Why This Prosciutto Arugula Pizza Will Become Your Go-To Recipe

After returning from a recent trip to sunny Florida, settling back into daily routines can be quite a challenge. The allure of reality fades quickly when faced with everyday tasks. However, discovering simple pleasures, like indulging in a homemade Prosciutto Arugula Pizza, can make the transition much smoother. This particular recipe holds a special place in my heart, reminding me of a delightful pizza I once enjoyed at Mariano’s, my favorite grocery store back when I lived in Chicago.

The magic of this pizza lies in its harmonious blend of flavors and textures. The delicate, savory notes of thinly sliced prosciutto perfectly complement the vibrant, slightly bitter kick of fresh arugula. When these two stars are combined with the creamy, melted mozzarella and the sharp, nutty undertones of Parmesan cheese, you get a truly balanced and sophisticated dish. It’s a combination that’s both comforting and gourmet, easily rivaling any pizzeria creation.

What sets this pizza apart, beyond its toppings, is the flavorful crust. We start by brushing the pizza dough with a simple yet potent mixture of olive oil and minced garlic. This infuses the crust with a wonderful aroma and a subtle depth of flavor that acts as the perfect foundation. To elevate the arugula, a light dressing of olive oil and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice is tossed through it. This not only enhances its peppery flavor but also adds a refreshing brightness, cutting through the richness of the cheese and prosciutto. This thoughtful touch truly makes every bite a delightful experience.

If you’re a fan of combining fresh greens with your meals, you’ll also love experimenting with arugula on flatbreads, much like our Warm Pear Brie Arugula Naan. It’s a testament to how versatile and delicious arugula can be!

Key Ingredients for Your Gourmet Prosciutto Arugula Pizza

Creating this delicious pizza requires a few simple, high-quality ingredients that truly shine together. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need and why each component is essential:

Pizza Crust

The foundation of any great pizza. You can opt for a high-quality store-bought pizza dough to save time, or if you’re feeling adventurous, make your own for an extra fresh touch. A 12-inch crust is ideal for this recipe, providing the perfect canvas for our toppings. Consider a thin crust for maximum crispiness.

Olive Oil

Extra virgin olive oil serves two crucial roles: first, it’s mixed with garlic to brush onto the crust, imparting a rich, aromatic flavor. Second, a lighter drizzle is used to dress the arugula, helping to distribute the lemon juice and a touch of seasoning evenly, making the greens more palatable and flavorful.

Fresh Garlic

Minced garlic is combined with olive oil to create an incredibly aromatic base for the pizza crust. This simple addition elevates the entire flavor profile, offering a pungent, savory kick that complements the cheeses and cured meat beautifully.

Mozzarella Cheese & Parmesan Cheese

A dynamic duo! Shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese provides that classic gooey, melted texture and mild flavor that forms the primary cheese layer. Freshly shredded Parmesan cheese, added after baking, introduces a sharp, salty, and nutty finish that truly enhances the gourmet feel of the pizza. Always opt for fresh Parmesan for the best flavor.

Arugula

The star green! Arugula adds a distinctive peppery, slightly bitter flavor that beautifully contrasts with the salty prosciutto and rich cheeses. It’s best added fresh after the pizza is baked to maintain its crisp texture and vibrant flavor.

Lemon Juice

A splash of fresh lemon juice is tossed with the arugula, providing a bright, zesty counterpoint to the other ingredients. It lifts the overall flavor profile, adding a refreshing note and enhancing the natural taste of the greens.

Prosciutto

Thinly sliced prosciutto is a dry-cured Italian ham known for its delicate texture and intense, salty flavor. It’s typically added after baking, allowing its flavors to soften slightly from the pizza’s residual heat without becoming crispy. Its saltiness is key to balancing the peppery arugula.

Salt & Pepper

Essential seasonings that bring out the best in all ingredients, particularly for seasoning the arugula before it goes on the pizza.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make This Delicious Arugula Pizza

This Prosciutto Arugula Pizza comes together quickly, making it perfect for a weeknight meal or entertaining guests. Follow these simple steps for a perfect pie:

1. Preheat Your Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to a high temperature of 450 degrees Fahrenheit (230°C). A hot oven is crucial for achieving a perfectly crisp crust and bubbly cheese.
2. Prepare the Garlic Olive Oil Mixture: In a small bowl, combine 1 tablespoon of olive oil with 2 cloves of freshly minced garlic. Use a pastry brush to evenly spread this aromatic mixture over your entire 12-inch pizza crust. This garlic-infused oil will give your crust an incredible foundational flavor.
3. Add Mozzarella and Bake: Generously sprinkle 1 1/2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese over the garlic-brushed pizza crust. Transfer the pizza to the preheated oven and bake for 8 to 10 minutes. Keep a close eye on it until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the crust has just begun to turn a golden brown. This pre-bake ensures the crust is perfectly cooked before adding the delicate fresh toppings.
4. Dress the Arugula: While your pizza is baking, prepare the arugula topping. In a medium mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of fresh arugula with 1/2 teaspoon of olive oil, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, a dash of black pepper, and the juice from 1/2 a lemon. Toss gently until the arugula is lightly coated. Set this aside to let the flavors meld.
5. Finish and Serve: Once the pizza comes out of the oven, immediately layer the dressed arugula and thinly sliced prosciutto on top of the hot, cheesy crust. The residual heat from the pizza will slightly wilt the arugula and warm the prosciutto without cooking them. Finally, sprinkle 1/4 cup of freshly shredded Parmesan cheese over everything. Slice, serve, and enjoy your gourmet homemade pizza!

Tips for the Perfect Prosciutto Arugula Pizza

• Crispy Crust: For an extra crispy crust, preheat a pizza stone or baking steel in your oven while it’s heating. Place the pizza directly onto the hot stone/steel for baking.
• Quality Ingredients: Since this pizza has relatively few ingredients, the quality of each truly makes a difference. Invest in good olive oil, fresh mozzarella, and high-quality prosciutto.
• Arugula Freshness: Arugula wilts quickly under heat. Always add it immediately after the pizza comes out of the oven, but before it cools too much, so it slightly softens without becoming soggy.
• Don’t Overload: While tempting, avoid overloading the pizza with too much prosciutto or arugula. A balanced amount ensures each flavor can be appreciated.
• Serving Temperature: This pizza is best served warm, allowing the cheeses to be gooey and the prosciutto to be slightly warmed.

Variations and Serving Suggestions

Crust Options:

• Naan Bread Pizza: For an even quicker meal, use Naan bread as your pizza crust. Some brands, like Stonefire, even make a thicker “pizza naan” which works wonderfully. Just adjust baking times as Naan cooks much faster.
• Whole Wheat Crust: For a healthier alternative, try a whole wheat pizza crust.
• Gluten-Free: Many excellent gluten-free pizza crusts are available commercially, making this recipe accessible for everyone.

Additional Toppings:

• Cherry Tomatoes: Halved cherry tomatoes added with the arugula can introduce a burst of sweetness and acidity.
• Balsamic Glaze: A drizzle of balsamic glaze over the finished pizza can add a touch of sweet and tangy complexity.
• Goat Cheese: Crumbled goat cheese instead of or in addition to Parmesan would add a creamy, tangy element.
• Red Pepper Flakes: For those who enjoy a little heat, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes offers a pleasant kick.
• Fig Jam Base: For a sweeter, more savory experience, a thin layer of fig jam could replace the garlic olive oil base before adding cheese.

What to Serve With:

This Prosciutto Arugula Pizza is substantial enough to be a meal on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with a simple side salad, such as a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette. A glass of chilled white wine, like a Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, would also complement its flavors wonderfully.

Other Delicious Arugula Recipes You Might Like:

• Arugula Salad with Capers
• Lemon Arugula Salad with Pine Nuts
• Farro Roasted Beet Arugula Salad
• Chickpea Pasta Recipe with Arugula and Feta
• Mediterranean Couscous Salad (often includes arugula)

More Pizza and Flatbread Recipes to Explore:

• Mexican Pizza
• Spiced Beef Hummus Pita Pizza
• Greek Beef Pita Pizza
• Mediterranean Naan Pizza
• Mediterranean Flatbread
• Mediterranean Naan Bread Pizza