Prosciutto Ricotta Pizza

Short description

This Prosciutto Ricotta Pizza is a gourmet twist on classic pizza, featuring a golden, crispy crust topped with creamy ricotta, melted mozzarella, delicate slices of prosciutto, and fresh arugula. A drizzle of hot honey adds the perfect touch of sweetness and heat, making this dish irresistibly well-balanced.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights

• A delicious combination of savory, creamy, and sweet flavors

• Elegant enough for entertaining guests

• Customizable with seasonal ingredients or favorite toppings

• Requires only a handful of ingredients

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)

• Ricotta cheese

• Mozzarella cheese (shredded or fresh)

• Prosciutto, thinly sliced

• Fresh arugula

• Hot honey or a mixture of honey and red pepper flakes

• Olive oil

• Optional: grated Parmesan cheese, fresh garlic, herbs like basil or oregano

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If using pizza dough from the refrigerator, let it rest at room temperature for 30 minutes.

2. Roll or stretch the dough into a 12-inch circle or preferred shape. Place it on a lightly oiled baking sheet or pizza stone.

3. Lightly brush the surface with olive oil. Evenly distribute shredded mozzarella over the dough, then dollop spoonfuls of ricotta across the top.

4. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly.

5. Remove from the oven and immediately top with thin slices of prosciutto and a handful of fresh arugula.

6. Drizzle with hot honey and add a sprinkle of Parmesan or herbs if desired.

7. Slice and serve warm.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 4

• Prep time: 10 minutes (plus 30 minutes dough rest)

• Cook time: 12 minutes

• Total time: Approximately 25–30 minutes

Variations

• Fig & Prosciutto: Add fresh fig slices before baking for a sweet, earthy twist.

• Pear & Ricotta: Top with thinly sliced pear and a drizzle of balsamic glaze.

• Herb Crust: Mix minced garlic and chopped herbs into olive oil for brushing the dough.

• Spicy Kick: Add chili flakes directly on top of the cheese for extra heat.

• Vegetarian Option: Omit prosciutto and add grilled vegetables or sun-dried tomatoes.

storage/reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Reheating: Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 minutes until heated through.

• Freezing: Freeze baked pizza slices in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 1 month. Reheat from frozen in the oven.

FAQs

1. Can I use store-bought dough?

Yes, store-bought dough works well and saves time. Let it come to room temperature before using.

2. Can I prepare this pizza ahead of time?

You can prepare the dough and cheese layer in advance. Add prosciutto and arugula just before serving.

3. What if I don’t have hot honey?

Mix regular honey with a pinch of red pepper flakes as a simple substitute.

4. Can I make this pizza vegetarian?

Yes, simply omit the prosciutto and consider adding roasted vegetables or extra cheese.

5. How can I get a crispier crust?

Bake your pizza on a preheated pizza stone or steel and roll the dough thinly.

6. Is ricotta necessary, or can I use another cheese?

Ricotta adds creaminess, but you can substitute with goat cheese, burrata, or mascarpone.

7. Should the prosciutto be cooked with the pizza?

No, add prosciutto after baking to preserve its delicate texture and flavor.

8. What greens can I use instead of arugula?

Baby spinach or microgreens make excellent substitutes.

9. Can I use a different type of honey?

Any high-quality honey works, though hot honey adds a unique flavor. You can infuse your own with chili.

10. How do I keep the arugula fresh when reheating?

Reheat the pizza without the arugula, then add fresh arugula after warming.

Conclusion

Prosciutto Ricotta Pizza is the perfect harmony of gourmet flavors and everyday ease. The creamy ricotta and salty prosciutto are beautifully balanced by fresh arugula and a sweet heat drizzle of hot honey. Whether for a weeknight dinner or a gathering with friends, this elegant pizza is sure to impress.