There’s something about the perfect combination of creamy mozzarella, salty prosciutto, and the sweet heat of hot honey that just speaks to my soul. It all started a few years ago when I was hosting a small dinner party for some close friends. I wanted to serve something a little different, something that would wow them, and that’s when I stumbled upon this recipe for White Pizza with Prosciutto & Hot Honey.
I’ll never forget the looks on their faces when that piping hot pizza emerged from the oven, the golden-brown crust dotted with glistening mozzarella and paper-thin slices of prosciutto. And the aroma – oh, the aroma! It was like a flavor symphony, with the savory notes of the cured meat mingling with the warmth of the oregano and garlic. But the real star of the show was the hot honey, drizzled generously over the top, adding a sublime sweet-spicy kick that had everyone reaching for another slice.
From that night on, White Pizza with Prosciutto & Hot Honey became my go-to dish, not just for special occasions, but for any night when I needed a quick, easy, and utterly crave-worthy meal. And the best part? It takes just 20 minutes to make, start to finish.
Table of Contents
Why This White Pizza with Prosciutto & Hot Honey Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect White Pizza with Prosciutto & Hot Honey
The key to this recipe’s success lies in its simplicity. With just a handful of high-quality ingredients and a few simple techniques, you can create a pizza that’s both elegant and satisfying. The trick is to start with a store-bought pizza dough that’s at room temperature, which makes it easy to stretch and shape. Then, you layer on the creamy mozzarella, letting it melt into every nook and cranny, before topping it with the salty, paper-thin prosciutto.
But the real magic happens with the hot honey. By drizzling this sweet and spicy condiment over the top, you add a dimension of flavor that takes the pizza to new heights. The heat from the honey (or homemade pepper-infused honey) provides a subtle kick that perfectly complements the richness of the cheese and the saltiness of the prosciutto.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this White Pizza with Prosciutto & Hot Honey recipe, you’ll need just a few key ingredients:
- 1 pound store-bought pizza dough, at room temperature: This is the foundation of the dish, providing a crisp, chewy base for the toppings.
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: The melty, creamy mozzarella is the perfect foil for the salty prosciutto.
- 4 ounces thinly sliced prosciutto: This cured Italian ham adds a delicious savory element to the pizza.
- 1/4 cup hot honey (or regular honey mixed with red pepper flakes): The sweet heat of the hot honey is the star of the show, elevating the pizza to new levels of flavor.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: This classic pizza seasoning adds a touch of earthy, herbal flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: A little garlic goes a long way in enhancing the overall taste.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: A pinch of salt helps to balance the sweetness and bring out the other flavors.
Step-by-Step White Pizza with Prosciutto & Hot Honey Instructions
Preparing Your White Pizza with Prosciutto & Hot Honey
Prepping this White Pizza with Prosciutto & Hot Honey couldn’t be easier. With a total time of just 20 minutes (5 minutes for prep and 15 minutes for cooking), it’s the perfect weeknight meal or a quick and impressive option for entertaining. All you’ll need is a baking sheet or pizza stone, a sharp knife or kitchen shears, and a few basic kitchen tools.
1- Start by preheating your oven to 450°F. While it’s heating up, stretch or roll out your store-bought pizza dough into a thin, even circle on a lightly floured surface.
2- Transfer the dough to a baking sheet or pizza stone and top it evenly with the 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese.
3- Bake the pizza for about 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the crust is golden brown.
4- Remove the pizza from the oven and arrange the 4 ounces of thinly sliced prosciutto over the top, overlapping the slices slightly.
5- Drizzle the 1/4 cup of hot honey (or regular honey mixed with red pepper flakes) over the prosciutto, using a spoon to ensure even coverage.
6- Sprinkle the 1 teaspoon of dried oregano and 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder over the top, followed by a light seasoning of 1/4 teaspoon of salt.
Pro Tips for Success
To ensure your White Pizza with Prosciutto & Hot Honey is an absolute hit, here are a few pro tips:
- Use room temperature pizza dough for the best texture. This makes it much easier to stretch and shape the dough without it springing back.
- Slice the prosciutto as thin as possible for a delicate, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Drizzle the hot honey generously over the top, but don’t be afraid to add a bit more if you want an extra kick of spicy sweetness.
- For a crispier crust, consider baking the pizza on a preheated pizza stone or steel instead of a baking sheet.
Serving and Storing Your White Pizza with Prosciutto & Hot Honey
Perfect Pairings for White Pizza with Prosciutto & Hot Honey
This White Pizza with Prosciutto & Hot Honey is the perfect centerpiece for any gathering, whether it’s a casual family dinner or a sophisticated cocktail party. For a simple, yet satisfying meal, serve it alongside a fresh, crisp salad or a plate of roasted vegetables. The creamy, savory flavors of the pizza pair beautifully with a glass of dry white wine or a cold, crisp beer.
If you’re looking to turn this into a more substantial meal, consider serving it with a side of garlic knots or breadsticks for dipping in the leftover hot honey. And for a decadent dessert pairing, a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of balsamic glaze over the top takes this pizza to new heights.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
One of the best things about this White Pizza with Prosciutto & Hot Honey recipe is that it can be easily made ahead of time or stored for later. If you have any leftovers (which is unlikely!), simply let the pizza cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, simply place the slices on a baking sheet and warm them in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the crust is crisp. You can also reheat individual slices in the microwave, but be sure to keep a close eye on them to prevent the crust from getting too soggy.
For make-ahead convenience, you can prepare the pizza dough in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, or in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to use it, simply let the dough come to room temperature before stretching and topping it.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for White Pizza with Prosciutto & Hot Honey
Creative White Pizza with Prosciutto & Hot Honey Variations
While this White Pizza with Prosciutto & Hot Honey recipe is already a showstopper, there are plenty of ways to put your own spin on it:
- Swap out the prosciutto for thinly sliced salami or pancetta for a different cured meat flavor.
- Add sliced fresh figs or dried apricots for a touch of sweetness.
- Sprinkle on some crumbled goat cheese or shredded Parmesan for an extra layer of richness.
- Try using a combination of mozzarella and fontina cheese for a more complex cheese blend.
- Add a handful of fresh arugula or basil leaves after baking for a fresh, herbal note.
Making White Pizza with Prosciutto & Hot Honey Diet-Friendly
For those with dietary restrictions, this White Pizza with Prosciutto & Hot Honey can easily be adapted to fit your needs:
- Gluten-free: Use a pre-made gluten-free pizza crust or make your own using a gluten-free flour blend.
- Vegan: Swap the mozzarella for a dairy-free shredded cheese alternative and the prosciutto for thinly sliced vegan deli meat or mushrooms.
- Low-carb: Instead of a traditional pizza crust, use a cauliflower or almond flour-based crust to reduce the carb count.
No matter which variation you choose, the key is to keep the balance of flavors in mind, ensuring the hot honey, cheese, and cured meat work in harmony.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use regular honey instead of hot honey?
A: Absolutely! If you don’t have access to hot honey, you can easily make your own by mixing regular honey with a bit of crushed red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper. Start with 1-2 teaspoons of pepper per 1/4 cup of honey and adjust to your desired level of heat.
Q: How long does it take to make this White Pizza with Prosciutto & Hot Honey?
A: This recipe has a total time of 20 minutes, with 5 minutes of prep and 15 minutes of cooking. The quick prep and short baking time make it a perfect weeknight meal or easy entertaining option.
Q: Can I make this pizza ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can definitely make this pizza in advance. Prepare the dough and toppings as directed, then bake and let it cool completely before storing. Refrigerate the baked pizza for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 3 months. Reheat in a 350°F oven until hot and crispy.
Q: How many servings does this White Pizza with Prosciutto & Hot Honey make?
A: This recipe yields 6 servings of White Pizza with Prosciutto & Hot Honey. The amounts of dough, cheese, and prosciutto are perfect for feeding a small group or providing leftovers for a couple of days.
Q: What if my pizza dough isn’t stretching properly?
A: If you’re having trouble stretching the dough, try letting it rest for an additional 10-15 minutes at room temperature. The gluten needs time to relax, which will make the dough more pliable. You can also try using a rolling pin to gently roll out the dough instead of stretching it by hand.
White Pizza with Prosciutto & Hot Honey
- Total Time: 20
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
Indulge in the creamy, salty goodness of this quick and easy White Pizza with Prosciutto and Hot Honey. The perfect balance of savory and sweet, this 20-minute meal is sure to become a new family favorite.
Ingredients
– 1 pound store-bought pizza dough, at room temperature
– 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
– 4 ounces thinly sliced prosciutto
– 1/4 cup hot honey (or regular honey mixed with red pepper flakes)
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. On a lightly floured surface, use your hands or a rolling pin to stretch and shape the pizza dough into a 12-inch circle.
3. Transfer the dough to the prepared baking sheet.
4. Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese evenly over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border.
5. Arrange the prosciutto slices on top of the cheese.
6. Drizzle the hot honey over the entire pizza.
7. Sprinkle the dried oregano, garlic powder, and salt over the top.
8. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
9. Slice and serve hot, garnished with additional fresh basil or arugula if desired.
Notes
For a spicier pizza, use a hotter variety of honey or add more red pepper flakes. You can also experiment with different types of cured meats, such as salami or pancetta.
- Prep Time: 5
- Cook Time: 15
- Category: Bites & Finger Foods
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Conclusion
White Pizza with Prosciutto & Hot Honey is a true delight for the senses – the creamy mozzarella, the salty prosciutto, and the sweet heat of the honey come together in a harmonious symphony of flavors. What makes this recipe so special is its simplicity; with just a handful of high-quality ingredients and a few basic techniques, you can create a pizza that’s both elegant and satisfying.
Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just looking for a quick and easy weeknight meal, this White Pizza with Prosciutto & Hot Honey is sure to become a new household favorite. So why not give it a try tonight? I promise, once you taste that first slice, you’ll be hooked. Let me know what you think in the comments below!
