Transform your ordinary pizza night into an extraordinary culinary experience with this exquisite Fig and Prosciutto Pizza. This gourmet masterpiece effortlessly blends sweet and savory notes, creating a symphony of flavors that will delight your palate. Crafted on a perfectly chewy and crisp thin crust, each slice is generously adorned with a rich, creamy white pizza sauce, deeply flavorful caramelized onions, tangy Gorgonzola cheese, and a fresh burst of peppery arugula. It’s a sophisticated yet approachable recipe that promises to impress guests and elevate your home dining.
For those eager to explore beyond the traditional, our culinary collection offers a diverse range of innovative pizza recipes. Expand your pizza repertoire with our vibrant Veggie Pizza, the classic tropical delight of Hawaiian Pizza, the bold and zesty Taco Pizza, or the satisfyingly robust Combination Pizza. If the elegance of white sauce appeals to you, be sure to try our foundational White Pizza, complete with our signature homemade White Pizza Sauce, which forms the perfect base for this fig and prosciutto creation.
Indulge in the Sweet and Savory: Fig and Prosciutto Pizza
Imagine serving a pizza that rivals the creations of a high-end Italian trattoria, right from your own kitchen. This fig and prosciutto pizza is that dish. It’s a harmonious blend of seemingly disparate ingredients that, when combined, create an unforgettable flavor profile. The secret lies in the masterful balance: the delicate sweetness of fresh figs, the irresistible saltiness of premium prosciutto, the creamy piquancy of Gorgonzola cheese, all brought together by a luscious white pizza sauce and the subtle depth of slow-cooked caramelized onions. Each element contributes to a complex, yet incredibly satisfying experience, all baked atop a perfectly golden, homemade pizza crust. This pizza isn’t just a meal; it’s a statement, proving that gourmet flavors are well within reach for the home cook.
One of the true joys of crafting a white pizza is the freedom it offers to let vibrant, fresh ingredients truly shine without the dominance of a red tomato base. In this recipe, the final touch of fresh, peppery arugula not only adds a beautiful color contrast but also introduces a refreshing zest that cuts through the richness of the cheese and meat. A delicate drizzle of high-quality balsamic glaze or vinegar after baking further enhances the sweetness of the figs and the saltiness of the prosciutto, adding another layer of sophisticated flavor. Without the traditional red sauce, the individual nuances of each topping are accentuated, encouraging a more adventurous and creative approach to pizza making. This allows for a deeper appreciation of the carefully selected ingredients, turning each bite into a delightful exploration of tastes and textures.
Essential Ingredients for Your Gourmet Fig and Prosciutto Pizza
Crafting the perfect fig and prosciutto pizza begins with selecting the finest ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in achieving that coveted balance of flavors and textures. Here’s a closer look at the key elements that make this pizza truly special:
- Pizza Dough: The Foundation of Flavor – The base of any great pizza is its crust. Our recommended homemade pizza dough recipe yields an incredibly soft, chewy interior with a delightfully crisp exterior, providing the ideal canvas for your toppings. While homemade is always superior for freshness and texture, high-quality store-bought dough or even convenient refrigerated pizza dough from a can can be used for a quicker alternative without sacrificing too much flavor.
- White Pizza Sauce: The Creamy Canvas – Moving beyond red, our creamy white pizza sauce is a game-changer. It’s rich, velvety, and bursting with the aromatic flavors of Parmesan cheese and fresh garlic. This sauce takes only minutes to prepare and is absolutely worth the minimal effort, providing a gourmet touch that complements the other toppings beautifully without overpowering them.
- Caramelized Onions: Sweet Depth – These aren’t just any onions; these are onions slowly cooked to a profound sweetness, achieving a rich, deep flavor that adds an unparalleled layer of complexity to the pizza. Their sticky, golden texture and intense savory-sweetness are particularly amazing when paired with the fresh figs, salty Gorgonzola and prosciutto, and the bright, peppery arugula.
- Gorgonzola Cheese: The Salty Counterpoint – A beloved Italian blue cheese, Gorgonzola is renowned for its salty yet surprisingly mild and creamy profile. It forms a traditional and exquisite pairing with figs, creating a perfect balance between sweet and salty. For those who prefer a different flavor, goat cheese makes an excellent substitute, offering a similar tangy creaminess.
- Figs: The Star of Sweetness – Figs are undeniably one of the main attractions of this pizza. The choice between fresh figs, caramelized figs, or even fig jam largely depends on the seasonality and ripeness of fresh produce. If you can find sweet, perfectly ripe fresh figs, simply slice them in half and arrange them as is. Out of season, or if fresh figs aren’t ideal, a good quality fig jam or preserves can provide that essential burst of sweet fruitiness.
- Prosciutto: The Salty Elegance – This thinly sliced, dry-cured ham is another undeniable star, offering a distinct salty, savory flavor and delicate texture that pairs incredibly well with both the Gorgonzola and the figs, enhancing the overall gourmet feel of the pizza.
- Arugula: The Fresh Finish – Once the pizza emerges from the oven, a generous scattering of fresh, peppery arugula is essential. It provides a vibrant, slightly bitter crunch that beautifully contrasts with the warm, rich toppings, adding an indispensable fresh element to each bite.
Crafting Your Prosciutto and Fig Pizza: A Step-by-Step Guide
Creating this sophisticated fig and prosciutto pizza is simpler than you might think. Follow these clear steps to achieve a restaurant-quality result in your own kitchen:
- Prepare Your Workspace and Preheat Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to a blazing 450 degrees F (230 degrees C). A hot oven is crucial for achieving a crispy crust. Lightly flour your hands and a clean surface.
- Stretch and Shape the Pizza Dough: Gently stretch and shape your pizza dough into a 12-inch round. If the dough resists stretching, allow it to rest for a few minutes to relax the gluten, then continue shaping. Carefully transfer the stretched dough to a 12-inch round pizza pan or a preheated pizza stone.
- Apply White Sauce and First Layer of Cheese: Using an offset spatula or the back of a spoon, spread the rich white sauce evenly and thinly over the stretched dough. Ensure you leave a clean border of about 1 inch from the edge all the way around to form your crust. Sprinkle a generous layer of shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce.
- Arrange Remaining Toppings: Distribute the sweet caramelized onions, crumbled Gorgonzola cheese, and delightful chunks of prosciutto evenly across the mozzarella layer. Ensure good coverage so every slice gets a taste of each incredible topping.
- Bake to Perfection: Carefully transfer the loaded pizza into your preheated oven. Bake for approximately 15-20 minutes. Keep an eye on it; you’re looking for the edges of the crust to turn a beautiful golden brown and the cheese to be thoroughly melted and bubbly, with a hint of golden spots. The bottom of the crust should also be nicely browned and firm. Remove the pizza from the oven once it reaches this perfect state.
- Final Touches and Serving: Immediately after removing the pizza from the oven, scatter a handful of fresh arugula over the hot pizza. Drizzle a fine stream of high-quality extra virgin olive oil over the arugula and pizza, followed by a light sprinkle of flaky sea salt. This adds freshness, sheen, and a final seasoning flourish. Slice the pizza into wedges and serve immediately, savoring the incredible blend of flavors!
Frequently Asked Questions About Fig and Prosciutto Pizza
For achieving that coveted crispy crust at home, a pizza stone is generally my top recommendation. Its ability to retain and distribute high heat evenly mimics a professional pizza oven. However, a heavy-duty baking sheet can also yield excellent results. The most critical tip is to ensure your oven is preheated to a very high temperature—at least 450 degrees F (230°C). Baking pizza hot and fast prevents the dough from drying out and results in a perfectly cooked crust in a much shorter time. This high heat method is especially beneficial for this fig and prosciutto pizza, as it ensures the delicate ingredients like figs and prosciutto don’t over-char or become tough.
Absolutely! While fresh figs offer a wonderful texture and natural sweetness, they are seasonal. If figs aren’t readily available or you can’t find ripe, sweet ones, high-quality fig jam or fig preserves are fantastic substitutes. Using jam will introduce a slightly sweeter profile to the pizza, but when used in moderation, it provides a delicious concentrated fig flavor that complements the salty prosciutto and Gorgonzola beautifully. Spread a thin layer of fig jam over the white sauce before adding the cheese and other toppings for a delightful twist.
You can certainly take a shortcut with the pizza dough without compromising the unique flavor profile of this recipe. While homemade pizza dough often yields the best texture and freshness, store-bought pizza dough from your local grocery store or even refrigerated pizza dough from a can are perfectly acceptable alternatives. They offer convenience and significantly reduce preparation time, allowing you to enjoy this gourmet pizza even on busy weeknights. Just ensure the store-bought dough is fresh and at room temperature for easier handling and stretching.
Beyond a hot oven, a few techniques can help achieve ultimate crispiness. Make sure your pizza stone or baking steel is thoroughly preheated for at least 30-60 minutes before baking. If using a baking sheet, preheat it in the oven as well. A thin layer of cornmeal or semolina flour on your pizza peel or pan can prevent sticking and add to the crispness. Avoid overloading your pizza with toppings, as too much moisture can lead to a soggy crust. Also, ensure your dough is stretched thinly enough, especially in the center.
This Fig and Prosciutto Pizza pairs wonderfully with a light, crisp white wine like a Pinot Grigio or a dry Rosé, which can balance the richness. For beer enthusiasts, a pale ale or a crisp lager would be a good match. Non-alcoholic options include sparkling cider or a refreshing lemonade. As for sides, a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette would be perfect to complement the flavors without overwhelming them. A balsamic glaze drizzled over the pizza just before serving also enhances its gourmet appeal.
Expert Tips and Tricks for Fig and Prosciutto Pizza Perfection
Achieving a truly outstanding Fig and Prosciutto Pizza involves a few key techniques and considerations. These tips will help you master the recipe and even customize it to your liking:
- Prepare Ahead for Convenience: If you’re a planner, you can prepare the pizza dough up to a day in advance. Simply cover it tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. This allows the dough to cold-ferment, often enhancing its flavor and texture. Alternatively, consider making a double batch of our easy homemade pizza dough and freezing half for future use. Shape the dough into a round, transfer it to a freezer-safe bag, press out any excess air, and freeze for up to 3 months. To thaw, move it to the refrigerator overnight.
- Adjust Oven Temperature for Thicker Crusts: If you prefer a thicker, more substantial pizza crust, you might need to slightly reduce your oven temperature to around 400 degrees F (200°C). This adjustment allows the thicker dough more time to cook all the way through without the outside becoming excessively dark or burnt before the interior is done. Monitor closely for optimal results.
- Prevent Over-Browning of the Crust: Sometimes, the bottom of your pizza crust can brown faster than the top, especially in very hot ovens. If you notice your crust getting too golden underneath while the top still needs more cooking, slide an extra baking sheet or a piece of aluminum foil under your pizza pan or stone. This acts as a barrier, slowing down the direct heat to the bottom and allowing the top toppings and cheese more time to bake and melt beautifully.
- Enhance Flavor with Balsamic Glaze: For an extra layer of sophisticated flavor and a beautiful glossy finish, try drizzling a high-quality balsamic glaze (thicker than regular vinegar) over the fresh arugula just before serving. The rich, sweet-tart notes of the balsamic perfectly complement the sweetness of the figs, the saltiness of the prosciutto, and the peppery bite of the arugula, tying all the flavors together in a delightful way.
- Optimal Fig Selection: When choosing fresh figs, look for ones that are soft to the touch but not mushy, with a rich color. They should have a slight give when gently squeezed, indicating ripeness and sweetness. If using fig jam, opt for a brand with a high fruit content and less added sugar for a more natural flavor.
- Prosciutto Placement: To prevent the prosciutto from becoming overly crispy or burnt, consider adding it to the pizza a few minutes into the baking process, or even draping it over the pizza after it comes out of the oven. This preserves its delicate texture and distinctive flavor.
Fig and Prosciutto Pizza Recipe
The Carefree Kitchen
Pin
Rate
15
20
35
1
12″ pizza
Ingredients
-
1
pound
pizza dough, homemade or store-bought, at room temperature for easy stretching -
3/4
cup
white pizza sauce, rich and creamy for a perfect base
Pizza Toppings
-
2
cups
mozzarella cheese, shredded, for a classic melty layer -
1/2
cup
caramelized onions, slow-cooked for deep sweetness -
3
tablespoons
Gorgonzola, crumbled, for a tangy, salty kick -
3
large
figs, fresh and ripe, sliced in half, or about 1/8 cup of fig jam for alternative sweetness -
4
slices
Prosciutto, cut into 1″ chunks for easy distribution
Fresh Pizza Toppings (for after baking)
-
1½
cups
arugula, fresh and peppery, added after baking -
2
tablespoons
extra virgin olive oil, good quality, for drizzling -
1/4
teaspoon
sea salt, flaky, for finishing -
Optional: Balsamic glaze, for an extra layer of sweet-tart flavor
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 450 degrees F (230°C). This high temperature is key for a crispy crust. If using a pizza stone or heavy baking sheet, place it in the oven during preheating.
- With lightly floured hands on a clean surface, gently stretch and shape your pizza dough into a 12-inch round. If the dough springs back, let it relax for a few minutes before continuing to stretch. Transfer the shaped dough to your pizza pan or preheated pizza stone.
- Evenly and thinly spread the white sauce over the stretched dough using an offset spatula or the back of a spoon. Make sure to leave about a 1-inch border around the edge for the crust. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce.
- Evenly distribute the caramelized onions, crumbled Gorgonzola cheese, and the 1-inch chunks of prosciutto across the pizza. Ensure all toppings are well-spaced for an even bake.
- Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 15-20 minutes. Look for the crust edges to turn golden brown and the cheese to be melted and bubbling. The bottom of the crust should also be firm and lightly browned. Remove from the oven once perfectly baked.
- To finish, immediately scatter a generous handful of fresh arugula over the hot pizza. Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil and sprinkle with flaky sea salt. For an extra gourmet touch, add a drizzle of balsamic glaze. Slice, serve, and enjoy this delightful combination of flavors!
Nutrition
Calories:
2849
kcal
|
Carbohydrates:
278
g
|
Protein:
107
g
|
Fat:
148
g
|
Saturated Fat:
64
g
|
Polyunsaturated Fat:
19
g
|
Monounsaturated Fat:
52
g
|
Trans Fat:
0.04
g
|
Cholesterol:
352
mg
|
Sodium:
7226
mg
|
Potassium:
1070
mg
|
Fiber:
15
g
|
Sugar:
71
g
|
Vitamin A:
2833
IU
|
Vitamin C:
17
mg
|
Calcium:
1498
mg
|
Iron:
15
mg
Disclaimer: Nutritional values were calculated using a third-party tool and are provided as an estimation only.
Main Course
American
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The delightful fusion of prosciutto and fig in this pizza recipe proves that gourmet cooking doesn’t have to be complicated. It’s a testament to how easily a few quality ingredients can come together to create something truly special. For the most authentic and satisfying experience, we highly recommend making your pizza dough from scratch using our simple, fool-proof recipe. This extra step guarantees a foundation that perfectly complements the rich, sweet, and savory toppings, ensuring every bite is a memorable one. Gather your ingredients and prepare to embark on a delicious journey!