Delicious Prosciutto Pizza Recipe: A Gourmet Twist

Prosciutto pizza is a timeless classic that marries the savory richness of Italian prosciutto with the comforting familiarity of a traditional pizza. This delectable combination has won hearts worldwide, becoming a favorite among foodies and home cooks alike. Today, we’ll guide you through the process of creating your very own prosciutto pizza from scratch.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make a delicious prosciutto pizza:

For the Dough:

• 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
• 1 ½ cups warm water (110°F)
• 3 ½ to 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt

For the Toppings:

• 1 cup tomato sauce (preferably homemade)
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 4 oz thinly sliced prosciutto
• 1 cup arugula
• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• Freshly ground black pepper
• Optional: Shaved Parmesan cheese, cherry tomatoes, and balsamic glaze

Preparing the Dough

A good pizza starts with great dough. Here’s how to achieve the perfect pizza dough:

1. Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm water and sugar, then sprinkle the yeast on top. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.

2. Mix the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine 3 ½ cups of flour and salt. Make a well in the center and add the yeast mixture and olive oil. Mix until a rough dough forms.
3. Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes, adding more flour as needed, until the dough is smooth and elastic.
4. First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
5. Prepare for Baking: Punch down the dough to release the air. Divide it into two equal portions if making two pizzas. Roll out the dough on a floured surface to your desired thickness.

Assembling the Pizza

Now that your dough is ready, it’s time to assemble your masterpiece:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven to heat up as well.
2. Add the Sauce: Spread a thin layer of tomato sauce evenly over the rolled-out dough, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges.
3. Add the Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the sauce.
4. Add the Prosciutto: Lay the thin slices of prosciutto evenly over the cheese.

Baking Instructions

With your pizza assembled, it’s time to bake:

1. Bake the Pizza: Carefully transfer the pizza to the preheated oven (using a pizza peel if you have one). Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
2. Finishing Touches: Once out of the oven, immediately scatter a handful of fresh arugula over the top of the hot pizza. Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil and season with freshly ground black pepper.

Serving Suggestions

To elevate your prosciutto pizza experience:

• Garnish: Add some shaved Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.
• Accompaniments: Serve with a side of cherry tomatoes or a simple arugula salad.
• Finish with a Drizzle: A light drizzle of balsamic glaze can add a sweet, tangy contrast to the savory prosciutto.

Conclusion

Making prosciutto pizza at home is a rewarding culinary adventure. Don’t be afraid to experiment with additional toppings such as mushrooms, olives, or different cheeses to make it your own. We’d love to see your creations—share your prosciutto pizza masterpieces with us on social media!

Happy cooking!