Prosciutto Ricotta Pizza

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When I first stumbled upon the delightful combination of prosciutto and ricotta, I was instantly smitten. It was a cozy Saturday afternoon, the sun streamed through the kitchen window, and the smell of bread baking wafted through the house like a warm hug. I decided to whip up a pizza, and as I layered the soft, creamy ricotta and the salty, savory prosciutto on a perfectly crisp crust, my kitchen became a sanctuary of taste. The contrast of flavors was magical; the richness of the cheese, balanced by the delicate saltiness of the prosciutto, made every bite feel like a celebration. Whether it’s for pizza night or a festive gathering, this dish has earned its place in my heart—and I promise it will find a cozy spot in your home too.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With just a few simple steps, you can whip this up in no time!
• Quick Cooking Time: From start to finish, you’re looking at about 20 minutes, plus 30 minutes of dough resting.
• Healthy Ingredients: You get fresh arugula and a delicious amount of creamy ricotta, making it feel indulgent yet wholesome.
• Flavorful: The mix of creamy, salty, and slightly sweet hot honey will make your taste buds dance!
• Crowd-Pleasing: Whether for a small dinner or a big gathering, everyone loves pizza, especially one that’s this gourmet!
• Customizable: You can jazz it up with your favorite toppings or keep it simple.

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp all-purpose flour for dusting: Just a sprinkle to keep things from sticking.
• 1 lb pizza dough: Store-bought or homemade, it’s the perfect base for a pizza night!
• 1 tbsp olive oil or a neutral oil: This adds a lovely crispiness to the crust.
• 8 oz mozzarella cheese (Fior di Latte, buffalo, or shredded): Choose your favorite for that gooey, melty goodness.
• ½ cup ricotta: This creamy delight provides a rich texture, perfect for dolloping.
• 2 oz prosciutto: Sweet, salty, and delicate; it takes this pizza to the next level.
• 1 cup arugula: Adds a fresh, peppery punch that balances the richness beautifully.
• 2 tbsp hot honey: For a sweet kick that ties all the flavors together.

Full recipe card is below.

How to Make It

Let Dough Temper

Place your pizza dough on a lightly floured work surface and let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes. This step allows the dough to relax and makes stretching it easier! While you wait, take a moment to breathe in the cozy aromas blooming in your kitchen.

Preheat Oven

Place the oven rack in the middle tier and preheat the oven to 475°F. The goal here is a hot oven to get that crust crispy and golden!

Prepare Pizza

Stretch the dough by hand or use a rolling pin to create a 12-inch circle or a 9×13″ rectangle, whichever shape feels right! Lightly oil a pizza pan or baking sheet, then place the dough in the pan. Now, it’s time to sprinkle on your mozzarella and add dollops of ricotta. The cheese should feel like a warm embrace, inviting you to take a slice when it’s ready!

Bake Pizza

Bake your pizza on the middle rack for 10-12 minutes or until the cheese is golden and the bottom of the crust is lightly browned. You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese is bubbly around the edges—that gooey sight is pure pizza magic!

Serve

Once out of the oven, top with prosciutto and arugula. Don’t forget to cut it into 8 slices and drizzle with hot honey for that sweet and spicy finish! Serve it up immediately, and watch those smiles unfold.

Pro Tips for Success

• Use a pizza stone: If you have one, it can help achieve an even crispier crust!
• Keep it light: Overloading on toppings can make it soggy; less is often more.
• Experiment with cheeses: Try adding a little goat cheese for an extra tang or mix in some Parmesan for depth.
• Don’t rush the dough tempering: Allowing it to sit really does make a difference in texture when baking!

Flavor Variations

• Herbed Ricotta: Stir in some fresh herbs like basil or thyme into your ricotta for added flavor.
• Seasonal Toppings: Swap out arugula for seasonal greens like spinach in winter.
• Spicy Delight: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to your hot honey for an extra kick!

Serving Suggestions

Pair this pizza with a simple arugula and cherry tomato salad drizzled with balsamic vinaigrette for a fresh contrast. A nice chilled white wine or a light lager beer can enhance the experience beautifully. For plating, consider cutting it into smaller, shareable pieces or serving it directly on a rustic wooden board for that inviting touch.

Make-Ahead & Storage

You can prepare the dough a day ahead! Just keep it wrapped in plastic wrap in the fridge. For storage, leftover pizza can be wrapped tightly in foil or stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days in the fridge.

Leftovers

No one likes boring leftovers! Slice the pizza into strips and repurpose it into a delectable pizza panini. Just a quick grill with some mozzarella on the outside creates a heaven of gooey goodness!

Freezing

Yes, this pizza can be frozen! Assemble it completely, freeze unbaked for up to 3 months. Wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and then foil. To cook, let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking as per instructions.

Reheating

The oven is your best friend for reheating. Preheat to 375°F for about 7-10 minutes. It crisps up beautifully that way! You can also use a skillet for a couple of minutes. Microwaving isn’t recommended, as it can make the crust chewy.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought pizza dough?
Absolutely! Store-bought dough can be a fantastic time-saver and still tastes great.

What if I don’t have hot honey?
No worries—just mix honey with a little chili powder or hot sauce to get that sweet-heat you desire.

Can I use different meats besides prosciutto?
Definitely! Try it with sliced salami or even cooked chicken for a different spin.

What can I do with leftover ricotta?
It’s lovely in pancakes, mixed into pasta, or spread on toast with jam!

Final Thoughts

There’s something undeniably special about making pizza at home, and my Prosciutto Ricotta Pizza is a wonderful way to gather around the table with family and friends. Each bite is a reminder of those warm kitchen vibes and the joy of sharing food. So roll up those sleeves, let your creativity shine, and enjoy every delicious moment. Happy cooking, friends! ❤️