Name: Comforting Fall Harvest Pizza with Prosciutto
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 3/4 cup organic all-purpose flour; 1 cup warm water; 1 Tbsp organic raw honey; 1 packet rapid-rise yeast (about 2 ¼ tsp); 1 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil; 1/2 tsp garlic powder; Pinch of sea salt; 1 cup pizza sauce; 2 cups roasted butternut squash; 6 cloves roasted garlic, roughly chopped; 8 oz. fresh mozzarella, sliced or cubed; 2 oz. fresh sliced prosciutto; 1 cup chopped kale, organic; 1 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil; 1 tsp Italian seasoning (optional); Raw honey for drizzle (optional)

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The air is crisp, leaves are turning shades of amber and gold, and there’s a certain coziness that envelops the season of fall. Picture this: you step into your kitchen, and the inviting aroma of roasted butternut squash and garlic wafts through the air, making your heart feel warm and full. As you spread a silky layer of pizza sauce onto a perfectly homemade crust, you can hardly contain your excitement. The sight of bubbling mozzarella, bright green kale, and delicate ribbons of prosciutto creates an irresistible canvas that sings of autumn. Indulging in this Comforting Fall Harvest Pizza with Prosciutto is more than just a meal; it’s an experience filled with nostalgia and flavors that evoke memories of family gatherings and laughter around the dinner table.

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

Making this pizza becomes a ritual in itself, where each ingredient is carefully chosen to celebrate the harvest season. From the sweet hint of honey drizzled on top to the crunchy yet tender crust that cradles all these toppings, it’s a dish that invites you to slow down and savor every bite. Whether it’s a cozy night in or a festive gathering with friends, this pizza is bound to impress. So, roll up your sleeves and let’s embark on this delightful culinary adventure together!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: You can have this delicious pizza ready in just about 75 minutes, including prep!
Irresistible Flavor: The combination of roasted butternut squash, nutty garlic, and savory prosciutto explodes in every mouthful.
Eye-Catching Appeal: With its vibrant colors, it looks as good as it tastes—perfect for impressing guests.
Flexible Serving: Great for a cozy dinner, pizza night, or even a fun fall gathering.
Diet-Friendly Options: Need it gluten-free? Swap the flour for a gluten-free blend without losing out on flavor!

Ingredients You’ll Need

2 3/4 cup organic all-purpose flour: This creates a soft and chewy crust; you can use gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version.
1 cup warm water: Not hot! A few bubbles in the yeast mixture mean it’s the perfect temperature for activation.
1 Tbsp organic raw honey: This adds a touch of sweetness to the dough; brown sugar can substitute if preferred.
1 packet rapid-rise yeast (about 2 ¼ tsp): This speeds up the dough rising process, giving you a quicker overall cooking time.
1 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil: Enhances the dough’s flavor and makes the crust crispy; feel free to use a mild oil if that’s what you have.
1/2 tsp garlic powder: Adds a hint of flavor to the crust—perfect for garlic lovers!
Pinch of sea salt: Essential to bring out all the flavors in the dough.
1 cup pizza sauce: A rich and flavorful base; use store-bought or check out my Homemade Pizza Sauce recipe for a fresh take.
2 cups roasted butternut squash: Sweet, creamy, and oh-so-autumnal. You can easily swap in sweet potatoes if that’s what you have.
6 cloves roasted garlic, roughly chopped: Provides a sweet, mellow flavor that’s a delightful surprise in every bite.
8 oz. fresh mozzarella, sliced or cubed: Melts beautifully and adds that stretchy cheese experience we all crave.
2 oz. fresh sliced prosciutto: Salty and savory, this elevates the pizza. Feel free to swap for bacon or ham if desired.
1 cup chopped kale, organic: A nutritious addition that lends a beautiful pop of green; spinach is a great alternative if you need.
1 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil: A drizzle over the crust adds flavor and helps it become beautifully golden-brown.
1 tsp Italian seasoning (optional): A blend of herbs that complements the pizza wonderfully, though it’s perfectly fine without it.
Raw honey for drizzle (optional): For an exquisite finish, a light drizzle adds a sweet note that balances the savory flavors perfectly.

How to Make Comforting Fall Harvest Pizza with Prosciutto

Activate Yeast: In the bowl of an electric mixer, combine warm water, honey, and yeast. Ensure you whisk it together so everything mixes well. Let this sit for about 5-10 minutes, until the mixture becomes foamy, signaling that your yeast is happy and ready to work.

Mix Dough Ingredients: Slowly add in the organic all-purpose flour, garlic powder, and sea salt, using low speed until it’s all incorporated, and a soft dough forms. If it’s sticky, sprinkle in more flour, half a cup at a time, until it reaches the right consistency.

Knead Dough: Switch your mixer to medium-high speed and knead the dough for about 5 minutes. Alternatively, if you’re feeling strong, you can transfer the mixture to a floured surface and knead by hand until it’s elastic and smooth.

Shape the Crust: Place your dough on a floured surface and gently roll or stretch it out into about an 11-inch round circle. Lightly grease your pizza pan with extra virgin olive oil and place the dough in the center. Use your fingers to press it outward, ensuring an even thickness across the crust. Pinch the edges to form a slight lip around the pizza.

Prepare Your Oven: While you’re shaping the dough, preheat your oven to 500°F, sliding the top rack to the middle position. A hot oven is key for a crispy crust!

Spread Pizza Sauce: Pour your pizza sauce in the center of the crust. Using a spoon, spread it evenly, leaving about an inch of crust bare to form the edges.

Add Toppings: Begin by scattering the chopped kale and roasted garlic across the sauce. Then, generously layer the fresh mozzarella followed by the roasted butternut squash and prosciutto. Vegetarian? Feel free to leave off the meat or substitute with your favorite meatless options!

Brush Crust: Lightly brush the exposed edges of the crust with extra virgin olive oil. It’ll help develop a golden color while baking. If using, sprinkle Italian seasoning over the top for that extra aroma and flavor.

Bake Pizza: Transfer your pizza carefully to the oven. Bake for 15-20 minutes, watching closely as the cheese melts and becomes bubbly while the crust turns golden brown. The centers should be fragrant, and a toothpick should easily pierce any toppings with ease.

Cool and Slice: Once it’s out of the oven, resist the urge to cut right away; letting it rest for about 2-3 minutes allows the cheese to firm up a bit. Use a pizza cutter to slice into generous pieces and serve warm. A light drizzle of honey makes a lovely finishing touch!

Storing & Reheating

For any leftovers, let the pizza cool completely at room temperature. Then, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. For longer storage, you can freeze the pizza for up to three months—just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheat in the oven at 375°F for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. Note that freezing may slightly change the texture, but a quick refresh in the oven helps bring back that crispy crust!

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Ensure your water isn’t too hot; you want it warm enough to activate the yeast without killing it.
If your dough feels too sticky after kneading, add extra flour gradually until it reaches the right consistency.
Keep an eye on your crust while baking; every oven is different, and you want that perfect golden brown!
To make ahead, you can prepare the dough a day in advance; just let it rise slowly in the fridge for the best flavor.
Consider using seasonal vegetables for toppings; they not only enhance flavor but also make the pizza visually appealing.

As you can see, this Comforting Fall Harvest Pizza with Prosciutto is all about celebrating the season’s bounty with a warm, inviting dish that feels like home. The bright colors, delightful flavors, and simple process make this a meal you’ll want to repeat time and again. So go ahead and embrace the joy of fall cooking—your kitchen (and taste buds) will thank you!

Recipe FAQs

How can I make the crust gluten-free?

If you want to make a gluten-free version, opt for a high-quality gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Make sure it includes xanthan gum, which helps replicate the stretchy quality of traditional dough. Just follow the same method as with regular flour, and you’ll have a delicious crust that suits your dietary needs!

Can I use different toppings?

Absolutely! The beauty of pizza lies in its versatility. You can swap out the butternut squash for sweet potatoes or even caramelized onions. Use your favorite veggies like mushrooms or bell peppers, and don’t hesitate to try different cheeses! A sprinkle of feta or goat cheese can add a delightful twist.

What if I don’t have rapid-rise yeast?

If you don’t have rapid-rise yeast, traditional active dry yeast works just as well. Just remember that it may require a longer proofing time. Activate it in warm water before adding it to your dough mixture, letting it sit until foamy.

How do I make this pizza vegan?

To make a vegan version, you can simply replace the cheese with a dairy-free alternative or make a “cheesy” sauce using cashews blended with nutritional yeast. The prosciutto can be switched out for smoked tempeh or your favorite plant-based meat substitute!