Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F (230 degrees C).
In a skillet over medium heat, melt butter and combine with olive oil.
2 teaspoons butter, 2 teaspoons olive oil
Add onions and toss to coat. Cook for about 5 minutes. Stir and add salt, then cook for another 5 minutes.
1 yellow onion, ⅛ teaspoon salt
Mix in the balsamic vinegar then cook for another 10 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
Roll out pizza dough if needed and place on pizza tray. Bake for about 10 minutes then remove it from the oven.
14 ounces pizza dough
Spread apple butter over dough, the sprinkle red pepper flakes on top. Distribute the onions, then sprinkle the chopped bacon and pecans.
1 cup apple butter, ⅛ teaspoon red pepper flakes, 4 slices cooked bacon, ⅓ cup chopped pecans
Top with the Gouda cheese, place in the oven and bake for another 8-10 minutes, until pizza is done and cheese is melted and bubbly.
2 cups shredded Gouda cheese
Remove from oven, let cool for a few minutes, and top with baby arugula.
2 cups fresh baby arugula
Video
Notes
For a shortcut, use a cooked pizza shell (like Boboli) and skip rolling out and pre-baking the dough.
If you roll out the pizza dough make sure you use plenty of flour to prevent sticking.
You can also buy pre-cooked bacon if you want to avoid having to cook it ahead of time. Another shortcut for the bacon is to cook it in the microwave. Place the bacon between two paper towels and microwave on high until crispy. This usually takes about 3 minutes in my microwave.
You can increase or reduce the red pepper flakes based on your family's preferences. ⅛ teaspoon is just right for my family - it adds a layer of flavor complexity without making it really spicy.