Name: Comforting Fall Harvest Pizza with Prosciutto
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: Organic All-Purpose Flour (2 ¾ cups); Warm Water (1 cup); Organic Raw Honey (1 Tbsp); Rapid-Rise Yeast (1 packet); Extra Virgin Olive Oil (2 Tbsp); Garlic Powder (½ tsp); Sea Salt (Pinch); Pizza Sauce (1 cup); Roasted Butternut Squash (2 cups); Roasted Garlic (6 cloves); Fresh Mozzarella (8 oz.); Fresh Sliced Prosciutto (2 oz.); Chopped Kale (1 cup, organic); Italian Seasoning (1 tsp, optional); Raw Honey (for drizzle, optional)

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As the leaves turn golden and a crispness fills the air, there’s something utterly magical about the flavors of fall. Imagine pulling a freshly baked pizza out of the oven, the warm aroma of roasted butternut squash, garlic, and melting mozzarella filling your kitchen. The vibrant colors and comforting textures invite you to take a piece while the savory prosciutto adds a touch of elegance. This Comforting Fall Harvest Pizza with Prosciutto is more than just food; it’s a delightful gathering spot at your table, a conversation starter, and a hug in a slice.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Comforting Fall Harvest Pizza with Prosciutto
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Comforting Fall Harvest Pizza with Prosciutto

Comforting Fall Harvest Pizza with Prosciutto

I remember the joy of cooking with family during the autumn months. With a cozy sweater on, we’d gather around the kitchen, laughter and flour dusting our faces as we prepared our favorite dishes together. Cooking has the unique power to intertwine memories and flavors, creating lasting experiences. I hope this Comforting Fall Harvest Pizza with Prosciutto sparks that same warmth and joy in your home. Let’s dive into this delicious recipe that captures the essence of the season!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Ready to savor in about 75 minutes, it’s perfect even on busy weeknights!
Irresistible Flavor: The sweetness of roasted butternut squash combined with savory prosciutto makes for a delightful taste adventure.
Eye-Catching Appeal: The vibrant colors and inviting aromas make this pizza a showstopper at any gathering.
Flexible Serving: Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a gathering with friends, this pizza fits any occasion.
Diet-Friendly Options: Looking for alternatives? You can easily make it gluten-free or swap the cheese to suit your dietary needs.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Organic All-Purpose Flour (2 ¾ cups): A high-quality flour provides a soft crust. For a gluten-free option, use a gluten-free 1:1 baking mix.
Warm Water (1 cup): Ensures yeast activation. It’s crucial that the water is warm, not hot, to make a fluffy dough.
Organic Raw Honey (1 Tbsp): Adds a hint of sweetness and helps activate the yeast. You can substitute with brown sugar or cane sugar if you prefer.
Rapid-Rise Yeast (1 packet): This helps the dough rise quickly and easily.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil (2 Tbsp): This adds flavor and helps achieve a perfectly crisp crust.
Garlic Powder (½ tsp): Enhances the dough with a subtle garlic flavor. Fresh garlic can also be used for added texture.
Sea Salt (Pinch): Enhances all flavors in the dough.
Pizza Sauce (1 cup): A homemade pizza sauce brings freshness. Check out my recipe for a great homemade sauce.
Roasted Butternut Squash (2 cups): Sweet, savory, and nutrient-rich, this veggie embodies fall.
Roasted Garlic (6 cloves): Sweet and creamy when roasted, garlic adds an exceptional depth of flavor.
Fresh Mozzarella (8 oz.): Offers rich, creamy goodness and melts beautifully.
Fresh Sliced Prosciutto (2 oz.): Provides a salty, savory contrast that pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the squash. Ham or bacon can be used as alternatives.
Chopped Kale (1 cup, organic): A nutritious addition that adds a nice bite. Spinach can be a great substitute as well.
Italian Seasoning (1 tsp, optional): Adds a lovely hint of herbs if desired.
Raw Honey (for drizzle, optional): A touch of sweetness drizzled on top before serving creates a perfect balance.

How to Make Comforting Fall Harvest Pizza with Prosciutto

Activate the Yeast: In the bowl of an electric mixer, combine warm water, honey, and yeast. Whisk gently to ensure they mix. Let this mixture sit for about 5 minutes, and watch as it bubbles and foams, showing your yeast is alive and ready to work its magic!

Mix the Dough: Gradually add the flour, garlic powder, and salt to the activated yeast mixture at low speed. Mix until everything is incorporated and a soft dough begins to form. If the dough is too sticky, don’t hesitate to sprinkle in additional flour, half a cup at a time until it’s manageable.

Knead the Dough: Turn the mixer speed to medium-high and knead the dough for about 5 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it’s smooth and elastic. You can also do this by hand on a floured surface if you prefer some extra workout!

Shape the Crust: Lightly flour a surface and place the dough onto it. Roll it out slightly and then use your hands to stretch it into a circle, about 11 inches in diameter. Lightly grease your pizza pan with olive oil, then place the dough on the pan, pressing it out to cover the entire surface, pinching the edges to form a lovely crust.

Prepare the Oven: Preheat your oven to 500 degrees Fahrenheit. It’s vital to use a great pizza pan to ensure that your crust becomes perfectly crispy instead of soggy.

Spread the Sauce: Pour about ½ cup of pizza sauce into the center of the prepared crust. Use the back of a spoon to gently spread it out evenly, leaving a small border for the crust to shine through.

Add the Toppings: Generously sprinkle the chopped kale and roasted garlic over the sauce, followed by the fresh mozzarella pieces. Next, scatter the roasted butternut squash and prosciutto pieces on top. Don’t be shy—cover that pizza generously!

Brush and Season: Lightly brush the edges of the crust with olive oil to promote browning. If you like, sprinkle with Italian seasoning to add even more flavor!

Bake: Carefully transfer your pizza into the preheated oven. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling and the crust turns a golden brown. You’ll notice your kitchen filled with incredible aromas—this is the sign that your pizza is nearly ready!

Cool and Slice: Once out of the oven, give the pizza a few minutes to rest and set, making slicing easier. Use a sharp pizza cutter to cut it into generous slices that everyone will enjoy!

Serve with Love: Drizzle a touch of honey on top for a delightful sweetness to complement the savory flavors if desired. Serve while warm, and watch everyone relish each bite!

Storing & Reheating

Pizza is best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, they can be stored at room temperature for a few hours, or wrapped in plastic wrap and placed in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For freezing, ensure it’s wrapped tightly, as it can last up to 3 months. Reheat slices by placing them on a baking sheet in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10-12 minutes until warmed through. Just remember, the crust may not be quite as crisp as when fresh!

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid over-kneading the dough, which can lead to a tough crust. Just a few minutes to knead is all you need!
Always measure your flour accurately—using a scale can be very beneficial.
Let your ingredients come to room temperature before using for the best results.
Feel free to customize toppings based on what you have on hand, whether that be extra veggies or your favorite meats.
If you’re feeling ambitious, make an extra batch of dough and freeze it for future use!

This Comforting Fall Harvest Pizza with Prosciutto captures the essence of autumn and is sure to become a beloved recipe in your home. As you explore this delightful combination of flavors, don’t hesitate to get creative. Try different vegetables, cheeses, or sauces to make it uniquely yours. I’m excited for you to enjoy every delicious bite. Happy baking!

Recipe FAQs

Can I use store-bought pizza dough?

Absolutely! If you’re short on time, store-bought pizza dough can definitely simplify the process. Just roll it out and add your toppings as directed. It’s a great shortcut that still allows you to enjoy this comforting pizza!

What can I substitute for prosciutto?

If prosciutto isn’t available, feel free to use thin slices of ham or any smoked meat you love. For a vegetarian version, you could replace it with roasted mushrooms or extra veggies—both will taste fantastic!

Can I make this pizza ahead of time?

You can prep the dough and toppings separately ahead of time. Assemble the pizza and refrigerate it for a day before baking it fresh for dinner. Just be sure to let it come to room temperature before popping it into the oven to ensure even baking.

How do I know my pizza is done baking?

The pizza is ready when the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden, and the crust is a beautiful golden brown. You’ll also want to listen for those delightful sizzling sounds—your pizza telling you it’s time to eat!