Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This pizza celebrates everything that makes Italian food so beloved: simple ingredients, balanced flavors, and incredible texture. The white sauce offers a velvety backdrop to the salty, slightly sweet prosciutto, while the bubbling mozzarella and ricotta add creaminess. The crispy crust contrasts beautifully with the silky toppings. It’s quick to assemble, gorgeous to serve, and guaranteed to impress—whether for date night, family dinner, or a weekend treat.
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White Pizza with Prosciutto: A Creamy, Savory Slice of Italian Perfection
- Total Time: 22 mins
- Yield: 1 (12-inch) pizza
- Diet: Halal
Description
This White Pizza with Prosciutto is an irresistible gourmet twist on classic pizza — featuring a creamy ricotta and mozzarella base, salty prosciutto, and a drizzle of olive oil. It’s elegant, cheesy, and perfectly crisp — ideal for date nights or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
- 1 lb pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 4 slices prosciutto, torn into pieces
- 1/2 cup fresh arugula (for topping)
- 1 tsp balsamic glaze or honey (optional, for drizzling)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 475°F (245°C). If using a pizza stone, place it in the oven while it heats up.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out pizza dough into a 12-inch circle. Transfer to a parchment-lined baking sheet or pizza peel.
- In a small bowl, mix ricotta cheese with minced garlic, olive oil, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
- Spread the ricotta mixture evenly over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan evenly on top.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is melted and slightly bubbly.
- Remove from oven and immediately top with torn prosciutto slices.
- Garnish with fresh arugula and drizzle lightly with olive oil or balsamic glaze.
- Slice and serve warm for a perfect balance of creamy, salty, and fresh flavors.
Notes
- Brush the crust with olive oil or garlic butter before baking for extra flavor.
- Add a few dollops of burrata after baking for a decadent touch.
- Try topping with roasted figs or caramelized onions for a sweet contrast to the prosciutto.
- Pairs beautifully with a crisp white wine or sparkling Prosecco.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 12 mins
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Pizza Dough (Homemade or Store-Bought)
The foundation of any great pizza—thin, crisp, and golden.
Olive Oil
Brushed over the crust for flavor and a perfectly browned finish.
Ricotta Cheese
Creamy and mild, forming the heart of the white base.
Mozzarella Cheese (Fresh or Shredded)
Melts beautifully for that classic pizza stretch and richness.
Parmesan Cheese
Adds a salty, nutty bite and enhances the overall flavor.
Garlic (Minced)
Brings aromatic depth and classic Italian character.
Heavy Cream or Whole Milk (Optional)
Creates a silkier texture for the ricotta base.
Prosciutto Slices
Thin, delicate, and salty—added after baking for the best flavor and texture.
Fresh Arugula (Optional)
Adds peppery freshness that balances the richness of the cheese and prosciutto.
Crushed Red Pepper Flakes or Black Pepper
For a subtle kick of spice and contrast.
Fresh Basil or Thyme (Optional)
Adds a fragrant, herbal touch.
Directions
- Preheat the Oven:
Set your oven to 475°F (245°C). If you have a pizza stone, place it inside to preheat for an extra-crispy crust. - Prepare the Base:
Roll out the pizza dough on a lightly floured surface into a 12-inch round. Transfer to parchment paper or a lightly oiled pizza pan. - Make the White Sauce:
In a small bowl, combine ricotta, minced garlic, olive oil, and a splash of cream or milk. Stir until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and black pepper. - Assemble the Pizza:
Spread the ricotta mixture evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges. Sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Drizzle lightly with olive oil. - Bake:
Transfer the pizza to the oven and bake for 10–14 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbling and slightly browned. - Add the Prosciutto:
Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for a minute or two. Arrange slices of prosciutto gently over the top—it will slightly soften from the residual heat without becoming greasy. - Garnish and Serve:
Top with fresh arugula, a drizzle of olive oil or balsamic glaze, and a sprinkle of crushed red pepper or fresh herbs. Slice and serve immediately.
Essential Equipment
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 2–3 people and takes about 30 minutes total—10 minutes prep time and 15–20 minutes baking time.
Storage/reheating
Store leftover slices in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 8–10 minutes, or in an air fryer for a few minutes until hot and crispy. Avoid microwaving—it will make the crust soggy.
Variations and Customizations
Truffle White Pizza
Add a drizzle of truffle oil after baking for a luxurious twist.
Fig and Prosciutto Pizza
Top with sliced fresh figs or fig jam for a sweet-salty combination.
Four-Cheese Delight
Add fontina or gorgonzola for extra cheesiness and depth.
Garlic Spinach White Pizza
Add sautéed spinach or kale for color and extra nutrition.
Honey Drizzle Finish
Drizzle warm honey over the prosciutto for a stunning sweet-salty balance.
Caramelized Onion Addition
Add caramelized onions beneath the cheese layer for sweet, buttery flavor.
Mushroom & Prosciutto Combo
Sauté mushrooms and layer them under the cheese for an earthy complement.
Lemon Zest & Arugula
Top with fresh lemon zest and arugula for a bright, fresh bite.
Gluten-Free Option
Use gluten-free pizza dough or a cauliflower crust.
Smoked Mozzarella Upgrade
Use smoked mozzarella for a deeper, wood-fired flavor.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought pizza dough?
Yes, it works perfectly—just let it rest at room temperature for easier stretching.
Should I add prosciutto before or after baking?
Always after! Baking can make it tough and overly salty.
Can I make this pizza without ricotta?
Yes—substitute with a mix of mascarpone and cream cheese for a similar texture.
What pairs best with white pizza?
A crisp green salad or a glass of Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc.
Can I make it ahead?
Yes, pre-bake the crust and store it, then assemble and bake before serving.
Can I use low-fat cheese?
You can, but full-fat cheeses melt and brown better for authentic flavor.
How do I prevent soggy crust?
Preheat the oven fully and use a pizza stone or steel for crispness.
What’s the best substitute for prosciutto?
Try speck, pancetta, or even thinly sliced smoked turkey for a lighter option.
Can I grill this pizza?
Absolutely—grilled white pizza adds smoky flavor and crisp texture.
What herbs go best on white pizza?
Fresh basil, thyme, oregano, or rosemary all pair beautifully.
Conclusion
White Pizza with Prosciutto is the perfect blend of elegance and comfort—creamy, cheesy, and irresistibly savory. The combination of smooth ricotta, melted mozzarella, and salty prosciutto creates a symphony of textures and flavors that’s both rich and refreshing. Whether you serve it at a dinner party or for a cozy night in, it’s a recipe that turns an ordinary pizza night into something truly special. Each bite feels like a little taste of Italy—simple, sophisticated, and absolutely delicious.
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