Fig and prosciutto pizza is a culinary delight that perfectly marries the sweetness of ripe figs with the savory depth of prosciutto. This dish is a testament to the harmony of contrasting flavors, creating a unique tasting experience. Fresh figs bring a natural sweetness, while prosciutto, an Italian dry-cured ham, offers a rich and salty counterpoint. Together, they elevate the traditional pizza to something that is both rustic and gourmet.
The creation begins with a foundation of dough, which can range from a classic chewy base to a thin and crispy canvas, depending on personal preference. The pizza dough acts as a stage for the toppings: usually, mozzarella cheese is added for its creamy texture, fresh figs sliced for their sweet pop, and prosciutto draped over for its savory punch. This combination ensures a pizza that is both indulgent and balanced.
To further enhance the fusion of flavors, chefs often include additional ingredients like a drizzle of balsamic glaze or a scattering of arugula leaves. The balsamic glaze contributes a tangy sweetness and the arugula introduces a peppery bite, which complements the richness of the figs and prosciutto. This pizza variant not only provides a feast for the taste buds but also showcases an elegant simplicity in its assembly, making it as enjoyable to prepare as it is to consume.
Why You Will Love This Fig and Prosciutto Pizza Recipe
Fig and prosciutto pizza elevates the homemade pizza experience, merging the elegance of gourmet pizza with the comfort of a classic favorite. One bite reveals the sweet and savory harmony that figs and prosciutto bring to the table. Figs, with their natural sweetness, compliment the salty richness of prosciutto in a way that sings on the palate.
Making pizza at home allows for a tailored touch. One can embrace the artisanal nature of Neapolitan pizza while adding a personal flair. Without the need for specialized equipment, this recipe brings gourmet quality to your kitchen. Plus, the beautiful aesthetics of ripe figs and delicate prosciutto drapes are sure to garner likes on Instagram.
This recipe showcases the allure of simplicity. With just a few quality ingredients and a clear method, any home cook can prepare this pizza with confidence. They’ll find joy in both the process and the taste, ensuring that this recipe becomes a cherished addition to their homemade pizza repertoire.
How to Make Fig and Prosciutto Pizza Recipe
Creating a savory fig and prosciutto pizza combines the sweetness of fresh figs and the saltiness of prosciutto with rich cheese and a crispy crust. This guide provides a straightforward approach to crafting this gourmet pizza at home.
Ingredients
For this pizza recipe, gather the following:
- Fresh Figs: Slice 4-6 ripe figs for a sweet flavor.
- Prosciutto: About 6 thin slices will provide a savory taste.
- Cheeses: A combination of fresh mozzarella, goat cheese, and optional gorgonzola for richness.
- Baby Arugula: A handful for a peppery fresh finish.
- Pizza Dough: Use homemade or store-bought, enough for a 12″ pizza.
- Flour & Cornmeal: For dusting the pizza peel and preventing sticking.
- Olive Oil: A drizzle for the crust’s edge.
- Balsamic Vinegar: A splash to enhance the figs’ sweetness.
- Caramelized Onions: Optional for added depth.
- Seasonings: Salt and red pepper flakes to taste.
- Yeast: If making homemade pizza dough.
Instruments
Assemble these tools to prepare the pizza:
- Pizza Stone or Baking Stone: For an even and crispy crust.
- Pizza Peel: To transfer the pizza to and from the oven.
- Pizza Pan: If a stone is not available.
- Oven: Preheated to the highest setting, around 475-500°F (246-260°C).
Step By Step Instruction for Fig and Prosciutto Pizza
- Preheat: Place the pizza stone in the oven and heat to 475-500°F.
- Prep Dough: Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface to a 12″ round, then transfer it to a cornmeal-dusted pizza peel.
- Add Toppings: Drizzle olive oil over the dough, arrange slices of prosciutto, and scatter fig slices. Add dollops of fresh mozzarella and goat cheese (and gorgonzola if desired).
- Bake: Slide the pizza onto the hot stone and bake for about 10-12 minutes or until the crust is golden and cheese is bubbling.
- Finish: Remove from the oven, top with baby arugula, drizzle balsamic vinegar, and season with salt and red pepper flakes.
- Serve: Slice and serve immediately for the best taste and texture.
By following these instructions, anyone can make a delectable fig and prosciutto pizza that captures the perfect balance of flavors.
Ingredient Substitute for Fig and Prosciutto Pizza
When crafting a Fig and Prosciutto Pizza, it’s useful to know appropriate ingredient alternatives. Substitutions can cater to taste preferences, availability, or dietary needs, ensuring anyone can enjoy this dish.
Starting with the base, if Fig Jam is not on hand, chopped fresh or dried figs can work, albeit with a textured difference. For a spreadable consistency, a dollop of honey or a spread of apple butter can mimic the jam’s sweetness.
If Gorgonzola Cheese is too strong or not available, other cheeses like blue cheese or a milder feta can serve as suitable substitutes. They still provide a creamy texture with a tangy flavor. For creaminess without the tang, try a soft goat cheese.
The Prosciutto can be swapped for speck, imparting a smokier profile due to its smoking process compared to prosciutto’s curing. Sliced ham or even turkey can be a leaner option, although they won’t provide the same depth of flavor.
Lastly, to replace a Balsamic Glaze or Balsamic Reduction, one could stir together equal parts of balsamic vinegar and brown sugar, simmering it until thickened. Alternatively, a reduction of red wine vinegar or even a drizzle of pomegranate molasses can offer a similar tart and sweet contrast.
These swaps ensure that the essential flavors of a Fig and Prosciutto Pizza are preserved even when original ingredients are altered.
What to Serve With Fig and Prosciutto Pizza
When enjoying a flavorful Fig and Prosciutto Pizza, the side dishes should complement the main course without overpowering it. A simple arugula salad dressed with balsamic vinegar and olive oil makes an excellent choice. The peppery green contrasts well with the sweetness of the figs and the salty punch of the prosciutto. Here are some thoughtful pairings:
- Arugula Salad: Tossed with a balsamic vinaigrette, topped with shavings of Parmesan cheese, and perhaps some toasted nuts for an added crunch.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal offerings like asparagus or zucchini, lightly roasted to maintain their vibrant colors and natural flavors.
| Side Dish | Description |
|---|---|
| Arugula Salad | Fresh arugula leaves with a balsamic vinegar dressing. |
| Roasted Vegetables | Lightly roasted seasonal favorites. |
For drinks, consider a light white wine such as Pinot Grigio or a floral rosé that has the acidity to cut through the richness of the cheese and meat. For a non-alcoholic option, a sparkling water with a lemon twist mirrors the bright flavors of the dish.
Here’s an organized list:
- White Wine: Pinot Grigio or Rosé
- Sparkling Water: With a twist of lemon
The key is to ensure balance between the sweetness of the figs, the savory prosciutto, and the crisp side dishes and beverages served alongside.
How to Store Fig and Prosciutto Pizza
When it comes to storing Fig and Prosciutto Pizza, proper methods ensure that the quality remains high. A key component, the pizza sauce, often dictates the shelf life of your pizza. For this recipe, since it typically uses a white sauce or sometimes none at all, you can anticipate a slightly different storage approach compared to traditional red sauce pizzas.
Immediately after serving, any leftovers should be cooled down. They must reach room temperature to inhibit bacterial growth. Yet, this cooling process should be done within two hours of baking to safeguard food safety.
For short-term storage, place your pizza in an airtight container. If stacking slices, separate them with parchment paper to prevent sticking. This pizza can comfortably rest in the refrigerator for up to three days. The cold environment keeps the prosciutto and cheese fresh, while the crust retains its texture.
Longer-term storage calls for freezing. Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil. These measures prevent freezer burn and taste alterations. When properly stored, frozen pizza can last for one to two months. To reheat, one can thaw the pizza in the fridge overnight and then warm it in an oven until the cheese melts and the crust crisps up again.
Reheating Tips:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Remove all wrappings from the pizza.
- Place the thawed pizza on a baking sheet for 10-12 minutes.
- Check periodically to ensure the pizza heats evenly without burning.
Remember, sensitive ingredients such as arugula should be added fresh after reheating. This maintains the vibrant color and crisp texture, contrasting with the rich flavors of figs and prosciutto.
Is This Fig and Prosciutto Pizza Healthy?
Fig and prosciutto pizza, while a gourmet delight, consists of various ingredients that each bring their own nutritional profile. It is important to consider each component to assess the overall healthfulness of the dish.
Figs provide dietary fiber, essential minerals, and vitamins. They bring natural sweetness to the pizza, reducing the need for added sugars. Olive oil, a staple in Mediterranean cuisine, offers healthy monounsaturated fats and antioxidants. However, it is high in calories, making portion control important.
When assessing mozzarella cheese, it’s a good source of protein and calcium, but it also adds saturated fat and calories. Opting for part-skim mozzarella can make the dish lighter.
The recipe’s healthiness can vary based on ingredient quality and proportions used. Here’s a brief breakdown:
- Figs: Rich in fiber, vitamins A, B, and minerals.
- Olive Oil: Contains healthy fats, but is calorie-dense.
- Mozzarella Cheese: Good for protein and calcium; use in moderation due to fat content.
For those watching their calorie intake or with dietary restrictions, ingredient substitutions can offer a healthier alternative without sacrificing taste. Whole wheat crust, reduced-fat cheese, and leaner cuts of prosciutto are adjustments that enhance the pizza’s nutritional value. The key lies in balance and portion sizes to enjoy this flavorful combination without overindulgence.
Nutrition Fact
Calories: A typical slice of fig and prosciutto pizza contains about 120 Kcal.
Carbohydrates: Each slice has roughly 9.25 grams of carbohydrates, contributing to 4% of the daily value.
Protein: The protein content is notable at 11.75 grams per slice, which is about 24% of the daily recommended intake.
Fat: Total fat is estimated at 4.75 grams per slice. This includes 1.88 grams of saturated fat, translating to 8% and 11% of daily values, respectively.
The mentioned nutrients play crucial roles in a balanced diet. Carbohydrates provide energy, proteins are essential for repair and growth, and fats are necessary for long-term energy storage and hormonal functions. It is important to note that nutrition can vary based on the recipe and serving size.
Fig and Prosciutto Pizza
Ingredients
- Pizza dough homemade or store-bought
- Fresh figs sliced
- Prosciutto thinly sliced
- Fresh mozzarella cheese sliced
- Goat cheese optional
- Baby arugula
- Olive oil
- Balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper
- Red pepper flakes optional
- Flour and cornmeal for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 475-500°F and place a pizza stone in the oven.
- Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface to a 12″ round, then transfer it to a cornmeal-dusted pizza peel.
- Drizzle olive oil over the dough, then arrange slices of prosciutto and figs on top. Add slices of fresh mozzarella and crumble goat cheese over the pizza if desired.
- Slide the pizza onto the hot pizza stone and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbling.
- Remove the pizza from the oven and top with baby arugula. Drizzle with balsamic vinegar and season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired.
- Slice and serve immediately, enjoying the perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors.
Notes
- Calories: 280
- Total Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
- Sodium: 600mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 30g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 9g
- Protein: 14g
Frequently Asked Questions
Explore the art of crafting the perfect fig and prosciutto pizza with these common inquiries, ensuring a delightful culinary experience.
What are some recommended toppings for a fig and prosciutto pizza besides figs and prosciutto?
For those seeking to enhance their pizza, additional toppings can include arugula, gorgonzola, goat cheese, and mozzarella. These choices complement the sweet and savory balance of figs and prosciutto.
How do you make fig and prosciutto pizza with a balsamic glaze?
To create a balsamic glaze, simmer balsamic vinegar until it thickens. Drizzle the glaze over the pizza after topping it with figs, prosciutto, and your preferred cheeses, then bake until golden.
What kind of wine pairs well with fig and prosciutto pizza?
A Pinot Noir or Chardonnay typically pairs well, balancing the pizza’s sweetness with their light and fruity profiles.
How many calories are typically in a slice of fig and prosciutto pizza?
An average slice of fig and prosciutto pizza may contain approximately 250 to 300 calories, but this can vary based on the toppings and the amount of cheese used.
Can goat cheese be added to fig and prosciutto pizza, and if so, how?
Yes, goat cheese can be crumbled over the pizza before baking. It adds a creamy texture and tangy flavor that works well with the figs and prosciutto.
