Pear and Prosciutto Pizza Recipe

Cooking Time: 15 minutes prep, 20 minutes baking
Serves: 3-4 people

What You’ll Need

For the pizza base:

• 1 pound pizza dough (store-bought or homemade), at room temperature
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
• 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the toppings:

• 2 ripe but firm pears, cored and thinly sliced
• 4 ounces prosciutto di Parma, torn into pieces
• 4 ounces fresh mozzarella, torn into chunks
• 2 cups fresh arugula
• 1/4 red onion, very thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons pine nuts (optional)

For finishing:

• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 1 tablespoon balsamic glaze (optional)
• Extra Parmesan for shaving
• Coarse sea salt

Preparing the Perfect Foundation

Preheat your oven to 475 degrees with a pizza stone or inverted baking sheet inside if you have one. Let the pizza dough come to room temperature for easier stretching and better texture in the finished crust.

Creating the Garlic Oil Base

In a small bowl, mix the olive oil with minced garlic and a pinch of salt. This aromatic oil will serve as the flavor foundation instead of traditional tomato sauce, allowing the delicate pear and prosciutto flavors to shine.

Preparing the Ricotta Mixture

In another small bowl, combine the ricotta cheese with half the Parmesan, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth and spreadable. This creamy base will provide richness and help bind the toppings to the crust.

Stretching the Dough

On a lightly floured surface, gently stretch the pizza dough into a 12-14 inch circle, working from the center outward. Don’t worry about perfect roundness – rustic shapes often look more artisanal and appealing.

Building the Base Layer

Transfer the stretched dough to a parchment-lined baking sheet or pizza peel if using a stone. Brush the surface evenly with the garlic olive oil mixture, leaving a 1-inch border for the crust.

Spreading the Creamy Foundation

Using a spoon or offset spatula, spread the ricotta mixture evenly over the oiled dough, again leaving the border clean. The ricotta should be in a thin, even layer that covers most of the surface.

Adding the Pear Elegance

Arrange the thin pear slices in an overlapping pattern across the pizza, distributing them evenly. The pears should be thin enough to cook through but substantial enough to maintain their shape and sweetness.

Cheese Distribution

Scatter the torn fresh mozzarella pieces over the pears, making sure they’re evenly distributed but not overcrowded. The cheese will melt and bubble, creating pockets of creamy richness throughout.

The First Bake

Carefully transfer the pizza to the hot oven (or slide onto the pizza stone) and bake for 12-15 minutes until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and starting to develop golden spots.

Adding the Prosciutto

Remove the pizza from the oven and immediately distribute the torn prosciutto pieces over the hot surface. The residual heat will warm the prosciutto without overcooking it, preserving its delicate texture.

Fresh Element Addition

Scatter the thinly sliced red onion and pine nuts if using over the warm pizza. These elements add crunch and sharpness that contrast beautifully with the sweet pears and rich cheese.

The Arugula Crown

Top the entire pizza with fresh arugula, which will wilt slightly from the heat but maintain its peppery bite and vibrant green color. The arugula adds freshness and a slight bite that balances the rich toppings.

Sweet and Spicy Finish

Drizzle the honey evenly over the entire pizza, then sprinkle with crushed red pepper flakes to taste. The honey enhances the pear sweetness while the red pepper adds a gentle heat that complements the prosciutto.

Final Elegant Touches

If using balsamic glaze, drizzle it artistically over the pizza. Shave fresh Parmesan over the top and finish with a light sprinkle of coarse sea salt to enhance all the flavors.

Perfect Slicing Technique

Let the pizza cool for 2-3 minutes to allow the cheese to set slightly, then cut into 6-8 wedges using a sharp pizza cutter or large knife. The brief cooling prevents all the toppings from sliding off.

Serving with Style

Serve immediately while still warm, allowing the contrast between the warm pizza and cool arugula to create the perfect bite. Provide additional honey and red pepper flakes on the side for customization.

Wine Pairing Perfection

This sophisticated pizza pairs beautifully with crisp white wines like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc, or try a light red like Pinot Noir. The wine’s acidity complements both the pears and the salty prosciutto.

Presentation Tips

Serve on a large wooden cutting board or pizza stone for rustic elegance. The beautiful colors and textures make this pizza as visually stunning as it is delicious.

Make-Ahead Strategy

The ricotta mixture can be prepared hours ahead, and the pears can be sliced and tossed with a little lemon juice to prevent browning. However, assemble and bake the pizza just before serving for optimal texture.

Seasonal Variations

In fall, try using different pear varieties like Bosc or Anjou. In summer, substitute fresh figs for an equally elegant variation. Stone fruits like peaches also work beautifully with this flavor profile.

Customization Ideas

Try different cheeses like goat cheese or gorgonzola for more intense flavors. Walnuts can substitute for pine nuts, and different greens like baby spinach work if arugula isn’t available.

Storage and Reheating

While best served fresh, leftover pizza can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a 400-degree oven for 5-7 minutes to restore crispiness, avoiding the microwave which makes the crust soggy.

Troubleshooting Tips

If the pears release too much juice during baking, pat them dry before slicing and arrange them in a single layer. If the crust browns too quickly, tent with foil and continue baking until the cheese is properly melted.

This Pear and Prosciutto Pizza proves that pizza can be as elegant and sophisticated as any fine dining experience. With its perfect balance of sweet, salty, creamy, and peppery elements, it creates a culinary experience that transforms a simple meal into something truly memorable, showing that the best gourmet food often comes from thoughtful combinations of quality ingredients prepared with care and creativity.