Fried Peach and Pancetta Pizza Recipe

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients

• 8 ounces pancetta bacon, thickly sliced
• 1 teaspoon olive oil, or as needed
• 12 ounces pizza dough, or more to taste, cut into quarters
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour, or as needed
• 1 cup olive oil, or as needed
• cup ricotta cheese
• 2 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme, or to taste
• Ground black pepper to taste
• 20 slices fresh peach
• cup freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, or to taste
• 4 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil, or to taste

Directions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 475F (245C). Line baking sheets with aluminum foil for easy cleanup.

Step 2: In a cold skillet, add the pancetta and drizzle with 1 teaspoon of olive oil. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the pancetta turns golden brown and crispy, about 5 to 10 minutes. Remove from heat and allow it to cool in the pan with the oil.

Step 3: While the pancetta cools, work on the dough. Take one quarter of the dough and place it on a lightly floured surface. Roll it out into a roughly shaped crust, about 1/8 inch thick. Stretch the dough with your hands to ensure an even thickness. Let it rest for 5 minutes before proceeding with the rest of the dough.

Step 4: Heat 1 cup of olive oil in a heavy cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. The oil should reach a depth of about 1/2 inch. Fry each piece of dough for about 2 minutes per side, until golden and crisp. The first side will be lighter than the second. After frying, transfer the crusts to paper towels to drain excess oil.

Step 5: Place the fried pizza crusts, with the lighter side facing up, on the prepared baking sheets. Spread approximately 2 tablespoons of ricotta cheese onto each crust using the back of a spoon.

Step 6: Sprinkle about 1/2 teaspoon of fresh thyme over the ricotta, then top with the crispy pancetta. Season with freshly ground black pepper to taste.

Step 7: Arrange about 5 slices of fresh peach on each pizza, carefully positioning them around the pancetta. Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese over the top, followed by a drizzle of 1 teaspoon extra-virgin olive oil on each pizza.

Step 8: Place the pizzas in the preheated oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the peaches are slightly browned and tender.

Step 9: Remove the pizzas from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for 5 to 10 minutes before serving.

Cook's Notes

• The fried pizza crusts can be made ahead of time for quicker assembly.
• If preferred, you can swap fresh thyme with basil for a sweeter, more aromatic flavor.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Calories	462
Total Fat	23g
Saturated Fat	5g
Cholesterol	25mg
Sodium	1060mg
Total Carbohydrate	45g
Dietary Fiber	1g
Total Sugars	7g
Protein	16g
Vitamin C	20mg
Calcium	66mg
Iron	3mg
Potassium	132mg

Transform your extra summer peaches into a savory appetizer using Chef John's recipe for fried peach and pancetta pizza with thyme.

Origin Story

The Fried Peach and Pancetta Pizza is a modern twist on traditional Italian flavors, with a delightful balance of sweet and savory elements. While pizza itself has its roots in Naples, Italy, this recipe adds a distinctly contemporary touch by pairing sweet, ripe peaches with the salty richness of pancetta, creating a flavor profile that plays with the boundaries of sweet and savory cuisine. The dish draws inspiration from Italy's love for fresh, seasonal ingredients and their versatility in pizza-making, showcasing the ability to integrate fruits into savory dishes in innovative ways.

Regional Variations

In Italy, peaches are a common ingredient in summer dishes, particularly in the central and southern regions where the warm climate produces juicy, flavorful fruits. However, this pizza would be considered a fusion dish, combining the classic Neapolitan pizza dough with seasonal ingredients that reflect both Mediterranean and modern influences. In some Italian regions, particularly in Tuscany and Lazio, fruits such as figs and apples are often paired with cured meats like prosciutto or pancetta. This pizza takes inspiration from those regional preferences, blending the rich umami of pancetta with the sweet fruit for a unique culinary experience.

What Sets It Apart

Unlike traditional pizzas, which are typically topped with tomato sauce, mozzarella, and other savory ingredients, the Fried Peach and Pancetta Pizza incorporates fruit in a way that's rarely seen in mainstream pizza recipes. The frying process gives the pizza crust a crisp, golden exterior, which contrasts beautifully with the soft ricotta and warm, caramelized peaches. The addition of fresh thyme provides an aromatic herbal note, balancing the sweetness of the peaches and the saltiness of the pancetta. This approach gives the pizza a sophisticated flair, making it stand out among more conventional pies.

Where It's Typically Served

This pizza is often served as an appetizer or light meal, making it a perfect dish for summer gatherings or casual dinner parties. It can be found at artisanal pizzerias that specialize in unique and seasonal toppings, offering an alternative to more traditional pizza options. It's also a popular choice for a brunch or a Mediterranean-inspired meal, where guests can enjoy a mix of sweet and savory flavors in a single bite. Due to its light yet rich nature, it pairs wonderfully with a glass of crisp white wine or a light ros.

Interesting Facts

• In Italy, peaches are most commonly associated with desserts, but savory applications like this pizza demonstrate their versatility in Mediterranean cooking.
• Pancetta is an Italian cured meat made from pork belly, similar to bacon, but it is not smoked, giving it a milder flavor that pairs wonderfully with fruits like peaches.
• The concept of combining fruits with meats or cheeses dates back to ancient times, with early Mediterranean cooks using ingredients such as dates, figs, and apples in savory dishes long before the modern pizza was created.
• The pizza crust in this recipe is fried rather than baked, giving it a unique texture that is more similar to a crispy flatbread than a traditional pizza dough.

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