Prosciutto and mushroom pizza with cheese crust

Prosciutto and mushroom pizza with cheese crust is a perfect choice for a family dinner or a party with friends. Imagine a delicious pizza with a tender dough and a crispy edge, filled with melted cheese that stretches with every bite. This recipe is not only tasty but also captivating, and preparing it will turn any ordinary evening into a special moment.

Total preparation time: 2 hours
Number of servings: 4-6

Ingredients

For the dough:
- 500 g flour
- 25 g fresh yeast
- 200 ml lukewarm milk (to activate the yeast)
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt

For the topping:
- 2 tablespoons tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon oregano (plus extra for garnish)
- 150 g mozzarella (grated)
- 150 g cheese (grated)
- 200 g fresh ham (unstuffed, sliced)
- 150 g champignon mushrooms (sliced thin)
- A handful of black olives (halved)
- Optional: chili pepper (for extra spiciness)

Step by step to a perfect pizza

Step 1: Preparing the dough
1. Activating the yeast: In a small bowl, combine the yeast with lukewarm milk and sugar. Let the mixture sit for 15 minutes until it becomes frothy. This is an essential step, as activated yeast will help the dough rise beautifully.

2. Mixing the ingredients: In a large bowl, add the flour and salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture. Add the olive oil and start mixing the ingredients with a wooden spoon or your hands.

3. Kneading: Knead the dough for about 10 minutes until it becomes elastic and smooth. This is the perfect moment to clear your mind and focus on the texture of the dough.

4. Rising the dough: Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let it rise in a warm place for an hour. After the dough has risen, wrap it in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes. This trick will enhance the texture and flavor of the dough.

Step 2: Preparing the topping
1. Preparing the ingredients: While the dough is rising, prepare all the ingredients. Grate the mozzarella and cheese, slice the mushrooms and olives. This will help you save time and work more efficiently.

2. Preparing the sauce: In a small bowl, mix the tomato sauce with oregano to give it an extra flavor.

Step 3: Assembling the pizza
1. Rolling out the dough: Once the dough has cooled, sprinkle a little flour on the work surface. Roll out the dough with your hands, being careful to form an even disc. Avoid using a rolling pin, as we want to keep the air in the dough.

2. Adding the sauce and cheese: Place the dough on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Spread the tomato sauce over the dough, leaving a margin of about 2 cm. Sprinkle a generous layer of mozzarella and cheese over the entire surface.

3. Forming the cheese crown: Arrange the grated mozzarella and cheese around the edge of the dough. Gently roll the edges over the cheese and press them to seal, thus forming the delicious crown.

4. Adding the ingredients: Place the slices of ham, mushrooms, and olives in the center of the pizza. If you want a bit of spice, add sliced chili peppers. Sprinkle a little oregano on top for extra flavor.

Step 4: Baking the pizza
1. Preheating the oven: Preheat the oven to 220°C (or 230°C if you have a fan oven). A high temperature will help achieve a crispy crust.

2. Baking: Bake the pizza for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is melted and bubbling. Check the pizza halfway through baking to avoid burning.

Serving suggestions and variations
Serve the pizza hot, cut into generous slices. It can be accompanied by a fresh salad or a yogurt sauce with dill to contrast the flavors. If you want to experiment, add vegetables like bell peppers or spinach to the pizza for a healthier option.

Nutritional benefits
Prosciutto and mushroom pizza is a good source of protein due to the cheeses and ham. Whole wheat flour can be used for extra fiber, and mushrooms are rich in vitamins and minerals. However, to maintain a balanced diet, enjoy the pizza in moderation!

Frequently asked questions
1. Can I use dry yeast?
Yes, you can use dry yeast, but you will need about 8 g. Add it directly to the flour.

2. How can I make the pizza crispier?
Make sure the oven is well preheated and, if possible, bake the pizza on a pizza stone for extra crispiness.

3. What are the alternatives to ham?
You can use cooked chicken or even vegetables for a vegetarian option.

Prosciutto and mushroom pizza with cheese crust is not just a recipe, but a culinary experience that will bring you joy in every bite. Experiment with your favorite ingredients and turn this recipe into a personalized masterpiece!

 Ingredients: 500 grams of flour, 25 grams of yeast mixed with warm milk and sugar, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, a pinch of salt, milk for kneading. For the composition we need: 2 tablespoons of tomato sauce, oregano, mozzarella, cheese, fresh ham (I used fresh unsmoked ham), a few raw champignon mushrooms sliced thinly, a handful of black olives, optional chili pepper.

 Tags:  mozzarella cheese olives mushrooms pizza