Fig and Prosciutto Pizza with Gorgonzola and Honey

Caramelized Shallot, Fig & Prosciutto Pizza with Gorgonzola & Honey Drizzle

Prep Time: 30 minutes Cook Time: 15-20 minutes Difficulty: Medium Serves: 2-4

Ingredients:

• For the dough:
  • 1 pound pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Pinch of salt and black pepper
• For the toppings:
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 large shallots, thinly sliced
  • 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
  • 4-5 fresh figs, quartered
  • 4 ounces gorgonzola cheese, crumbled
  • 4-5 slices prosciutto
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • Fresh thyme leaves (for garnish)

Things to avoid:

• Overcrowding the pizza: Too many toppings will make the pizza soggy.
• Using unripe figs: Unripe figs will be hard and lack sweetness.
• Overcooking the pizza: The crust should be golden brown and the cheese melted and bubbly.

Instructions:

1. Prepare the dough:
   • Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C). If using a pizza stone, place it in the oven to preheat.
   • Lightly dust a work surface with flour. Roll out the pizza dough to your desired thickness.
   • Brush the dough with 1 tablespoon olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
2. Caramelize the shallots:
   • Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the shallots and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and caramelized, about 10-15 minutes.
   • Add the balsamic vinegar and cook for an additional minute, until the vinegar has reduced slightly. Remove from heat.
3. Assemble the pizza:
   • Spread the caramelized shallots evenly over the pizza dough.
   • Top with the quartered figs and crumbled gorgonzola cheese.
4. Bake the pizza:
   • Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
   • Remove from the oven and top with the prosciutto.
5. Finish and serve:
   • Drizzle the pizza with honey and garnish with fresh thyme leaves.
   • Slice and serve immediately.

Ingredient Substitutions:

• Pizza dough: Use store-bought naan bread or pita bread for a quicker option.
• Shallots: Substitute with red onion or leeks.
• Figs: If fresh figs are unavailable, use fig jam or dried figs (rehydrated in warm water).
• Gorgonzola: Substitute with another blue cheese or goat cheese.
• Prosciutto: Substitute with cooked bacon or pancetta.
• Honey: Substitute with maple syrup or agave nectar.

Additional Topping Suggestions:

• Arugula
• Walnuts or pecans
• Balsamic glaze

This pizza offers a delightful combination of sweet, salty, and savory flavors. The caramelized shallots add depth and richness, while the figs provide a touch of sweetness. The gorgonzola cheese adds a creamy, pungent element, and the prosciutto brings a salty crunch. The honey drizzle ties everything together with a final touch of sweetness. Enjoy!