| Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 15 mins – 20 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 350 | 15g | 6g | 35g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 5g | 2g | 25g | 1.2g |
I have to tell you, friends, I am in love with a recipe. Not just any recipe, but a wonderfully unique, mouth-watering, truly unforgettable dish known as the Pear and Prosciutto Pizza. Southern cooking may be known for its comfort foods and distinct flavors, but sometimes an inspired culinary experience takes you far beyond traditionally regional boundaries.
A Unique Southern Blend
At first glance, a pizza featuring pears and prosciutto might seem a far cry from the biscuits, fried chicken, and coastally-inspired seafood dishes I grew up with. But, the beauty of this recipe lies in its harmonious marriage of ingredients, creating a flavour profile that is unexpected yet familiar. It’s a thrilling expansion of the conventional pizza experience; akin to adding a jazzy horn section to a beloved classical melody. If you’ve enjoyed recipes such as Fig and Prosciutto Pizza or Pear and Blue Cheese Pizza, you’ll find the same enticing combination of sweet fruit and salty bursts in this pizza.
A Delicious Dose of Health and Happiness
What excites me even further about this Pear and Prosciutto Pizza is that it’s not only delicious, but also rich in health benefits. The fresh pear slices bring in a hefty dose of dietary fiber and vitamin C, while the olive oil provides healthy monounsaturated fats. The prosciutto, in all its salty goodness, is a great source of protein, and the arugula not only adds a peppery kick, but also packs in a variety of vitamins and minerals.
I love to accompany this pizza with a crisp, refreshing Arugula Salad, which provides the perfect balance to the sweet and savory pizza toppings. And to round out the meal, why not share a dish of creamy homemade Peach Cobbler? Just like our Pear and Prosciutto Pizza, both of these dishes embrace the delicious possibilities that come from unexpected combinations.
So, while this Pear and Prosciutto Pizza may not be your typical Southern dish, I believe it embodies the essence of true Southern cooking: creative, adaptable, and ultimately, satisfying. From my Southern kitchen to yours, I hope this recipe brings joy to your table as it has to mine.
What You’ll Need
- 1 Pizza dough (store bought or homemade)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large pear, thinly sliced
- 8 oz. prosciutto, thinly sliced
- 1 cup arugula
- 1/2 cup Goat cheese, crumbled
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, shredded
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon honey for drizzling
Method
Step One
Preheat your oven to 475 degrees F (245 degrees C). When using a pizza stone, allow it to heat up in the oven for at least 30 minutes before starting the pizza.
Step Two
While the oven is preheating, prepare the pizza dough. If the dough is store-bought, ensure that it has been brought up to room temperature before handling. Roll out the pizza dough until you have achieved your desired thickness.
Step Three
Brush the rolled out pizza dough with 1 tablespoon of the olive oil. Apply the oil evenly over the entire surface of the dough. This will help to keep the dough moist during cooking.
Step Four
Next, layer the thinly sliced pear and prosciutto over the pizza dough. Ensure that the ingredients are evenly distributed to ensure even cooking.
Step Five
In a mixing bowl, combine the goat cheese, mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle this cheese mixture over the pear and prosciutto.
Step Six
Season the pizza with the black pepper. Then, drizzle the remaining tablespoon of olive oil over the top.
Step Seven
By now, the oven should be preheated. Transfer the pizza onto the preheated pizza stone or baking sheet.
Step Eight
Bake the pizza in the preheated oven for approximately 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbling and slightly browned. Baking times may vary depending on the thickness of your pizza crust and the specific oven used.
Step Nine
Remove the pizza from the oven. Immediately top the hot pizza with the arugula. The heat from the pizza will slightly wilt the arugula.
Step Ten
Finish with a drizzle of honey over the top of the pizza – this provides a sweet contrast to the savory ingredients. Allow the pizza to cool slightly before slicing and serving. Enjoy your Pear and Prosciutto Pizza!
