Golden Winter Squash & Prosciutto Pizza Recipe That Wows

Crisp autumn winds call for hearty comfort food that warms the soul.

A winter squash prosciutto pizza blends rustic elegance with seasonal charm.

Thin, golden crust meets sweet roasted squash and salty, delicate prosciutto in a mouthwatering dance of flavors.

Layers of creamy cheese and caramelized edges promise a delectable experience.

Fresh herbs scattered across the top add a bright, aromatic finish.

Each slice tells a story of culinary creativity and wholesome ingredients.

Savor this pizza and let the rich, comforting flavors transport you to a cozy kitchen on a chilly evening.

Winter Squash Prosciutto Pizza Ingredients

• Winter Squash: A sweet, tender vegetable that adds rich flavor and caramelized texture to the pizza.
• Prosciutto: A delicate Italian dry-cured ham that provides a salty and luxurious topping.
• Pizza Dough: The foundational base that creates a crispy and golden crust for the pizza.

• Fontina Cheese, Burrata Cheese: Creamy cheeses that melt beautifully and add a smooth, rich layer to the pizza.

• Olive Oil, Garlic, Kale: Ingredients that enhance the overall flavor profile and add depth to the pizza. Olive oil helps with browning, garlic provides aromatic notes, and kale contributes a slight bitterness and nutritional value.

Creating Winter Squash & Prosciutto Pizza

Step 1: Caramelize Winter Squash

Warm a skillet over medium heat and drizzle with olive oil.

Add diced winter squash and cook, stirring occasionally, until edges turn golden brown and squash becomes tender and slightly crispy, about 6-8 minutes.

Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare Kale Mixture

In the same skillet, quickly sauté minced garlic for 30 seconds.

Add chopped kale and cook until leaves soften and wilt, approximately 3 minutes.

Transfer to a separate plate.

Step 3: Preheat Cooking Surface

Position oven rack in center position and place two sheet pans upside down inside.

Crank oven temperature to 550°F, allowing pans to heat thoroughly for at least 30 minutes.

Step 4: Shape Pizza Dough

Gently stretch pizza dough into 10-inch circular shapes, ensuring edges remain slightly thicker for a beautiful crust.

Use gentle pulling and stretching motions.

Step 5: Layer Delicious Toppings

Brush dough with olive oil.

• Shredded fontina cheese
• Caramelized winter squash
• Sautéed kale
• Torn burrata pieces
• Thin prosciutto slices

Step 6: Bake Pizza

Carefully slide pizzas onto preheated sheet pans.

Bake 6-8 minutes until crust turns golden and cheese melts beautifully.

Step 7: Slice and Serve

Transfer pizzas to cutting board.

Slice each pizza into 8 equal wedges.

Serve immediately while hot and crispy.

Tips for Winter Squash Pizza Perfection

• Choose butternut or delicata squash for sweetest flavor and easiest preparation.
• Cook squash on high heat to develop rich, golden-brown edges that boost overall taste.
• Preheat sheet pans to ensure ultra-crispy pizza bottom with professional-level texture.
• Add burrata after baking for creamy, soft cheese texture that doesn't completely dissolve.
• Layer prosciutto after baking to prevent overcooking and maintain delicate, silky texture.

Winter Squash Pizza Variations and Swaps

• Vegan Veggie Delight: Replace prosciutto with roasted portobello mushrooms and swap burrata for cashew cheese. Use butternut squash for a creamy texture.
• Gluten-Free Garden Pizza: Substitute wheat dough with cauliflower crust or gluten-free pizza base. Top with zucchini instead of winter squash for lighter flavor.
• Mediterranean Herb Fusion: Trade kale for spinach, add crumbled feta cheese, and sprinkle with za'atar spice blend. Use kabocha squash for deeper flavor profile.
• Spicy Southwest Remix: Replace fontina with pepper jack cheese, add green chiles, and swap prosciutto with chorizo. Incorporate roasted acorn squash for smoky undertones.

Serving Winter Squash Prosciutto Pizza

• Autumn Harvest Feast: Slice pizza into rustic wedges and serve alongside a crisp arugula salad with balsamic drizzle.
• Elegant Appetizer Platter: Cut into smaller bite-sized squares for chic party sharing, perfect with chilled white wine.
• Brunch Companion: Pair with a light mixed green salad and poached eggs for a sophisticated weekend morning meal.
• Wine Pairing Adventure: Match with a medium-bodied Italian pinot grigio or light-bodied red like chianti to complement the rich prosciutto and squash flavors.

Storing Winter Squash Pizza Fresh

• Store leftover pizza slices in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Cover with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent drying out and maintain freshness.
• Wrap each pizza slice separately in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Frozen pizza can last up to 2 months for quick future meals.
• Restore crispy crust by warming slices in a preheated oven at 375F for 5-7 minutes. Avoid microwave to prevent soggy texture and maintain original pizza quality.
• If storing unassembled ingredients, keep squash, kale, and prosciutto in sealed containers in the refrigerator. Use within 3-4 days for best flavor and texture.

FAQs

• What type of squash works best for this pizza?

Butternut or delicata squash are ideal because they caramelize nicely and have a sweet, nutty flavor that complements the salty prosciutto.

• Do I need special equipment to make this pizza?

An inverted sheet pan helps create a hot surface similar to a pizza stone, which gives you a crispy crust without needing a professional pizza oven.

• Can I substitute ingredients if I don't have fontina cheese?

Yes, you can use similar melting cheeses like mozzarella or gruyère that will provide a creamy texture and rich flavor.

• How do I know when the pizza is perfectly cooked?

Look for a golden-brown crust and melted cheese. The edges should be crispy and the toppings should look slightly caramelized.

Winter Squash & Prosciutto Pizza Appeal

• Elevate Weekend Cooking: Transform ordinary pizza night into a gourmet experience with restaurant-quality ingredients like fontina, burrata, and prosciutto that bring sophisticated flavors right to your kitchen.
• Quick Seasonal Delight: Utilize winter squash for a hearty, nutritious topping that adds rich, caramelized sweetness and makes this pizza a perfect seasonal meal with minimal preparation.
• Impressive Entertaining Option: Create a stunning dish that looks professionally crafted but requires basic cooking skills, making it ideal for impressing guests or enjoying a special dinner without complex techniques.
• Versatile Meal Solution: Easily adaptable pizza that works for lunch, dinner, or casual gatherings, providing a delicious way to incorporate vegetables and gourmet ingredients into a crowd-pleasing format.

Winter Squash Prosciutto Pizza Recipe

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4.6 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 23 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Crispy winter squash prosciutto pizza delivers a symphony of rustic Italian flavors with golden roasted squash and salty prosciutto. Melted cheese and herbal notes complete this elegant seasonal masterpiece you’ll savor slice by slice.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Vegetables:

• 0.5 pound (226 grams) peeled winter squash, sliced thin
• 1 bunch kale, stemmed and sliced
• 2 garlic cloves, sliced

Cheese and Meat:

• 4 ounces (113 grams) grated fontina cheese
• 1 ball burrata cheese
• 8 slices prosciutto di parma

Dough and Seasonings:

• 2 pizza dough balls (7 ounces / 198 grams each)
• Olive oil as needed
• Kosher salt
• Black pepper

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Instructions

1. Caramelize winter squash in hot skillet with olive oil until edges turn golden and tender, approximately 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
2. In same skillet, quickly sauté minced garlic for 30 seconds, then add kale and cook until leaves become soft and slightly wilted, about 3 minutes.
3. Position oven rack with inverted sheet pans inside and preheat to maximum temperature of 550°F, ensuring surface is extremely hot for crispy crust.
4. Gently stretch pizza dough into 10-inch circular shape, creating slightly thicker outer rim for enhanced texture and structure.
5. Brush stretched dough with thin layer of olive oil, then evenly distribute fontina cheese across surface.
6. Arrange caramelized squash, wilted kale, creamy burrata pieces, and delicate prosciutto slices across cheese-covered pizza.
7. Slide pizza onto preheated sheet pan and bake for 6-8 minutes until crust transforms into deep golden brown and cheese melts completely.
8. Remove pizza from oven, transfer to wooden cutting board, and slice into 8 equal triangular pieces for serving.

Notes

• Roast squash beforehand to enhance natural sweetness and develop deeper caramelization before sautéing.
• Choose butternut or delicata squash for best texture and easier preparation with thin, edible skin.
• Slice prosciutto paper-thin to ensure crispy edges and distribute flavor evenly across pizza.
• Substitute kale with arugula for a peppery alternative that wilts quickly and adds fresh brightness.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 8 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 780 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 16 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg