This creamy white BBQ pizza topped with prosciutto and sweet caramelized onions is a real treat! The blend of flavors makes every bite a delightful surprise.
For me, it’s all about that crispy crust and the gooey cheese. I sometimes add a sprinkle of arugula for a peppery twist. It’s so good, you might want to keep it all to yourself! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pizza Dough: Store-bought dough is a time-saver. You can also use homemade dough if you prefer! Gluten-free dough is available too for those who need it.
Cheeses: My go-to is mozzarella for its meltiness, paired with ricotta for creaminess. If ricotta’s not available, cottage cheese or a soft goat cheese can work as good substitutes!
White BBQ Sauce: Look for a mild version at your grocery store. If you can’t find it, mixing regular BBQ sauce with a bit of sour cream gives a similar flavor.
Prosciutto: I love the flavor it adds, but you can swap it out for cooked bacon or even a plant-based ham for a vegetarian option.
Onions: Yellow onions are ideal for caramelizing. If you’re short on time, you can use shallots instead; they caramelize quickly!
How Do You Get Perfectly Caramelized Onions?
Caramelizing onions gives them a deep, sweet flavor. The key is low and slow! Here’s how to do it:
- Start with medium-low heat. This prevents burning and helps develop flavor.
- Add a pinch of salt to draw out moisture, which aids in caramelization.
- Stir occasionally, but let them sit for a bit to develop that golden color.
- Cook for 20-30 minutes until they turn soft and deeply brown. Resist the urge to rush!
Trust me, the patience pays off with rich and sweet onions that perfectly complement your pizza!
Easy White BBQ Pizza with Prosciutto and Caramelized Onions
Ingredients:
- 1 pre-made pizza dough (about 12-14 inches)
- 1 to 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/4 cup barbecue sauce (preferably white BBQ sauce or a mild variation)
- 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons butter or olive oil (for caramelizing onions)
- 4-6 slices prosciutto, torn into bite-sized pieces
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano or Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Olive oil for brushing the crust
Time Needed:
This delightful pizza will take about 40-50 minutes total, including 20-30 minutes for caramelizing the onions, plus about 15 minutes for baking and a few minutes to get everything prepared. So, you have a quick and scrumptious meal in no time!
Instructions:
1. Caramelize the Onions:
In a skillet, heat the butter or olive oil over medium-low heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and a sprinkle of salt. Cook slowly, stirring occasionally, until they are deeply golden and caramelized, which takes about 20-30 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
2. Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven to heat while you prepare the pizza.
3. Prepare the Dough:
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pizza dough to your desired thickness. Carefully transfer the dough to a pizza peel or a baking sheet that’s been dusted with flour or cornmeal to prevent sticking.
4. Spread the Base Layer:
Take the white BBQ sauce and spread a thin, even layer over the pizza dough, making sure to leave a small border around the edges for the crust.
5. Add Cheeses:
Use a spoon to dollop the ricotta cheese evenly across the pizza. Then, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese all over for that melty goodness!
6. Add Toppings:
Evenly scatter the torn prosciutto pieces over the cheese layer. After that, distribute the caramelized onions on top of the pizza.
7. Season:
Sprinkle the dried oregano or Italian seasoning over the toppings, along with some freshly ground black pepper to enhance the flavor.
8. Bake the Pizza:
Lightly brush the edges of the crust with olive oil. Slide the pizza into the preheated oven (or onto the pizza stone) and bake for about 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and the crust is golden brown.
9. Serve:
Once the pizza is done baking, carefully remove it from the oven. Allow it to cool for a few minutes, then slice it up and enjoy this delicious white BBQ pizza warm!
This pizza perfectly combines the rich sweetness of caramelized onions, the subtle saltiness of prosciutto, and creamy cheeses, all drizzled with a flavorful white BBQ sauce for a truly delightful meal!
FAQ for Easy White BBQ Pizza with Prosciutto and Caramelized Onions
Can I Use a Different Type of Cheese?
Absolutely! While mozzarella and ricotta are delicious choices, you can substitute with provolone, gouda, or even a sharp cheddar for an extra kick. Just remember to keep that creamy element with a softer cheese like ricotta for the best texture.
How Do I Store Leftover Pizza?
Store any leftover pizza in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes to achieve that crispy crust again. Alternatively, a microwave will work, though it won’t crisp the crust.
Can I Make This Pizza Without Prosciutto?
Of course! If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, you can simply leave out the prosciutto. You could also add more veggies like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for added flavor and texture!
Is It Possible to Make This Pizza Gluten-Free?
Yes! Just use a gluten-free pizza dough instead of regular pizza dough. Many stores offer pre-made gluten-free pizza crusts that taste great and save you time!
