If you love fresh, vibrant flavors with a crispy thin crust, this Arugula and Prosciutto Olive Oil Pizza Recipe is absolutely what you need in your life right now. Think garlicky rosemary olive oil, melted mozzarella, savory prosciutto, and peppery arugula awakened by lemon juice — all baked to perfection on a baking steel.
Jump to:
- Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Ingredients & Why They Work
- Make It Your Way
- Step-by-Step: How I Make Arugula and Prosciutto Olive Oil Pizza Recipe
- Top Tip
- How to Serve Arugula and Prosciutto Olive Oil Pizza Recipe
- Make Ahead and Storage
- Frequently Asked Questions:
- Final Thoughts
- Arugula and Prosciutto Olive Oil Pizza Recipe
Why You'll Love This Recipe
Honestly, this pizza ticks all my boxes for a quick yet delicious meal that feels just a little special. Whenever I make it, I’m amazed at how simple ingredients come together to create something truly memorable.
- Effortless elegance: A minimalist topping combo that packs bold flavor without fuss.
- Quick baking: Preheated baking steel ensures a crispy thin crust in just minutes.
- Vibrant freshness: Peppery arugula tossed with lemon juice brightens every bite.
- Perfect balance: Garlicky rosemary olive oil enhances flavor without overwhelming.
Ingredients & Why They Work
To nail this Arugula and Prosciutto Olive Oil Pizza, choosing quality ingredients is key. From the chewy yet light overnight dough to fresh herbs and those salty-sweet prosciutto slices, each piece has its role — so look for the freshest produce and good-quality meats where you can.
- Overnight thin crust pizza dough: Provides a crisp, delicate base with chewy edges thanks to slow fermentation.
- Semolina flour: Perfect for dusting your peel and preventing the dough from sticking during transfer.
- All purpose flour: Helps you stretch the dough without tearing it.
- Olive oil: Forms the flavorful base sauce infused with herbs and garlic.
- Shallot: Adds a mild, sweet onion flavor that’s subtle but aromatic.
- Garlic: Brings that essential punch and warmth to the olive oil sauce.
- Fresh rosemary: Delivers an earthy, piney note that pairs beautifully with the garlic.
- Diamond crystal kosher salt: Ensures precise seasoning without overpowering the toppings.
- Black pepper: Adds a gentle heat and complexity to the flavors.
- Low-moisture mozzarella: Melts beautifully for that satisfying stretchy cheese pull.
- Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty richness layered on top of the mozzarella.
- Prosciutto: Delicate, savory slices that crisp slightly when baked and balance the fresh toppings.
- Baby arugula: Offers a fresh, peppery crunch that contrasts the richness perfectly.
- Lemon juice: Brightens the arugula with zesty acidity, making each bite lively.
Make It Your Way
The beauty of this Arugula and Prosciutto Olive Oil Pizza Recipe lies in its versatility. Feel free to personalize it to suit your palate or what you have on hand—whether that means swapping out ingredients or adding your favorite touches.
- Variation: Swap the Cheese – If you prefer a sharper flavor, try using fontina or pecorino romano instead of mozzarella and parmesan. I did this once on a whim, and the nuttier cheese gave the pizza a lovely twist without overwhelming the delicate prosciutto and arugula.
- Variation: Add a Touch of Heat – Sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes on top before broiling for a gentle kick. It’s a welcome contrast to the peppery arugula and citrusy lemon dressing.
- Variation: Make it Vegetarian – Leave out the prosciutto and add thinly sliced roasted red peppers or artichoke hearts. The garlic rosemary olive oil sauce shines beautifully with these veggies, delivering a satisfying savory flavor.
- Seasonal Variation: Summer Caprese Twist – During tomato season, add a few halved cherry tomatoes on the pizza before baking, paired with fresh basil after baking. It’s like a Caprese salad on a crisp, warm crust!
Step-by-Step: How I Make Arugula and Prosciutto Olive Oil Pizza Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prep Your Workspace
Start by positioning your baking steel on the top oven rack (ideal if your broiler is above) and preheating your oven to 500°F for a full hour. This long preheat ensures the steel is blazing hot, delivering that signature crisp crust we all crave. Meanwhile, take your pizza dough out of the fridge 60 to 90 minutes before you plan to stretch it—room temperature dough stretches much more easily and won’t snap back.
Step 2: Whip Up the Olive Oil Sauce
Mix together the minced garlic, shallot, and fresh rosemary with the olive oil in a small bowl. Add just a pinch of kosher salt and black pepper to make those flavors pop. This fragrant, garlicky olive oil spread is the delicious base that keeps this pizza light and herbaceous instead of saucy.
Step 3: Grate Your Cheeses
Using the large holes of a box grater, grate your low-moisture mozzarella and set it aside. Then finely grate the parmesan cheese. Having these ready means less fuss when assembling your pizza and ensures even melting and flavor coverage.
Step 4: Stretch Your Dough Like a Pro
Lightly dust a clean countertop with all-purpose flour. Place your dough down and scatter a little more flour on top to keep things from sticking. Gently press down the center of your dough—this creates a slightly thicker crust edge that will puff up nicely during baking. Pick the dough up by the edges with your fingertips pointing down and let gravity work its magic, rotating as you go. When it stretches to around 7 to 8 inches across, lay it flat on the counter and carefully stretch it further with the backs of your hands. Keep rotating and stretching until the dough is about 12 to 14 inches wide, with a paper-thin center and a nice puffy crust edge.
Step 5: Prep Your Peel and Assemble
Dust your pizza peel generously with semolina flour — it’s perfect for sliding the pizza off without sticking. Transfer your stretched dough to the peel, then spoon the olive oil sauce over evenly. Spread it gently with the back of your spoon so the herb and garlic flavors get right into the dough. Next, sprinkle the mozzarella and parmesan all over. Tear the prosciutto slices by hand and drape them on top, intentionally creating little peaks and folds. These raised edges will crisp beautifully under the broiler for delicious texture.
Step 6: Launch and Bake Your Pizza
Give the peel a gentle shake to make sure your pizza isn’t stuck, then swiftly slide it onto the hot baking steel in your oven. Bake for 2 minutes, rotate the pizza 180 degrees, and bake for another 2 minutes. If the crust still looks pale, give it one extra minute. This quick, hot bake crisps the dough and melts the cheese in a flash.
Step 7: Toss the Arugula
While the pizza bakes, toss your baby arugula with fresh lemon juice, ½ teaspoon kosher salt, and ¼ teaspoon cracked black pepper. This dressing perks up the peppery greens, adding a bright, zesty contrast to the rich prosciutto and melty cheese.
Step 8: Broil for the Perfect Finish
Switch your oven to broil and carefully broil the pizza for 30 to 60 seconds. If your broiler is on the top, simply place the pizza close to the heat. If your broiler is in the bottom drawer, place an inverted baking sheet inside to hold the pizza as you broil. This step crisps the cheese edges and gives the prosciutto lovely spots of golden brown.
Step 9: Top with Arugula and Serve Immediately
Once out of the oven, pile on the dressed arugula while the pizza is still hot. Slice it up and serve right away to enjoy that perfect balance of crispy crust, savory toppings, and fresh leafy brightness. Trust me, this pizza disappears fast!
Top Tip
These tips come from hands-on experience with this Arugula and Prosciutto Olive Oil Pizza Recipe. They’ll help you nail the perfect balance of crispy crust, melty cheese, and fresh toppings every time.
- Preheating the Baking Steel: Allow at least an hour for your baking steel to fully heat up. This is key to getting that signature pizzeria crispness on your thin crust.
- Stretching the Dough Gently: Let gravity do the work when hand-stretching—slow, patient stretching prevents tears and keeps the crust nice and even.
- Broiling at the End: Don’t skip the last 30 to 60 seconds under the broiler. It crisps the prosciutto edges and bubbles up the cheese beautifully.
- Tossing the Arugula Just Before Serving: Dress your arugula with lemon juice, salt, and pepper right before topping the pizza, for a fresh, peppery kick that wilts just enough from the residual heat.
How to Serve Arugula and Prosciutto Olive Oil Pizza Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Arugula and Prosciutto Olive Oil Pizza, consider sprinkling a few shavings of fresh Parmesan on top. A light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a quick grind of black pepper can highlight the flavor layers. If you like a touch of heat, red pepper flakes add a subtle kick that contrasts nicely with the peppery arugula and savory prosciutto.
Side Dishes
This pizza pairs beautifully with a crisp, simple side salad—think mixed greens with lemon vinaigrette to echo the brightness in the pizza’s arugula topping. Roasted vegetables or a light minestrone soup can round out the meal if you want something warm on the side. For an Italian-inspired lunch or light dinner, consider serving chilled Prosecco or a glass of dry white wine for a refreshing match.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover pizza in an airtight container or tightly wrapped in plastic wrap in the refrigerator. It’ll keep well for up to 2 days. Since the arugula topping is best fresh, remove it before storing leftovers and add a fresh batch when reheating or serving again.
Freezing
If you want to freeze this pizza, it’s best to do so before baking. Assemble the pizza up to the prosciutto, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to one month. When ready to eat, bake straight from the freezer—add a couple extra minutes to your bake time to ensure it’s heated through.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a hot oven (around 400°F) on a baking sheet or pizza stone for about 5-7 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving if you can, as it tends to make the crust soggy. Add your dressed arugula after reheating for that fresh, peppery burst.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Yes, a baking stone works as a good alternative. Just be sure to preheat it for at least an hour at 500°F to get that crisp crust. Baking steels tend to transfer heat more efficiently, but a stone will still give great results.
Tearing the prosciutto creates more natural folds and edges that crisp up beautifully under the broiler without drying out. It also adds lovely texture contrasts that sliced pieces can’t achieve.
Absolutely! The garlic, shallot, and rosemary olive oil sauce can be made a day ahead and kept chilled. Just bring it back to room temperature before spreading it on the dough to get the best flavor and texture.
Yes! Using low-moisture mozzarella and a moderate amount of parmesan keeps the lactose content low, making this pizza a delicious choice for those minimizing lactose intake.
Final Thoughts
Making this Arugula and Prosciutto Olive Oil Pizza Recipe feels like bringing a little slice of Italy into your kitchen. From the fragrant rosemary olive oil to the fresh, zesty arugula, it’s a harmonious blend that’s quick, satisfying, and fresh in every bite. I hope these tips and serving ideas inspire you to enjoy this pizza with loved ones — it really shines when shared. Happy baking!
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Arugula and Prosciutto Olive Oil Pizza Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Total Time: 16 minutes
- Yield: 1, 12-14 inch pizza 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Low Lactose
Description
This Arugula and Prosciutto Pizza features a thin crust topped with a garlicky rosemary olive oil sauce, melted mozzarella, savory prosciutto slices, and fresh peppery arugula dressed with lemon juice. Perfectly crisped on a baking steel, it's a quick and flavorful pizza ideal for a light lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
Pizza Dough and Flour
- 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
- 1 ½ cups baby arugula
- 1 ½ tablespoons lemon juice (about half a lemon)
- ½ teaspoon diamond crystal kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Arrange a baking steel on the top rack of your oven if you have a broiler, and preheat the oven to 500 degrees Fahrenheit for at least 1 hour to ensure the steel is properly heated. Remove the pizza dough from the refrigerator 60 to 90 minutes prior to stretching it to bring it to room temperature.
- Make the Olive Oil Sauce: Combine minced garlic, shallot, and minced rosemary with the olive oil in a small bowl. Add ⅛ teaspoon kosher salt and ⅛ teaspoon black pepper, stirring well to infuse the flavors.
- Grate the Cheese: Grate the low-moisture mozzarella on the large holes of a box grater, then set it aside. Finely grate the parmesan cheese as well.
- Stretch the Dough: Lightly flour a clean countertop with the all-purpose flour. Place the pizza dough on the floured surface and dust the top with more flour. Gently press down in the center to create a slightly thicker crust edge. Hold the dough by the edge with your fingertips pointing down and let it stretch downward, rotating gently to use gravity. Continue stretching until the dough is about 7 to 8 inches across. Then lay it flat and stretch further on the backs of your hands, rotating as you go, until it measures 12 to 14 inches with a thin center and thicker crust.
- Prepare the Pizza Peel: Dust a pizza peel generously with semolina flour to prevent sticking and place the stretched dough onto the peel.
- Assemble the Pizza: Spoon the olive oil sauce evenly over the dough and spread with the back of the spoon. Sprinkle the grated mozzarella and parmesan evenly on top. Tear the prosciutto slices into pieces and drape them over the pizza, creating layers with raised edges for broiling.
- Transfer and Bake: Shake the peel gently to ensure the pizza isn't sticking, then slide it onto the preheated baking steel. Bake for 2 minutes, then rotate the pizza and bake for another 2 minutes. If the crust still looks pale, bake for 1 more minute.
- Toss the Arugula: Meanwhile, toss the arugula with lemon juice, ½ teaspoon kosher salt, and ¼ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper to season.
- Broil the Pizza: Turn on the broiler and broil the pizza for 30 to 60 seconds to achieve a golden, bubbly top. If your broiler is in the bottom drawer, place an inverted baking sheet inside to support the pizza and broil accordingly.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the pizza from the oven, top it immediately with the dressed arugula, slice, and serve hot for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- This pizza is perfect for making ahead by preparing the dough the night before for easy assembly.
- The olive oil sauce is a flavorful alternative to tomato sauce and brings a fresh herbal note with garlic and rosemary.
- Using a baking steel preheated for at least an hour ensures a crisp crust similar to pizzeria styles.
- Tearing the prosciutto instead of slicing creates texture and allows it to cook evenly without drying out.
- Broiling at the end quickly melts cheese edges and crisps the prosciutto layers for a wonderful finish.
- Use fresh baby arugula tossed with lemon juice to add a bright peppery contrast to rich flavors.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pizza
- Calories: 700 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 1100 mg
- Fat: 45 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 30 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg
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