If you’re craving a pizza that’s fresh, savory, and bursting with contrasting flavors, this Arugula and Prosciutto Pizza Recipe is going to be your new go-to. Crispy crust, garlicky rosemary oil, gooey cheese, and a peppery arugula salad on top – what’s not to love?
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
I’ve made this pizza more times than I can count because it nails that perfect balance between fresh and indulgent. The combination of melty mozzarella, salty prosciutto, and bright arugula dressing makes every bite feel special without spending hours in the kitchen.
- Simple yet sophisticated: Homemade flavors that look and taste like you ordered from a top pizzeria.
- Quick bake time: Ready in just 16 minutes once your dough is prepped.
- Fresh peppery finish: The arugula salad with lemon juice lifts the rich prosciutto beautifully.
- Perfect crust every time: Using a baking steel and semolina flour ensures a crispy, thin crust.
Ingredients & Why They Work
Before you dive in, here’s a quick rundown of the star players in this recipe. When shopping, aim for fresh, high-quality ingredients like a flavorful prosciutto and tender baby arugula—they really make all the difference.
- Overnight thin crust pizza dough: Prepping your dough ahead gives you better flavor and an amazing texture that’s crisp on the edges and tender inside.
- Semolina flour: This coarse flour helps your pizza slide easily off the peel onto the baking steel without sticking.
- All-purpose flour: Perfect for dusting the dough during stretching for a smooth, workable surface.
- Olive oil: Forms the base of the garlic-rosemary sauce, adding rich fragrance and depth.
- Minced shallot: Adds a mild onion sweetness that complements the garlic and rosemary.
- Garlic: Fresh and pungent, it’s the star of our aromatic sauce.
- Fresh rosemary: Gives an earthy, pine-like aroma that elevates the olive oil sauce.
- Diamond crystal kosher salt: The preferred salt for seasoning because of its perfect flake size and clean taste.
- Black pepper: Adds subtle heat and complexity.
- Low-moisture mozzarella: Melts beautifully, giving you that stretchy cheesy goodness without excess moisture.
- Parmesan cheese: Finely grated for a sharp, nutty flavor that lifts the cheese blend.
- Prosciutto slices: Thin, delicate, and wonderfully salty—just tear and layer for ideal texture.
- Baby arugula: Provides a fresh, peppery crunch that contrasts perfectly with the rich toppings.
- Lemon juice: Brightens the arugula with zesty acidity for a lively salad topping.
Make It Your Way
One of the fun things about the Arugula and Prosciutto Pizza Recipe is how adaptable it is. Feel free to play with toppings and dressings to make this pizza truly your own — there’s so much room to get creative with flavors and textures!
- Vegetarian Variation: If you want to keep things meat-free, simply skip the prosciutto and swap in some roasted mushrooms or grilled zucchini. The garlic rosemary olive oil sauce and tangy arugula salad still bring plenty of punch!
- Spicy Twist: Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the olive oil sauce for a subtle heat that complements the peppery arugula beautifully. I once made this for a group of friends and the extra kick was a huge hit!
- Seasonal Greens: When arugula isn’t in season, try baby spinach or watercress for a different but delicious leafy green topping. Just toss them with the lemon dressing as usual to keep that fresh bite.
- Cheese Alternatives: Feeling adventurous? Swap out mozzarella for burrata or fresh ricotta dollops after baking to add a creamy, indulgent texture that pairs wonderfully with the salty prosciutto.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Arugula and Prosciutto Pizza Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prep Your Dough
Start by placing your baking steel in the top rack of your oven if your broiler is located there—this ensures even, high heat. Preheat your oven to 500°F and let the steel heat for at least one full hour. This step is key to achieving that crispy, perfectly cooked crust. Meanwhile, take your frozen or refrigerated pizza dough out to come up to room temperature for about 60 to 90 minutes. This rest allows the dough to stretch easily without springing back, so be patient!
Step 2: Whip Up the Garlic Rosemary Olive Oil Sauce
While the oven heats, combine your minced garlic, shallot, and fresh rosemary in a small bowl. Pour in the olive oil and season with salt and black pepper. This sauce will infuse your pizza with a fragrant, savory base — almost like a mini herb garden in every bite. Give it a gentle stir and set aside.
Step 3: Stretch Your Dough Gently
Dust your clean countertop generously with all-purpose flour, then place your dough ball down. Sprinkle more flour on top to prevent sticking. Press down gently in the center so your outer crust stays thick and pillowy. Then, pick up the dough by the edges with your fingertips pointing down and slowly let gravity stretch it as you rotate the dough carefully. When it measures about 7-8 inches across, lay it down and stretch it further by slipping your hands underneath, stretching on the backs of your hands until the dough reaches 12-14 inches, thin in the center but retaining a thick, sturdy crust.
Step 4: Assemble the Pizza on Your Peel
Dust your pizza peel with semolina flour — this works like little ball bearings to help your pizza slide right off the peel onto the hot steel. Lay out your stretched dough and spoon the garlic rosemary olive oil sauce evenly over the surface. Next, shower the pizza with the grated mozzarella and sprinkle on the parmesan for extra sharpness. Tear those prosciutto slices by hand and arrange them on top. I love letting some pieces “tent” with edges lifted towards the heat for that perfect slightly crispy texture.
Step 5: Slide, Bake, and Rotate
Give your pizza a gentle shake on the peel to make sure it’s not sticking. Then, slide it quickly but carefully onto your preheated baking steel. Set a timer for 2 minutes – this sizzling start crisps the bottom. Rotate the pizza 180 degrees and bake for another 2 minutes. Peek in—if the crust still looks pale, don’t worry, give it one more minute for a golden, bubbly finish.
Step 6: Toss the Peppery Arugula Salad
While your pizza bakes, toss the baby arugula with fresh lemon juice, kosher salt, and cracked black pepper. This lively salad adds a fresh contrast to the warm, savory pie and is the perfect light, peppery topping.
Step 7: Broil for that Golden Glow
Turn on your broiler for the final 30 to 60 seconds to develop a golden, slightly crisp top. If your broiler is at the top of your oven, just watch carefully as it happens fast! If it’s in the bottom drawer, place an inverted sheet pan in the broiler drawer, then slide your pizza onto it so it broils evenly. This step really intensifies flavors and adds gorgeous color.
Step 8: Finish and Serve
Once your pizza is out of the oven, pile the tossed arugula salad on top, slice, and serve immediately. The combination of the hot, savory pie underneath and the crisp, bright greens on top creates a wonderful flavor dance in every bite. Enjoy every mouthwatering slice!
Top Tip
Mastering the perfect Arugula and Prosciutto Pizza Recipe is all about attention to detail. These tips will help you get that crispy crust with fresh, vibrant toppings every time.
- Dough Resting: I always take the dough out 60-90 minutes before baking to warm up to room temperature — it stretches so much easier and bakes beautifully thin and crisp.
- Semolina Flour on Peel: Sprinkling semolina flour on your pizza peel is a game-changer. It prevents sticking and gives your pizza a flawless launch onto the baking steel.
- Gentle Stretching Technique: Let gravity do the work when stretching your dough; don’t rush or force it. This creates that gorgeous thin center with a nicely puffed crust.
- Broil at the End: Don’t skip the final broil! Just 30-60 seconds under high heat adds a golden finish to the cheese and crisp edges to the prosciutto — so worth it.
How to Serve Arugula and Prosciutto Pizza Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra burst of freshness, add a light drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil or a few shavings of fresh Parmesan before serving. If you love a bit of heat, sprinkle red pepper flakes on top of the arugula salad just before serving to add a subtle kick that complements the peppery greens.
Side Dishes
This pizza pairs wonderfully with simple sides like a crisp mixed green salad tossed with balsamic vinaigrette, roasted seasonal vegetables, or even a light white bean salad with lemon and herbs. For a heartier option, roasted garlic mashed potatoes or a warm lentil salad make a lovely accompaniment.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap any leftover pizza tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 2 days without losing too much of its texture or flavor.
Freezing
While fresh is best, you can freeze leftover pizza slices. Place parchment paper between slices and store them in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat pizza in a preheated oven at 375°F for about 8-10 minutes to revive crispness, or toast slices in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes on each side. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the crust crispy and the prosciutto tender.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Absolutely! Making your own overnight thin crust pizza dough adds fantastic flavor and texture. Just be sure to follow the recommended fermentation time for best results.
No worries! You can use a pizza stone or a heavy-duty baking sheet preheated in the oven at 500°F. The key is to preheat it for at least an hour to mimic the intense heat.
Yes! For a vegetarian option, omit the prosciutto and add roasted vegetables like mushrooms or artichokes. For another meat option, try thinly sliced spicy salami or pancetta.
The lemon juice brightens the peppery arugula salad, balancing the savory richness of the prosciutto and cheeses — it adds a refreshing zing that elevates the whole pizza.
Final Thoughts
Making this Arugula and Prosciutto Pizza Recipe has become such a joyful ritual in my kitchen — it’s a wonderful mix of crispy, savory, and fresh flavors that always impress. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or entertaining friends, this pizza brings together simple ingredients in the most delicious way. Don’t forget to savor it hot from the oven with that lively arugula on top. Happy baking, and enjoy every bite!
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Arugula and Prosciutto Pizza Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Dough Rest Time: 60 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Total Time: 16 minutes
- Yield: 1 pizza 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Low Lactose
Description
This Arugula and Prosciutto Pizza features a crispy thin crust topped with a savory garlic and rosemary olive oil sauce, melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, delicate slices of prosciutto, and a fresh, peppery arugula salad dressed with lemon juice. A perfect blend of savory and fresh flavors baked to perfection on a high-heat baking steel.
Ingredients
Pizza Dough and Base
- 1 portion overnight thin crust pizza dough (approx 8 oz or 200-250 grams)
- ½ tablespoon semolina flour (for sliding the pizza off the peel)
- 1 tablespoon all purpose flour (for stretching the pizza dough)
Olive Oil Sauce
- ¼ cup olive oil
- ¼ cup shallot (minced)
- 1 clove garlic (minced or grated)
- 1 sprig fresh rosemary (minced)
- ⅛ teaspoon diamond crystal kosher salt
- ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
Cheese and Toppings
- ¾ cup low-moisture mozzarella (grated)
- 1 tablespoon parmesan cheese (finely grated)
- 3 slices prosciutto
Arugula Salad Dressing and Salad
- 1½ cups baby arugula
- 1½ tablespoons lemon juice (about half a lemon)
- ½ teaspoon diamond crystal kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dough: Place your baking steel in the top rack of your oven if it has a broiler at the top, and preheat the oven to 500°F for at least one hour. Remove the pizza dough from the refrigerator 60-90 minutes before stretching to bring it to room temperature.
- Make Olive Oil Sauce: Combine minced garlic, shallot, and rosemary with olive oil in a small bowl, then add salt and black pepper to create a fragrant olive oil sauce.
- Stretch the Dough: Dust a clean countertop generously with all-purpose flour. Place the dough on it and dust the top with more flour. Press the center flat to create a thicker outer crust. Hold the dough by the edges with fingertips and thumbs pointing down, gently letting gravity stretch it downward while rotating the dough to avoid tears. When the dough is about 7-8 inches across, lay it on the counter and stretch it further on the backs of your hands until it measures about 12-14 inches with a thin center and thick crust.
- Prepare Pizza on Peel: Dust a pizza peel with semolina flour. Transfer the stretched dough onto the peel, ready for assembly.
- Assemble the Pizza: Spoon the olive oil sauce over the dough, spreading it evenly with the back of the spoon. Sprinkle grated mozzarella and parmesan cheese over the sauce. Tear the prosciutto into pieces and arrange them on top, allowing some edges to lift and tent for texture.
- Launch Pizza onto Steel: Shake the pizza gently on the peel to ensure it’s not sticking. Slide the pizza off the peel and onto the preheated baking steel in the oven. Bake for 2 minutes, then rotate the pizza and bake for another 2 minutes. If the crust still appears pale, bake for an additional 1 minute.
- Toss Arugula Salad: While the pizza bakes, toss baby arugula with lemon juice, salt, and freshly cracked black pepper to make a fresh and peppery topping.
- Broil for Finish: Broil the pizza for the last 30 to 60 seconds to develop a golden top. If your broiler is at the top of the oven, turn it on and watch carefully. If the broiler is in the bottom drawer, place an inverted sheet pan in the broiler drawer and slide the pizza onto it to broil evenly.
- Serve: Remove pizza from the oven, top with the dressed arugula mixture, slice, and serve immediately for the freshest flavor and beautiful presentation.
Notes
- Make the pizza dough in advance and let it ferment overnight for better flavor and texture.
- Use semolina flour on the peel to prevent sticking and help the pizza slide off easily into the oven.
- Be gentle when stretching the dough to avoid tearing; let gravity help stretch instead of forcing it.
- Broiling at the end adds a beautiful golden finish to the cheese and prosciutto edges.
- Adjust salt amounts based on kosher salt brand used, as diamond crystal kosher salt is less dense than others.
- For a vegetarian option, omit prosciutto and add roasted vegetables or mushrooms instead.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pizza
- Calories: 780 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 1050 mg
- Fat: 40 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 27 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 70 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
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