Prosciutto Peach Pizza Recipe
Original recipe (1X) yields 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 ripe peach, pitted and sliced
- 1 pound prepared pizza dough
- 4 teaspoons olive oil, divided
- 3 tablespoons pesto
- 3 tablespoons ricotta cheese
- 4 slices prosciutto, roughly torn
- 1 heirloom tomato, sliced
- 1/3 cup shredded quesadilla cheese
- 1/2 cup arugula
- 1 tablespoon hot honey
Directions
Step 1: Preheat a gas grill with all burners on High for 10 to 15 minutes.
Step 2: Grill the peach slices until they begin to soften and show grill marks, about 5 minutes. Set the grilled peaches aside.
Step 3: Reduce the flame on half of the grill burners to Low, creating zones of direct and indirect heat.
Step 4: Shape the pizza dough into a circle and brush one side with 2 teaspoons of olive oil.
Step 5: Carefully place the dough, oil-side down, on the grill over direct heat. Close the grill cover and cook for 1 to 3 minutes, or until the bottom is slightly cooked and shows char marks.
Step 6: Use tongs to flip the dough over and move it to the indirect heat zone. Brush the top of the dough with pesto, then add dollops of ricotta cheese, and sprinkle with shredded quesadilla cheese.
Step 7: Scatter pieces of prosciutto, grilled peach slices, and heirloom tomato slices on top of the pizza.
Step 8: Close the grill cover and cook for about 3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted.
Step 9: Remove the pizza from the grill and top with fresh arugula. Drizzle with hot honey and the remaining 2 teaspoons of olive oil.
Step 10: Cut the pizza into wedges and serve.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
| Calories | Fat | Carbs | Protein |
|---|---|---|---|
| 551 | 19g | 81g | 17g |
Nutrition Breakdown
- Total Fat: 19g (25% Daily Value)
- Saturated Fat: 4g (22% Daily Value)
- Cholesterol: 17mg (6% Daily Value)
- Sodium: 720mg (31% Daily Value)
- Total Carbohydrates: 81g (29% Daily Value)
- Dietary Fiber: 7g (24% Daily Value)
- Total Sugars: 26g
- Protein: 17g (33% Daily Value)
- Vitamin C: 33mg (37% Daily Value)
- Calcium: 171mg (13% Daily Value)
- Iron: 4mg (23% Daily Value)
- Potassium: 912mg (19% Daily Value)
Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.
The Story Behind Prosciutto Peach Pizza
Prosciutto Peach Pizza is a modern culinary creation that embodies the fusion of sweet and savory flavors. Its origin traces back to contemporary American cuisine, where chefs began experimenting with seasonal fruits on traditional pizza dough. The combination of thinly sliced prosciutto with juicy, grilled peaches showcases a delicate balance of textures and flavors, inspired by Italian ingredients but adapted for fresh, summer menus in the United States. While rooted in Italian traditions of cured meats and fresh produce, the pizza itself is a distinctly American innovation.
Regional Variations and Influences
This pizza highlights regional American adaptations of classic Italian flavors. In the southern United States, peaches are abundant during the summer, making them a natural choice for a seasonal pizza topping. Some regions may use local honey or arugula varieties, while West Coast versions sometimes feature additional fruits like figs or nectarines. The choice of grilling the dough and fruit rather than baking in a conventional oven reflects a more casual, outdoor-oriented dining culture prevalent in regions like California and the Southeast.
What Sets It Apart from Similar Dishes
Unlike a traditional Margherita pizza or even a fig-and-prosciutto pizza, Prosciutto Peach Pizza relies on the sweet, juicy intensity of fresh peaches to contrast the salty, savory flavor of prosciutto. The addition of hot honey and fresh arugula adds layers of spice and peppery freshness that distinguish it from other fruit-based pizzas. This interplay of sweet, salty, and slightly spicy elements makes it a unique alternative to more conventional combinations of toppings.
Where Youll Commonly Find It
Prosciutto Peach Pizza is often featured in artisanal pizzerias, farm-to-table restaurants, and seasonal summer menus at upscale eateries. It is also popular at outdoor events, backyard barbecues, and gourmet food festivals where chefs showcase innovative pizza toppings. Because of its reliance on fresh, seasonal peaches, it tends to appear primarily during the summer months in regions where the fruit is locally available.
Interesting Facts and Culinary Notes
One interesting aspect of Prosciutto Peach Pizza is the practice of grilling the fruit and dough separately before combining them. This method enhances the caramelization of the peaches and creates a slightly smoky flavor that pairs beautifully with the saltiness of prosciutto. Nutritionally, it offers a unique balance: peaches provide natural sugars and fiber, while prosciutto contributes protein and a savory richness. Additionally, topping the pizza with hot honeya trend inspired by modern American pizzeriasadds an unexpected kick that contrasts the sweetness of the peaches.
While it might seem unconventional, this pizza demonstrates how seasonal fruits can elevate savory dishes. Its popularity continues to grow as chefs explore new flavor combinations that honor traditional Italian ingredients while embracing local American produce. The dish exemplifies the creativity and adaptability of contemporary pizza making.
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