Make the Dough:

For Yeast Pizza Crust:

• In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast and sugar in warm water. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes, until it becomes frothy.
• In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Create a well in the center, then add the yeast mixture and olive oil. Stir until a dough forms.
• Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 7-10 minutes, until smooth and elastic. Or using a stand mixer, knead on low using dough hook for about 10 minutes until dough forms a ball and is smooth.
• Place the dough in an oiled bowl, cover with a kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.

For Sourdough Pizza Crust:

• In a stand mixer (or large bowl), combine sourdough and water. Add flour, salt, and oil. Mix on low speed for 10 minutes or until a smooth ball forms.
• Cover bowl and allow to rest for 15 minutes.
• Perform a stretch and fold 3 times over 15 minutes each until the dough becomes smooth and pliable.
• Cover bowl and allow the dough to rise (about 2-4 hours, depending on the temperature) until double in size.

Prepare the Pumpkin Sauce

• For fresh pumpkin, quarter a pie pumpkin (or any type of squash) and remove seeds. Drizzle with olive oil and roast in the oven at 400 degrees until soft. About 30 minutes. Remove pulp from the rind and blend in a food processor or blender until smooth and creamy.
• In a small saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant.
• Stir in the pumpkin puree, pie spice, salt, and pepper. Cook for about 2-3 minutes to blend the flavors. Blend in half & half. Set aside.

Assemble the Pizza

• Place oven rack on highest level.
• Preheat your oven to 450°F (245°C) with a baking stone if you have one. (makes the BEST crispy crust in my opinion)
• Once the dough has risen, punch it down, divide in half, and roll it out on a floured surface to your desired thickness. Transfer the dough to a pizza peel or baking sheet.
• Spread half the pumpkin sauce evenly over the pizza dough.
• Place mozzarella cheese over the sauce, followed by half the sliced onions.

Bake the Pizza

• Bake the pizza for 10-15 minutes, or until the bottom of crust is golden and the cheese is melted.
• Transfer oven temperature to broil set to high.
• Broil for 3-4 minutes or until top is charred and cheese is bubbly golden .
• Once out of the oven, sprinkle with half the fresh arugula and sliced grapes.

Serve

• For a finishing touch, drizzle balsamic glaze over the pizza if desired.
• Slice and serve your delicious pumpkin pizza immediately!