Get ready to transform your pizza night from ordinary to extraordinary! This isn't just another pizza recipe - it's a gourmet adventure that will tantalize your taste buds and impress even the most discerning food lovers. Imagine a perfect harmony of sweet fig jam, crispy pancetta, and bold blue cheese, all nestled on a golden, crispy crust that promises to make your kitchen smell like an Italian trattoria. Whether you're looking to elevate a weeknight dinner or wow guests at your next gathering, this recipe is your ticket to culinary stardom.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 2 pizzas
Ingredients
- Pizza dough
- Pancetta
- Fig jam
- Blue cheese
- Olive oil
- Fresh thyme
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven to heat as well. This will help achieve a crispy crust.
- Prepare your pizza dough. If using store-bought dough, let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes to make it easier to stretch. If making from scratch, ensure it's been properly kneaded and allowed to rise according to your recipe.
- While the dough is resting, slice the pancetta into thin strips. In a skillet over medium heat, add a drizzle of olive oil and cook the pancetta until it becomes crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
- On a lightly floured surface, stretch or roll out each portion of pizza dough into a round shape, about 10-12 inches in diameter. Transfer the stretched dough onto a pizza peel or a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Drizzle a little olive oil over each pizza dough base, spreading it evenly with a brush or the back of a spoon. This will help create a crispy crust.
- Spread a generous layer of fig jam over each pizza, leaving a small border around the edges for the crust. The sweetness of the fig jam will balance beautifully with the salty pancetta and blue cheese.
- Evenly distribute the crispy pancetta over the fig jam on both pizzas.
- Crumble the blue cheese over the pancetta, ensuring an even distribution for a rich flavor in every bite.
- Sprinkle fresh thyme leaves over the top of each pizza. This will add a fragrant herbal note that complements the other ingredients.
- Carefully transfer the pizzas into the preheated oven (or onto the pizza stone, if using). Bake for about 10-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbling and slightly browned.
- Once baked, remove the pizzas from the oven and let them cool for a minute. Drizzle a little more olive oil over the top if desired.
- Slice the pizzas and serve warm. Enjoy the delightful combination of flavors from the sweet fig jam, salty pancetta, and tangy blue cheese!
Tips
- Temperature is key: Ensure your oven is fully preheated to 475°F for that perfect crispy crust.
- Let your dough rest: Allow pizza dough to sit at room temperature for 15 minutes to make stretching easier.
- Don't overload the pizza: Balance your toppings to prevent a soggy center.
- Use a pizza stone if possible: It helps create an extra crispy bottom and more even cooking.
- Fresh herbs make a difference: Use fresh thyme for the most vibrant flavor.
- Drizzle olive oil before and after baking for added richness and shine.
- Let the pizza rest for a minute after baking to allow flavors to settle and make cutting easier.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg