Name: Prosciutto Peach Pizza with Hot Honey: A Sweet & Spicy Delight
Prep time: 45 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 150 min
Yield: 2 (12-inch) pizzas
Ingredients: 3 1/2 cups (420g) all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting; 1 teaspoon (3g) instant dry yeast; 1 teaspoon (6g) salt; 1 1/2 cups (360ml) warm water (105-115°F / 40-46°C); 2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil, plus more for greasing; 1/2 cup (120g) ricotta cheese, whole milk; 1/4 cup (60ml) olive oil, extra virgin; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional); Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste; 8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced or torn; 2 ripe peaches, pitted and thinly sliced; 4 ounces prosciutto, thinly sliced; Fresh basil leaves, for garnish; 1/2 cup (120ml) honey; 1-2 tablespoons chili flakes (adjust to your spice preference); 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)

Prosciutto peach pizza with hot honey: prepare to meet your new favorite pizza! Imagine this: the crisp, slightly charred crust, the creamy mozzarella, the salty tang of prosciutto, the juicy sweetness of ripe peaches, all drizzled with a fiery, sweet hot honey. It's a flavor explosion that will have you craving slice after slice.

While pizza itself boasts a rich history rooted in Italian tradition, this particular combination is a modern masterpiece. It's a playful twist on classic Italian flavors, embracing the seasonal bounty of summer. The addition of peaches, a fruit cherished for centuries, adds a touch of elegance and unexpected sweetness. And the hot honey? That's the secret ingredient that elevates this pizza from delicious to unforgettable.

People adore this prosciutto peach pizza with hot honey because it's a symphony of textures and tastes. The crispy crust contrasts beautifully with the soft peaches and creamy cheese. The salty prosciutto is perfectly balanced by the sweet fruit and spicy honey. It's also surprisingly easy to make at home, making it a perfect weeknight treat or a show-stopping dish for your next gathering. Trust me, once you try this prosciutto peach pizza with hot honey, you'll be hooked!

Ingredients:

For the Pizza Dough:

3 1/2 cups (420g) all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
1 teaspoon (3g) instant dry yeast
1 teaspoon (6g) salt
1 1/2 cups (360ml) warm water (105-115°F / 40-46°C)
2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil, plus more for greasing

For the Pizza Toppings:

1/2 cup (120g) ricotta cheese, whole milk
1/4 cup (60ml) olive oil, extra virgin
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced or torn
2 ripe peaches, pitted and thinly sliced
4 ounces prosciutto, thinly sliced
Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

For the Hot Honey:

1/2 cup (120ml) honey
1-2 tablespoons chili flakes (adjust to your spice preference)
1 tablespoon rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)

Making the Pizza Dough:

Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, instant dry yeast, and salt. Make sure the yeast is fresh for the best rise.
Add Wet Ingredients: Add the warm water and olive oil to the dry ingredients. Stir with a wooden spoon or spatula until a shaggy dough forms.
Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for 8-10 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time. I like to use a stand mixer with a dough hook for this step, it makes it so much easier!
First Rise: Lightly grease a large bowl with olive oil. Place the dough in the bowl, turning to coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel. Let the dough rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size. This is crucial for a light and airy crust.
Punch Down and Divide: Once the dough has doubled, gently punch it down to release the air. Divide the dough in half (or into smaller portions for individual pizzas).
Second Rise (Optional): For an even better flavor and texture, you can let the dough rise again for another 30-60 minutes after dividing. This step is optional, but I highly recommend it if you have the time.

Preparing the Hot Honey:

Combine Ingredients: In a small saucepan, combine the honey, chili flakes, and rice vinegar.
Simmer: Heat the mixture over low heat, stirring occasionally, until the honey is slightly thinned and the chili flakes have infused their flavor, about 5-10 minutes. Be careful not to boil the honey.
Cool: Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the hot honey cool completely. The flavor will continue to develop as it cools. You can store the hot honey in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a month.

Preparing the Toppings:

Prepare the Ricotta Base: In a small bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, olive oil, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste. This ricotta mixture adds a creamy and flavorful base to the pizza.
Slice the Peaches: Pit the peaches and slice them thinly. I prefer using slightly firm peaches so they don't become too mushy during baking.
Slice the Mozzarella: Slice or tear the fresh mozzarella cheese into bite-sized pieces.
Prepare the Prosciutto: Have the prosciutto slices ready to go. You can tear them into smaller pieces if desired.
Prepare the Basil: Wash and dry the fresh basil leaves. These will be added after the pizza is baked.

Assembling and Baking the Pizza:

Preheat Oven and Pizza Stone (or Baking Sheet): Preheat your oven to 500°F (260°C) with a pizza stone or baking sheet inside for at least 30 minutes. This high heat is essential for a crispy crust. If you don't have a pizza stone, a baking sheet will work, but the crust might not be quite as crispy.
Shape the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, gently stretch or roll out one portion of the pizza dough into a 12-inch circle (or desired shape). Be careful not to overwork the dough.
Transfer to Baking Sheet or Pizza Peel: Carefully transfer the shaped dough to a pizza peel dusted with cornmeal or flour (if using a pizza stone) or directly onto the preheated baking sheet.
Spread the Ricotta Base: Spread the ricotta mixture evenly over the pizza dough, leaving a small border for the crust.
Add Mozzarella: Distribute the mozzarella cheese evenly over the ricotta base.
Add Peach Slices: Arrange the peach slices over the mozzarella cheese.
Bake: Carefully slide the pizza onto the preheated pizza stone (or leave it on the baking sheet). Bake for 8-12 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Keep a close eye on the pizza, as baking times may vary depending on your oven.
Add Prosciutto and Basil: Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Then, arrange the prosciutto slices over the pizza. Sprinkle with fresh basil leaves.
Drizzle with Hot Honey: Drizzle the hot honey generously over the pizza.
Slice and Serve: Slice the pizza and serve immediately. Enjoy!

Tips and Variations:

Dough Variations: You can use store-bought pizza dough to save time. Just make sure to let it come to room temperature before shaping it.
Cheese Variations: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses, such as goat cheese, burrata, or provolone.
Fruit Variations: If peaches are not in season, you can use other fruits like nectarines, figs, or even grilled pineapple.
Spice Level: Adjust the amount of chili flakes in the hot honey to your liking. If you prefer a milder flavor, use less chili flakes.
Grilling the Pizza: For a smoky flavor, you can grill the pizza instead of baking it in the oven. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Grill the dough for a few minutes per side, then remove it from the grill and add the toppings. Return the pizza to the grill and cook until the cheese is melted and the toppings are heated through.
Make Ahead: The pizza dough can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. The hot honey can also be made ahead of time and stored at room temperature.
Serving Suggestions: This pizza is delicious on its own, but it also pairs well with a simple salad.

Enjoy your homemade Prosciutto Peach Pizza with Hot Honey! It's a flavor explosion that you won't forget!

Conclusion:

This Prosciutto Peach Pizza with Hot Honey isn't just another pizza recipe; it's a flavor explosion waiting to happen, and trust me, you absolutely need to experience it! The sweetness of the ripe peaches, the salty tang of the prosciutto, the creamy mozzarella, and that fiery kick from the hot honey – it's a symphony of tastes and textures that will leave you craving more. It's the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and spicy, all on a crispy, golden crust. Seriously, what's not to love? I know, I know, you might be thinking, "Peaches on pizza? Hot honey? That sounds a little…out there." But believe me, the combination is pure magic. It's unexpected, it's sophisticated, and it's incredibly delicious. This isn't your average Friday night pizza; it's a culinary adventure that will impress your friends and family, and maybe even yourself! But the best part? It's surprisingly easy to make! With just a few simple ingredients and a little bit of prep, you can have this gourmet pizza on your table in no time. And the beauty of pizza is its versatility. Feel free to experiment with different cheeses, like a creamy goat cheese or a sharp provolone. If you're not a fan of prosciutto, you could substitute it with speck or even some grilled chicken. And for a vegetarian option, simply omit the meat altogether and add some roasted vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini. Speaking of variations, here are a few ideas to get your creative juices flowing: * Spice it up even more: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the pizza before baking for an extra kick. * Go green: Sprinkle some fresh basil or arugula on top after baking for a pop of color and freshness. * Sweeten the deal: Drizzle a little balsamic glaze over the pizza for an added layer of sweetness and tang. * Make it a meal: Serve the pizza with a simple side salad for a complete and satisfying meal. This prosciutto peach pizza hot honey recipe is truly a game-changer. It's perfect for a casual weeknight dinner, a weekend gathering, or even a fancy pizza party. It's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will have everyone asking for seconds (and the recipe!). So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to embark on a pizza-making adventure! I promise you won't regret it. And when you do make it, please, please, please share your experience with me! I'd love to hear what you think, what variations you tried, and how much you enjoyed it. Tag me in your photos on social media, leave a comment below, or send me an email. I can't wait to see your creations! Happy pizza-making! I am confident that this will become a staple in your recipe collection. Don't be afraid to make it your own and experiment with different flavors and toppings. The possibilities are endless!