Pizza with Fig Jam and Prosciutto
Highlighted under: Global Ideas
I absolutely love making Pizza with Fig Jam and Prosciutto because it combines the savory and the sweet in a deliciously unique way. The blend of rich fig jam with salty prosciutto creates a flavor profile that's both sophisticated and satisfying. What's more, the crispy crust acts as the perfect base, ensuring that each bite is an experience of delightful contrasts. This recipe has become a favorite for gatherings at my place, and it always impresses my guests with its unexpected yet harmonious ingredients.
When I first stumbled upon the idea of pairing fig jam with prosciutto on pizza, I was skeptical yet intrigued. After trying it, I was amazed at how well the sweet jam complemented the savory meat. I realized that the key is to use a good quality jam and a delicate hand when layering the ingredients. Too much jam can overpower the other flavors, so I recommend starting with a thin layer and adjusting based on your taste.
This pizza is not just a meal; it’s a culinary experience. I experimented with different cheeses, and I found that a mix of creamy goat cheese and mozzarella works wonders. The creaminess balances the saltiness of the prosciutto, enhancing the overall flavor and taking the pizza to the next level.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- A perfect balance of sweet fig jam and savory prosciutto
- Crispy crust that holds all the delicious toppings perfectly
- Easily impresses guests with its unique flavor profile
Mastering the Crust
The foundation of this pizza is a perfectly crisp crust, which can be achieved by using a pizza stone if you have one. Preheat the stone in your oven alongside the heating up to ensure a rapid heat transfer when the pizza goes in. If you don't own a pizza stone, a well-heated inverted baking sheet also does the trick. Roll out the dough thinly to avoid a doughy center; aim for about 1/4 inch thickness, ensuring that the edges are slightly thicker to form a crust.
Balancing Flavors
Choosing the right fig jam is crucial to achieving the perfect balance of sweetness and tartness. A jam that contains real fruit pieces can add texture and enhances the overall mouthfeel of the pizza. Additionally, consider making your own fig jam if you can find fresh figs; it allows for customization in sweetness and flavor intensity. Pairing this with the saltiness of prosciutto creates a dynamic taste experience, where each component complements the others beautifully.
Optimal Serving Suggestions
For serving, I recommend slicing the pizza into smaller portions, perhaps rectangular slices, as they tempt guests to take just one more. The fresh arugula added post-baking not only enhances the visual appeal with its vibrant green but also balances the richness of the cheese and prosciutto. Adding a splash of balsamic glaze over the arugula just before serving can elevate the dish to new heights, introducing a tangy finish that rounds out the sweet and savory elements.
Ingredients
Gather these delicious ingredients before you start:
Ingredients for Pizza
- 1 pizza crust
- 1/2 cup fig jam
- 4 ounces prosciutto, thinly sliced
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 2 ounces goat cheese, crumbled
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Fresh arugula for topping
Once you've got everything together, you're ready to make some delicious pizza!
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create your gourmet pizza:
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C) to ensure a crispy crust.
Assemble the Pizza
Roll out the pizza crust on a floured surface to your desired thickness. Transfer to a pizza stone or baking sheet.
Spread the Fig Jam
Evenly spread the fig jam over the crust, leaving a small border for the crust.
Add Cheese and Prosciutto
Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese evenly over the jam, then layer the prosciutto slices on top. Crumble the goat cheese over the pizza.
Bake the Pizza
Drizzle olive oil on top and bake in the preheated oven for about 12 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
Finish with Arugula
Remove from the oven and top with fresh arugula. Slice and serve immediately.
Enjoy your delicious Pizza with Fig Jam and Prosciutto!
Pro Tips
- For added depth of flavor, consider including a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes for a touch of heat. Also, try using a balsamic glaze drizzle before serving for an extra layer of complexity.
Dietary Substitutions
If you have guests with dietary restrictions, you can easily adapt this recipe. For a gluten-free option, use a pre-made gluten-free pizza crust or make your own using almond flour and coconut flour. Additionally, for a vegetarian version, simply omit the prosciutto and add other toppings such as sautéed mushrooms or caramelized onions, which will contribute depth and savory notes without the meat.
Make-Ahead Tips
You can prepare components of this pizza in advance to streamline your cooking process. The fig jam can be made up to a week early and stored in the refrigerator, while you can also pre-slice the prosciutto and mozzarella cheese. As for the crust, it can be rolled out and placed on a baking sheet a few hours before baking; just cover it with a damp cloth to keep it from drying out. This preparation will save considerable time during a busy gathering.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
A common issue when making pizza is ending up with a soggy crust. To prevent this, ensure your pizza stone or baking sheet is fully heated before placing the assembled pizza on it. Additionally, avoid using too much fig jam; less is more to maintain a crispy base. If your cheese isn't melting properly, it might be due to having the cheese too cold. Allow your cheese to sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes before use to promote even melting.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! Feel free to substitute with ricotta or fontina, depending on your taste preference.
→ What type of pizza crust should I use?
You can use store-bought crust or make your own from scratch. Thin crust is recommended for a crispy result.
→ Can I prepare the toppings in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the prosciutto and cheese ahead of time, but it's best to spread the jam just before baking for optimal flavor.
→ Is this pizza suitable for meal prep?
While fresh pizza is always best, you can prepare the ingredients ahead of time and assemble when ready to bake.
Pizza with Fig Jam and Prosciutto
I absolutely love making Pizza with Fig Jam and Prosciutto because it combines the savory and the sweet in a deliciously unique way. The blend of rich fig jam with salty prosciutto creates a flavor profile that's both sophisticated and satisfying. What's more, the crispy crust acts as the perfect base, ensuring that each bite is an experience of delightful contrasts. This recipe has become a favorite for gatherings at my place, and it always impresses my guests with its unexpected yet harmonious ingredients.
Created by: Una Merrick
Recipe Type: Global Ideas
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 2 servings
What You'll Need
Ingredients for Pizza
- 1 pizza crust
- 1/2 cup fig jam
- 4 ounces prosciutto, thinly sliced
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 2 ounces goat cheese, crumbled
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Fresh arugula for topping
How-To Steps
Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C) to ensure a crispy crust.
Roll out the pizza crust on a floured surface to your desired thickness. Transfer to a pizza stone or baking sheet.
Evenly spread the fig jam over the crust, leaving a small border for the crust.
Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese evenly over the jam, then layer the prosciutto slices on top. Crumble the goat cheese over the pizza.
Drizzle olive oil on top and bake in the preheated oven for about 12 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
Remove from the oven and top with fresh arugula. Slice and serve immediately.
Extra Tips
- For added depth of flavor, consider including a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes for a touch of heat. Also, try using a balsamic glaze drizzle before serving for an extra layer of complexity.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Total Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 680mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 51g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 10g
- Protein: 16g