Summer Peach and Balsamic Pizza Recipe – Treat Indulgently

When you think of summer peach and balsamic pizza, you might get excited about just the pizza itself. But why stop there? This dish pairs beautifully with various sides and drinks that can elevate your entire dining experience.

Crisp White Wine: A chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc complements the sweetness of the peaches while enhancing the savory notes of the balsamic reduction. Look for a local winery to support your region.

Fresh Green Salad: A light salad of arugula or mixed greens drizzled with a simple lemon vinaigrette adds a refreshing crunch. The slight bitterness of arugula can accentuate the sweet flavors on your pizza.

Grilled Veggies: Zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplant drizzled with olive oil and a pinch of salt make a perfect side. Grilling adds a touch of char that enhances the flavors, making your meal feel complete.

What is a Summer Peach and Balsamic Pizza Recipe?

This recipe takes fresh, ripe peaches and pairs them artfully with rich cheeses, delectable prosciutto, and a sweet and tangy honey-balsamic glaze. You might think peaches belong on dessert, but in this case, they shine on a pizza. It is a fun, homemade twist that promises to impress at your next gathering or family dinner.

Why Does This Recipe Work?

There are several reasons why this combination is so delightful:

Flavor Balance: The sweetness of ripe peaches harmonizes with the saltiness of prosciutto. If you’ve ever tasted that first bite, you know the balance it brings.

Textural Contrast: With the creamy mozzarella, the crunchy prosciutto, and the juicy peaches, each bite offers a variety of textures. That’s what keeps you reaching for more!

Fresh and Seasonal: Using peak-season peaches ensures that every bite is bursting with flavor. This pizza celebrates summer and all its offerings.

Versatility: This dish can do it all. It works for a casual weeknight dinner or as a star attraction at a classy gathering. You can even serve it as an appetizer for sharing, or make it personal-sized; the options are endless.

Ingredients You’ll Need to Make This Dish

Here’s a detailed list of what you’ll need for the pizza:

• Artisan pizza dough: The base upon which all else is built. Choose a dough that rises well for the perfect crust. 
• Extra virgin olive oil: A drizzle before baking adds flavor and aids in achieving a golden crust.
•  Minced fresh garlic: Give the pizza depth with aromatic notes. 
• Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper: A dash of seasoning enhances all the flavors. 
• Thinly sliced prosciutto: For that irresistible salty finish. 
• Fresh mozzarella cheese: Use quality cheese for the best melt and creaminess.
• Shredded asiago cheese: Adds sharpness and rich flavor. 
• Creamy ricotta cheese: For dolloping onto the pizza before it’s finished baking. 
• Ripe fresh peaches, sliced: The star of the show! Choose the ripest ones for sweetness.
•  Fresh basil leaves: Adds a hint of herbal freshness.

For the honey-balsamic glaze: 

• Raw honey: Sweetens and thickens the glaze. 
• Aged balsamic vinegar: Offers acidity and depth.
•  A pinch of crushed red pepper flakes: This addition adds a nice kick without overshadowing the flavors. 
• Fresh thyme sprigs: Enhances the aroma and complements the peaches beautifully.

How To Make This Summer Peach and Balsamic Pizza Recipe?

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven. Set it to a high temperature, ideally around 475°F (245°C). This will help achieve that crusty base we all love.

Step 2: Prepare the Dough

Roll out your artisan pizza dough on a floured surface. Aim for a nice circle about 12 inches in diameter. Don’t worry if it’s not perfect; rustic is charming!

Step 3: Add Olive Oil and Garlic

Drizzle extra virgin olive oil over the rolled-out dough. Rub it across the surface with your fingers. Then, sprinkle with minced garlic, ensuring it’s scattered evenly for maximum flavor.

Step 4: Layer with Cheeses

Next, spread the fresh mozzarella evenly across the dough. You want a good amount but avoid overloading it to keep the crust from getting soggy. Then, sprinkle the shredded asiago and dollop bits of ricotta randomly.

Step 5: Add Prosciutto

Now, lay the thin slices of prosciutto delicately on top of the cheese. This adds depth and richness to your pizza.

Step 6: Layer the Peaches

Arrange the sliced peaches on top. Feel free to get creative with the placement. Each slice should be a little treasure for the person who gets it.

Step 7: Season

Sprinkle sea salt, freshly cracked black pepper, and that pinch of crushed red pepper flakes over the top.

Step 8: Bake

Carefully place the pizza in your preheated oven. Bake for about 12 to 15 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbling away. The smell will drive you wild!

Step 9: Prepare the Glaze

While it’s baking, combine raw honey and aged balsamic vinegar in a small saucepan. Heat on low until it thickens a bit, stirring continually. Add fresh thyme for flavor right at the end.

Step 10: Finish with Basil and Glaze

Once your pizza is baked to perfection, remove it from the oven and swirl that honey-balsamic glaze over the top. Finish with fresh basil leaves before slicing.

Tips & Tricks

Use fresh peaches: The riper, the better! Early summer produces the best fruit. Don’t overload on toppings: Too many toppings will result in a soggy pizza. Keep it simple. Let the pizza dough rest: If your pizza dough seems tight, give it 10 minutes to rest after rolling it out. Experiment with cheeses: Try brie or goat cheese for a different flavor profile. Serve immediately: This pizza tastes best fresh out of the oven. Serve it warm for the best experience.

How Do You Store The Leftovers?

If there are any leftovers (but let’s be honest—there’s a chance there won’t be), you can store them in an airtight container. Refrigerate and consume within 3 days for the best taste. Reheat in the oven to maintain the crust’s crispiness. Microwaving is an option if you’re short on time, but it won’t do justice to that crust!

What Sides Would Complement Summer Peach and Balsamic Pizza Recipe?

Caprese Salad: This classic, featuring mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil, perfectly mirrors the freshness of your pizza. Drizzle with balsamic glaze, and you’re set!

Grilled Corn Salad: Toss together grilled corn, red onion, bell peppers, and cilantro with a light lime dressing. The sweetness of corn offers a delightful contrast.

Cucumber and Dill Salad: A refreshing salad with cucumber, yogurt, and dill cuts through the richness of the pizza.

What Alternatives Can You Use for the Ingredients if They Are Not Present in Your Kitchen?

Dough substitutes: If you don’t have pizza dough, use store-bought flatbreads or even a tortilla for a personal-sized pizza.

Cheese variations: Use feta or gouda if mozzarella is unavailable. Each brings a distinct flavor to the party.

Fruit options: Swap peaches for prosciutto for figs or nectarines, each adding its own unique sweetness.

Thyme alternatives: Rosemary or oregano can work in place of thyme—each brings a different aroma that still enhances the pizza.

Conclusion

Creating a summer peach and balsamic pizza is a delightful way to celebrate the flavors of the season. It offers simplicity and elegance all in one bite. As you explore this culinary journey, I hope you find joy, laughter, and of course, good company around your table. 

So, roll out that dough, gather your ingredients, and relish every moment—because summer is fleeting, and this pizza sure makes the most of it!

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