Prosciutto Pizza is an elegant Italian classic that pairs the delicate, savory flavor of thinly sliced prosciutto with melted cheese, fresh tomatoes, peppery arugula, and a crisp artisan crust. Inspired by Mediterranean cuisine, this pizza highlights simple, high-quality ingredients that create a perfect balance of salty, creamy, fresh, and slightly sweet flavors.

Unlike many meat-topped pizzas, prosciutto is typically added after baking, allowing its silky texture and rich flavor to shine. Finished with fresh basil, Parmesan shavings, and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or balsamic glaze, this pizza is ideal for dinner parties, date nights, or whenever you want a restaurant-quality meal at home.

Why You'll Love This Prosciutto Pizza

  • Restaurant-quality flavor at home
  • Crispy artisan-style crust
  • Sweet and savory flavor combination
  • Ready in about 35 minutes
  • Perfect for entertaining
  • Fresh Mediterranean ingredients
  • Easy to customize
  • Elegant presentation

What Makes Prosciutto Pizza Special?

Prosciutto is a dry-cured Italian ham that is sliced paper-thin. Rather than baking it for the entire cooking time, it's usually placed on the hot pizza after it comes out of the oven. The warmth gently softens the prosciutto without making it dry, preserving its delicate texture and distinctive savory flavor.

Combined with creamy mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, fresh arugula, and Parmesan, it creates a beautifully balanced pizza that's rich without feeling heavy.

Ingredients

For the Pizza

  • 1 prepared pizza dough (12-inch)
  • ½ cup pizza sauce or crushed San Marzano tomatoes
  • 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

Toppings

  • 4–6 thin slices of prosciutto
  • 1 cup fresh arugula
  • ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • Parmesan shavings
  • Fresh basil leaves

Optional Toppings

  • Burrata cheese
  • Fresh mozzarella
  • Roasted garlic
  • Caramelized onions
  • Kalamata olives
  • Sun-dried tomatoes
  • Fresh figs
  • Fresh thyme
  • Crushed red pepper flakes
  • Balsamic glaze

Equipment Needed

  • Pizza stone or baking sheet
  • Rolling pin
  • Pizza peel (optional)
  • Pastry brush
  • Pizza cutter

How to Make Prosciutto Pizza

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat the oven to 475°F (245°C).

If using a pizza stone, place it in the oven while it heats for a crisp crust.

Step 2: Prepare the Dough

Stretch or roll the pizza dough into a 12-inch circle.

Transfer it to a parchment-lined baking sheet or pizza peel.

Brush the edges lightly with olive oil.

Step 3: Assemble the Pizza

Spread the tomato sauce evenly over the dough, leaving about a 1-inch border.

Top with the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan.

Scatter the cherry tomatoes evenly across the pizza.

Step 4: Bake

Bake for 10–14 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbling.

Step 5: Add the Prosciutto

Remove the pizza from the oven.

Arrange the thin slices of prosciutto over the hot pizza.

The residual heat will gently warm the prosciutto while keeping it tender.

Step 6: Finish

Top with fresh arugula, Parmesan shavings, and basil leaves.

Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil or balsamic glaze if desired.

Season with freshly cracked black pepper.

Slice and serve immediately.

Tips for the Best Prosciutto Pizza

  • Add the prosciutto after baking to maintain its delicate texture.
  • Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor.
  • Preheat your pizza stone thoroughly for a crisp crust.
  • Pair the salty prosciutto with sweet toppings like figs or balsamic glaze for extra depth.
  • Finish with fresh herbs just before serving.

Delicious Variations

Prosciutto and Burrata Pizza

Top the hot pizza with creamy burrata and fresh basil for a rich, luxurious finish.

Fig and Prosciutto Pizza

Add fresh fig slices and a drizzle of honey or balsamic glaze for a delicious sweet-and-savory combination.

Prosciutto and Arugula Pizza

Keep it simple with mozzarella, Parmesan, prosciutto, arugula, and olive oil for a fresh Mediterranean-inspired meal.

White Prosciutto Pizza

Skip the tomato sauce and use ricotta, mozzarella, garlic, and Parmesan as a creamy white base.

Mushroom Prosciutto Pizza

Top the pizza with sautéed mushrooms before baking, then finish with prosciutto and thyme.

What to Serve with Prosciutto Pizza

Complete your meal with:

  • Mediterranean mixed green salad
  • Bruschetta
  • Garlic bread
  • Roasted vegetables
  • Marinated olives
  • Tomato basil soup
  • Fresh fruit salad
  • Sparkling water with lemon

Storage Tips

Store leftover pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Reheat the pizza in a 375°F (190°C) oven or a skillet for 5–8 minutes.

For the best texture, add fresh arugula and any additional prosciutto after reheating.

Nutrition (Approximate Per Slice)

  • Calories: 315
  • Protein: 16 g
  • Fat: 15 g
  • Carbohydrates: 29 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Calcium: 18% DV

Nutrition values are approximate and will vary depending on the ingredients used.

Health Benefits

Prosciutto is a good source of protein, while mozzarella and Parmesan contribute calcium and additional protein. Tomatoes provide vitamin C and the antioxidant lycopene, and arugula adds vitamins A and K along with a peppery freshness. Extra virgin olive oil, a cornerstone of Mediterranean cuisine, supplies heart-healthy monounsaturated fats. When enjoyed in moderation and paired with fresh vegetables, Prosciutto Pizza offers a flavorful balance of indulgence and wholesome ingredients.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should prosciutto be cooked on the pizza?

It's generally best to add prosciutto after baking. The heat from the freshly baked pizza gently warms the slices while preserving their delicate texture and flavor.

Can I use fresh mozzarella?

Yes. Fresh mozzarella creates a creamier pizza, but be sure to drain and pat it dry to prevent excess moisture from making the crust soggy.

What cheeses pair best with prosciutto?

Mozzarella, Parmesan, burrata, fontina, ricotta, and goat cheese all pair wonderfully with prosciutto.

Can I make this pizza ahead of time?

You can prepare the dough and toppings in advance. Bake the pizza just before serving and add the prosciutto, arugula, and fresh herbs immediately afterward for the best flavor and texture.

Final Thoughts

Prosciutto Pizza is a sophisticated Mediterranean-inspired dish that proves simple, high-quality ingredients can create extraordinary flavor. A crisp artisan crust, melted mozzarella, savory prosciutto, fresh arugula, juicy tomatoes, and Parmesan come together in perfect harmony, delivering a pizza that's both elegant and satisfying. Whether you're hosting a dinner party or enjoying a relaxed meal at home, this homemade Prosciutto Pizza is sure to become a favorite for its fresh, balanced, and unforgettable taste.