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Let me share my favorite cozy winter pizza that combines everything wonderful about seasonal comfort food! This Winter Squash & Prosciutto Pizza was born from a chilly evening when I wanted something special yet comforting. The combination of sweet caramelized squash salty prosciutto and creamy burrata is absolutely magical.
Why You'll Fall in Love
I love how this pizza takes familiar comfort food to a whole new level. The winter squash gets all caramelized and sweet while the prosciutto adds that perfect salty bite. And when you hit a pocket of creamy burrata well it's just heaven on a plate.
Let's Talk Toppings
- Winter squash: Slice it nice and thin it caramelizes beautifully.
- Kale: Gets all crispy around the edges.
- Garlic: Don't be shy with it.
- Olive oil: Use the good stuff here.
- Salt & pepper: Makes everything sing.
Building Our Base
- Pizza dough: I always let mine come to room temperature.
- Fontina cheese: Grate it yourself it melts better.
- Burrata: The creamier the better.
- Prosciutto: Get the good stuff it makes a difference.
- Olive oil: A drizzle makes everything better.
Starting With Squash
First thing I do is get that squash caramelizing. I like to slice it really thin so it gets tender quickly. When it starts to turn golden around the edges that's when you know the magic is happening. The smell is absolutely incredible.
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Getting Ready
While your toppings are cooking let that dough come to room temperature. I learned this the hard way cold dough fights back when you try to stretch it. Take your time here good pizza is worth the wait.
Assembly Time
Now comes my favorite part putting it all together. I crank my oven as high as it will go and get my sheet pans nice and hot. Layer everything with love that's my secret ingredient.
Into The Oven
When that pizza hits the hot pan you'll hear that wonderful sizzle. Six to eight minutes is all it takes for pizza perfection. Watch for those golden brown spots on the crust.
Ready to Serve
Give it just a minute to cool you don't want to burn yourself on that molten cheese. I love watching people's faces when they take their first bite it's pure joy.
Saving Some For Later
If you somehow have leftovers they keep beautifully in the fridge. Just reheat them in a hot oven never the microwave we want to keep that crust crispy.
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Mix It Up
Sometimes I'll switch out the squash for sweet potatoes or add some heat with red pepper flakes. The basic recipe is so good but it's fun to experiment.
Getting It Right
Take your time stretching that dough no holes allowed! And work quickly when you're adding toppings to your hot pan. Practice makes perfect.
Plan Ahead
I often prep my toppings earlier in the day. Then when dinner time comes around all I have to do is assemble and bake. It makes everything so much easier.
Perfect Pairings
A crisp white wine or bubbly water with citrus makes this meal feel extra special. The bright flavors balance all that richness perfectly.
All About That Burrata
The burrata really makes this pizza special. When it melts into all those other toppings it creates this creamy sauce that's just incredible.
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Prosciutto Perfection
Sometimes I add the prosciutto before baking for crispy edges sometimes after for that silky texture. Both ways are amazing try them both and see what you prefer.
Fresh Herbs
A sprinkle of fresh herbs right at the end adds such a wonderful aroma. I grow herbs on my windowsill just for moments like this.
Hot Hot Heat
Don't be afraid of high heat it's the secret to great pizza. That blast of heat creates the perfect crust while keeping the toppings juicy.
Common Questions
Yes store-bought dough works great! And yes you can freeze leftover slices though they rarely last that long in my house.
Why We Love It
This Winter Squash & Prosciutto Pizza has become our favorite cold-weather tradition. It's cozy sophisticated and absolutely delicious. Give it a try on your next pizza night I promise you won't regret it.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → Why preheat the sheet pans?
Preheating the sheet pans helps create a crispy bottom crust by immediately conducting high heat to the dough when the pizza is placed on it.
- → Can I use different cheese?
While fontina provides ideal melting and burrata adds creaminess, you could substitute mozzarella for fontina and fresh mozzarella for burrata if needed.
- → What type of winter squash works best?
Any winter squash like butternut, delicata, or kabocha works well. Just ensure it's sliced thinly enough to cook through and caramelize properly.
- → Why use a pizza peel?
A pizza peel allows you to slide the pizza onto the hot pan in one swift motion, which is crucial for maintaining the pizza's shape and preventing sticking.
- → Can I make this at a lower temperature?
While possible, the high temperature (550°F) is ideal for creating a crispy crust and properly melting the cheese without overcooking the toppings.