.
The Harmony of Blue Cheese and Arugula
Beyond the steak and balsamic, the blue cheese and fresh arugula play critical roles in completing this pizza’s flavor profile. The sharp, pungent, and creamy notes of blue cheese cut through the richness of the steak and add a bold character that cheese lovers will adore. It melts beautifully into pockets of intense flavor, contrasting with the crispy crust.
Finally, a generous handful of fresh arugula, added after the pizza comes out of the oven, provides a peppery, slightly bitter, and fresh counterpoint. Its vibrant green color and crisp texture add a much-needed freshness, balancing the rich, savory, and sweet components. It’s the perfect finish, bringing a bright, herbaceous note that elevates the entire dish from simply delicious to truly extraordinary.
This grilled steak, blue cheese, and balsamic pizza isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience. It’s an adventure in flavor, a testament to the joy of cooking from scratch, and a delicious way to embrace new culinary resolutions. Serve it with a delightful pomegranate negroni for a truly upscale evening!
table of contents
Toggle
Grilled Steak, Blue Cheese, & Balsamic Pizza
ingredients
- 10 oz. New York strip steak
- 2 Tbsp Olive oil
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 2/3 cups water room temperature
- 1 1/4 tsp table salt
- 1 1/2 tsp instant or rapid-rise yeast
- 1 1/4 tsp sugar
- 5 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 cup shaved Parmesan cheese
- 3/4 cup Blue Cheese
- Handful of arugula
- 1 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1 Tbsp honey
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
instructions
-
Using a stand mixer fitted with dough hook, mix flour, water, and table salt together on low-speed until no area of dry flour remains, 3-4 min. Turn off mixer and let dough rest for 20 min.
-
Sprinkle yeast and sugar over dough. Knead on low-speed until fully combined, 1-2 min. Increase mixer speed to high and knead until the dough is glossy and smooth and pulls away from the sides of the bowl, 6-10 min.
-
Using fingers, coat large bowl with 1 Tbsp olive oil. Transfer dough to prepared bowl and pour 1 Tbsp oil over the top. Flip dough over once so that it is well coated with oil. Cover bowl tightly with plastic wrap and let dough rise at room temperature until nearly tripled in volume and large bubbles have formed, 2-2 1/2 hrs.
-
One hour before baking, preheat oven to 450 degrees and place pizza stone on the middle rack.
-
Heat 2 Tbsp olive oil in saute pan over medium-high heat. Add steak and cook 5 minutes on each side for medium-rare. Remove from heat, tent with foil, and allow to rest.
-
Bring balsamic vinegar to boil in small pan, then reduce heat to medium. Cook until vinegar is reduced by half. Stir in honey and pepper.
-
Turn dough out onto prepared surface along with an oil in the bowl. Roll out (I used my fingers) into pizza and let it relax for 5-10 min. Using dinner fork, poke surface of dough 30 to 40 times and sprinkle with kosher salt. Bake in oven until slightly golden, about 10 minutes.
-
Remove crust from oven, sprinkle with Parmesan. Return to oven and bake until crust is golden brown and cheese is melted. Meanwhile, slice the steak.
-
Remove from oven, add sliced steak, chunks of Blue Cheese, and arugula. Drizzle with balsamic reduction.