Sweet & Savory Delight: Pear and Prosciutto Pizza Recipe

Pear and prosciutto pizza is a delightful culinary experience that perfectly balances sweet and savory flavors. The delicate sweetness of ripe pears complements the salty richness of prosciutto, all brought together by creamy cheese and a crisp crust. This gourmet pizza is surprisingly easy to make at home, making it an excellent choice for a weeknight dinner or an elegant appetizer for a gathering.

This blog post will guide you through every step of creating this mouthwatering pizza, from preparing the dough to selecting the perfect toppings. Whether you’re a seasoned pizza maker or a beginner, you’ll find this recipe approachable and rewarding. Get ready to impress your friends and family with a pizza that’s as visually stunning as it is delicious!

## Why Pear and Prosciutto Pizza Works

The combination of pear and prosciutto might seem unconventional, but it’s a match made in culinary heaven. Here’s why:

* **Sweet and Salty Contrast:** The sweetness of the pear cuts through the saltiness of the prosciutto, creating a balanced flavor profile that’s both complex and satisfying.
* **Textural Harmony:** The soft, juicy pears contrast with the crispy prosciutto and the chewy pizza crust, providing a delightful textural experience.
* **Elegance and Simplicity:** Despite its gourmet appeal, this pizza requires minimal ingredients and is relatively easy to prepare, making it perfect for both casual and formal occasions.
* **Versatility:** You can customize this pizza to your liking by adding different cheeses, herbs, or drizzles. Get creative and make it your own!

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s gather the necessary ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

**For the Pizza Dough:**

* 1 cup warm water (105-115°F)
* 1 teaspoon sugar
* 2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
* 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 2 tablespoons olive oil, plus more for drizzling

**For the Toppings:**

* 1/4 cup olive oil, divided
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
* 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
* 2 ripe but firm pears, thinly sliced
* 4 ounces prosciutto, thinly sliced
* 2 ounces fresh arugula
* Balsamic glaze, for drizzling (optional)
* Fresh thyme leaves, for garnish (optional)

**Ingredient Notes and Substitutions:**

* **Yeast:** Ensure your yeast is active. If it doesn’t foam after being mixed with warm water and sugar, it might be expired.
* **Flour:** You can use bread flour for a chewier crust.
* **Pears:** Choose pears that are ripe but still firm, such as Bosc or Anjou. Avoid pears that are too soft, as they will become mushy during baking.
* **Prosciutto:** You can substitute prosciutto with speck or other cured meats.
* **Cheese:** Feel free to experiment with different cheeses. Gorgonzola, goat cheese, or fontina would also work well.
* **Arugula:** If you’re not a fan of arugula, you can use baby spinach or other leafy greens.
* **Balsamic Glaze:** This adds a touch of sweetness and acidity. If you don’t have balsamic glaze, you can reduce balsamic vinegar on the stovetop until it thickens.

## Equipment You’ll Need

* Large mixing bowl
* Measuring cups and spoons
* Pizza stone or baking sheet
* Pizza peel (optional, but recommended)
* Rolling pin
* Pizza cutter or knife

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Now that we have all the ingredients and equipment ready, let’s get started with the recipe. Follow these step-by-step instructions to create your own pear and prosciutto pizza masterpiece.

### Step 1: Prepare the Pizza Dough

1. **Activate the Yeast:** In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water and sugar. Sprinkle yeast over the mixture and let it stand for 5-10 minutes, or until foamy. This indicates that the yeast is active.
2. **Combine Dry Ingredients:** In the same bowl, add flour and salt. Mix well.
3. **Add Wet Ingredients:** Pour olive oil into the flour mixture. Gradually add the yeast mixture, mixing with a wooden spoon or your hands until a shaggy dough forms.
4. **Knead the Dough:** Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for 5-7 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time. If using a stand mixer, knead with the dough hook attachment for 5 minutes.
5. **First Rise:** Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat all sides. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel. Let the dough rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.

### Step 2: Prepare the Toppings

1. **Prepare the Garlic Oil:** In a small bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of olive oil and minced garlic. Set aside. This will be brushed on the pizza crust before adding the other toppings.
2. **Slice the Pears:** Wash and core the pears. Thinly slice them using a sharp knife or a mandoline. Ensure the slices are uniform in thickness for even cooking.
3. **Prepare the Prosciutto:** If the prosciutto slices are thick, you can tear them into smaller pieces for easier distribution on the pizza.
4. **Wash the Arugula:** Gently wash the arugula and pat it dry with paper towels. Set aside. The arugula will be added after the pizza is baked.

### Step 3: Assemble and Bake the Pizza

1. **Preheat the Oven:** Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C) with a pizza stone or baking sheet inside. This ensures that the pizza crust will be crispy.
2. **Shape the Dough:** Punch down the risen dough to release the air. Turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Using a rolling pin or your hands, shape the dough into a 12-inch circle or oval. If using a pizza peel, transfer the dough to the peel dusted with cornmeal or flour to prevent sticking.
3. **Add the Base:** Brush the garlic oil evenly over the pizza dough, leaving a small border for the crust. This adds flavor and helps the crust crisp up.
4. **Add the Cheese:** Spread ricotta cheese evenly over the garlic oil base. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the ricotta.
5. **Arrange the Toppings:** Arrange the pear slices evenly over the cheese. Distribute the prosciutto over the pears.
6. **Bake the Pizza:** Carefully slide the pizza onto the preheated pizza stone or baking sheet. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. **Add the Finishing Touches:** Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Top with fresh arugula and drizzle with balsamic glaze, if desired. Garnish with fresh thyme leaves, if desired.
8. **Slice and Serve:** Slice the pizza with a pizza cutter or knife and serve immediately. Enjoy!

## Tips for the Perfect Pear and Prosciutto Pizza

* **Use High-Quality Ingredients:** The quality of your ingredients will significantly impact the flavor of the pizza. Use fresh, ripe pears, high-quality prosciutto, and good-quality cheese.
* **Don’t Overload the Pizza:** Too many toppings can make the crust soggy. Use a light hand when adding the toppings to ensure the crust stays crispy.
* **Preheat the Pizza Stone:** Preheating the pizza stone is crucial for achieving a crispy crust. Make sure the stone is thoroughly heated before placing the pizza on it.
* **Adjust Baking Time:** Baking time may vary depending on your oven. Keep an eye on the pizza and adjust the baking time accordingly.
* **Let the Pizza Cool Slightly:** Letting the pizza cool for a few minutes before adding the arugula and balsamic glaze will prevent the arugula from wilting and the glaze from melting too much.

## Variations and Customizations

One of the best things about this pear and prosciutto pizza is its versatility. Here are a few ideas for variations and customizations:

* **Add Different Cheeses:** Try using Gorgonzola, goat cheese, or fontina instead of or in addition to ricotta and Parmesan.
* **Add Herbs:** Experiment with different herbs such as rosemary, sage, or basil.
* **Add Nuts:** Sprinkle toasted walnuts or pecans over the pizza for added crunch.
* **Make it Spicy:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic oil or drizzle with hot honey for a spicy kick.
* **Use Different Crusts:** Try using a whole wheat crust, a cauliflower crust, or a store-bought crust for convenience.
* **Grill the Pizza:** For a smoky flavor, grill the pizza instead of baking it in the oven.

## Serving Suggestions

Pear and prosciutto pizza can be served as a main course, an appetizer, or a snack. Here are a few serving suggestions:

* **As a Main Course:** Serve with a side salad and a glass of white wine.
* **As an Appetizer:** Cut the pizza into smaller squares and serve as part of a cheese and charcuterie board.
* **As a Snack:** Enjoy a slice of pizza as a midday snack or an afternoon treat.

## Storage and Reheating

* **Storage:** Leftover pizza can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container.
* **Reheating:** To reheat the pizza, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the pizza on a baking sheet and bake for 5-10 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat the pizza in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave, but the crust may not be as crispy.

## Conclusion

Pear and prosciutto pizza is a culinary masterpiece that’s both elegant and easy to make. With its perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors, it’s sure to impress your friends and family. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, this recipe is a great way to elevate your pizza game. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to create a pizza that’s as visually stunning as it is delicious. Enjoy!