This Pizza Prosciutto is a sophisticated twist on classic pizza, featuring a crispy thin crust topped with creamy mozzarella, delicate prosciutto, fresh arugula, and a drizzle of olive oil or balsamic glaze. Inspired by traditional Italian cuisine, this pizza balances salty, creamy, and peppery flavors for a truly gourmet experience.
Unlike regular ham, prosciutto is a dry-cured, thinly sliced Italian ham known for its buttery texture and rich flavor. It adds a luxurious touch to any dish — especially when paired with melted cheese and crisp greens like arugula.
This pizza is best baked at high heat to achieve that signature pizzeria finish — bubbly cheese, golden crust, and just the right amount of char. It’s simple enough for a weeknight dinner but elegant enough for entertaining guests or date nights.
Whether you’re new to Italian cooking or looking to elevate your homemade pizza game, this Prosciutto Pizza will impress with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
Ingredients (Makes 1 large pizza / serves 2–3):
For the Dough:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp instant yeast
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 3/4 cup warm water
- 2 tbsp olive oil
For the Toppings:
- 1/2 cup tomato pizza sauce (or crushed San Marzano tomatoes)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (or fresh mozzarella slices)
- 2–3 oz thinly sliced prosciutto
- Handful of fresh arugula
- Extra virgin olive oil or balsamic glaze (for drizzling)
- Optional: shaved Parmesan, cracked black pepper, fresh basil
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
In a mixing bowl, combine flour, yeast, sugar, salt, and olive oil. Gradually add warm water while mixing until a soft dough forms. Knead for 5–7 minutes until smooth. Place in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
Step 2: Preheat the Oven
Preheat oven to 475°F (245°C). If using a pizza stone or baking steel, place it inside to preheat as well.
Step 3: Shape the Dough
Punch down the dough and roll it into a 12-inch circle. Transfer to a pizza peel or parchment-lined baking sheet.
Step 4: Assemble the Pizza
Spread pizza sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border for the crust. Sprinkle or layer mozzarella cheese over the sauce. Bake for 8–12 minutes until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly.
Step 5: Add the Prosciutto & Greens
Once out of the oven, quickly arrange slices of prosciutto over the hot cheese. Top with a handful of fresh arugula while still warm so it slightly wilts.
Step 6: Finish and Serve
Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil or balsamic glaze. Optionally, top with shaved Parmesan and cracked black pepper. Slice and serve immediately!
Pro Tips:
- Use fresh mozzarella for a creamier texture.
- Don’t bake the arugula — add it after baking to keep its crispness.
- Brush the crust edge with garlic-infused olive oil before baking for extra flavor.
- Make ahead: You can prepare the dough up to a day in advance and refrigerate it.
