Pistachio and Ham Pizza Recipe: A Crunchy, Creamy, Savory Upgrade 🍕🌰
If you’re ready to step outside the box of pepperoni and sausage, say hello to your new favorite gourmet pie: Pistachio and Ham Pizza. This recipe combines the salty-sweet elegance of ham with the rich nuttiness of pistachios and the herbal brightness of pesto—all layered over a soft, chewy homemade crust and molten fresh mozzarella. It’s restaurant-quality pizza that’s surprisingly simple to make at home.
Why I Love This Recipe
There’s something magical about the combination of textures and flavors in this pizza. The salty ham plays beautifully with creamy mozzarella, while pesto brings a fresh, herby kick that’s perfectly offset by the crunch of crushed pistachios. It’s unexpected, elevated, and still comforting. Best of all, it’s easy to customize based on what you’ve got in your fridge.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp active dry yeast
- 3/4 cup warm water (around 110°F or 43°C)
For the Topping:
- 1/2 cup pesto sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 1/2 cups fresh mozzarella cheese (shredded or sliced)
- 5–6 slices of cooked ham (preferably prosciutto cotto or deli-style ham)
- 1/4 cup pistachios (crushed)
- Freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
- Pinch of salt (optional)
Swaps and Notes
- Cheese: Burrata or goat cheese can replace mozzarella for a tangy twist.
- Nuts: No pistachios? Try toasted walnuts or almonds.
- Ham Alternative: Prosciutto or pancetta brings more punch, while turkey ham keeps it lighter.
- Pesto: Basil pesto is classic, but arugula or sun-dried tomato pesto also works beautifully.
Instructions
1. Make the Pizza Dough
- In a large bowl, mix flour and salt.
- In a separate small bowl, dissolve sugar and yeast in warm water. Let sit for 5 minutes until frothy.
- Pour yeast mixture into the flour mixture, stir to combine.
- Add olive oil and knead the dough on a floured surface for 7–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Cover and let rise in a warm place for 1–2 hours, or until doubled in size.
2. Preheat the Oven
- Preheat oven to 475°F (245°C).
- Place a pizza stone or an inverted baking sheet in the oven to preheat as well.
3. Shape the Dough
- Punch down the dough and divide in half if you want smaller pizzas.
- Roll out into a circle or oval, depending on your preference for thin or thick crust.
4. Assemble the Pizza
- Spread pesto evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edge.
- Layer with mozzarella.
- Place the shaped pizza on a piece of parchment paper or a floured pizza peel.
5. Bake the Pizza
- Carefully transfer the pizza to the preheated stone or sheet.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes, until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbling and lightly browned.
6. Top and Serve
- Remove from oven. Immediately top with sliced ham and crushed pistachios.
- Add freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Slice and serve warm.
Tips for Success
- Hot oven = crispy crust. Don’t skimp on preheating your stone or sheet.
- Crush pistachios roughly. You want texture, not powder.
- Add ham after baking. It keeps the texture soft and savory instead of dried out.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
This pizza pairs beautifully with a fresh side salad or a light soup. Here are a few perfect pairings:
- 🍽️ Try it with This Cajun Chicken Sausage Gumbo for a spicy contrast.
- 🧀 Serve alongside Easy Cheesy Chicken Sliders for a party-perfect pizza night.
- 🥗 A citrusy arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette is a great, light side.
- 🍷 Wine pairing: a crisp white like Sauvignon Blanc or a dry rosé brings out the pistachio nuttiness.
Storage and Leftover Tips
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in a 375°F oven for 5–7 minutes to maintain crispness.
- Avoid microwaving—unless you like soggy crusts!
More Recipes You’ll Love
If you’re into bold, crave-worthy meals, don’t miss these reader favorites:
- These Sheet Pan Quesadillas – crispy, cheesy, and crowd-pleasing.
- This Mexican Chicken and Rice Casserole – comfort food in one pan.
- This Dorito Casserole – a crunchy, cheesy favorite for the whole family.
Final Thoughts
This Pistachio and Ham Pizza is everything you want in a homemade gourmet meal—flavorful, textural, and totally satisfying. Whether you’re making it for a cozy night in or impressing guests, it’s a showstopper.
Tried it? Let me know in the comments how it turned out—or share your own twist! And don’t forget to follow for more inventive recipes just like this. 🍕✨
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