Caramelized Pear, Prosciutto + Blue Cheese Pizza Recipe

I absolutely love how this Caramelized Pear, Prosciutto + Blue Cheese Pizza Recipe brings together sweet, savory, and tangy flavors all in one bite. It’s just the kind of dish I turn to when I want to impress friends with something a little different, yet incredibly comforting. The combination of caramelized pears with salty prosciutto and creamy blue cheese creates a symphony of tastes that’s surprisingly easy to pull off.

When I first tried this pizza, I was blown away by how the sweetness of the pears perfectly balanced the sharpness of the blue cheese, and how the prosciutto added just the right amount of salty richness. Whether you’re making it for a weekend dinner or a cozy night in, this Caramelized Pear, Prosciutto + Blue Cheese Pizza Recipe is definitely worth the effort. Plus, you’ll find that making the dough from scratch adds a lovely personal touch that elevates the whole experience.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients in this Caramelized Pear, Prosciutto + Blue Cheese Pizza Recipe work together to create layers of flavor and a satisfying texture. I recommend getting ripe-but-firm pears and freshly grated cheeses for the best results.

• Active dry yeast: Ensure it’s fresh and not expired for a good dough rise.
• Honey: Adds slight sweetness to feed the yeast and improve dough flavor.
• Whole wheat flour: Gives the crust a nutty depth; you can also mix in white flour if preferred.
• Olive oil: Use good quality for dough and cooking pears—it really lifts the taste.
• Semi-ripe pears: Choose firm pears so they hold shape during caramelization.
• Unsalted butter: Adds richness when caramelizing the pears.
• Brown sugar: For that deep caramel flavor that makes the pears irresistible.
• Fontina cheese: Melts beautifully and balances the stronger blue cheese.
• Blue cheese: Crumbled fresh for tangy bursts in every bite.
• Prosciutto: Thinly sliced for salty, savory contrast.
• Shallots and garlic: Add subtle savory notes to complement the toppings.
• Balsamic glaze: Drizzled on top to tie all flavors together with a tangy finish.

Variations

One of the things I love about this Caramelized Pear, Prosciutto + Blue Cheese Pizza Recipe is how easy it is to personalize. I sometimes tweak the cheese mix or add a handful of arugula after baking for a fresh peppery bite.

• Swap cheeses: If you’re not a fan of blue cheese, try goat cheese or gorgonzola for a milder flavor—I’ve done this when cooking for picky eaters and it works.
• Use gluten-free flour: The dough responds reasonably well to a cup-for-cup gluten-free mix if you want a gluten-free pizza option.
• Add fresh herbs: A sprinkle of fresh thyme or rosemary before baking adds an aromatic touch I adore.
• Make mini pizzas: Splitting the dough into smaller portions is great for parties or kids—everyone gets to customize toppings.

How to Make Caramelized Pear, Prosciutto + Blue Cheese Pizza Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Dough and Let It Rise

Start by activating your yeast in warm water combined with honey and olive oil—this little mixture is where the magic begins. You’ll want to see it bubble up and get foamy, which usually takes about 10 minutes; if it doesn’t, your yeast may be expired. Then, stir in 2 cups of whole wheat flour and salt until it clumps, and work the dough with your hands on a floured surface, kneading in the remaining 2/3 cup of flour until smooth but still slightly tacky. Using the same bowl, rubbed with olive oil, helps prevent sticking as the dough rises. Cover it with a towel and find a cozy warm spot for it to double in size—it usually takes about an hour to an hour and a half.

Step 2: Caramelize the Pears

While your dough is rising, gently cook the sliced pears in a skillet over low heat with olive oil, butter, salt, and a touch of nutmeg. Cover the pan and stir every now and then for about 15 minutes, making sure they soften without burning. I discovered this slow caramelization method locks in sweetness and gives the pears that gorgeous golden color. Then, stir in brown sugar and cook for another 5 to 10 minutes until luscious and golden. Set these aside—they’ll be the sweet surprise on your pizza.

Step 3: Shape the Dough and Preheat the Oven

Once the dough has risen beautifully, punch it down to release air bubbles, then roll or stretch it into your desired shape. I usually opt for a rustic free-form shape on a baking sheet—it’s super forgiving! Let it rest for 10 more minutes under a towel while you preheat your oven to 400°F, which is perfect for baking this pizza evenly without burning toppings.

Step 4: Assemble Your Pizza

Spread about three-quarters of the fontina cheese evenly over the dough first—it melts into a comforting, creamy base. Then sprinkle minced garlic and sliced shallots on top for that savory punch. Layer your caramelized pears next, followed by the prosciutto slices, and crumble the blue cheese over everything. Finish off with the remaining fontina cheese. Every bite will have such a perfect combination of creamy, salty, and sweet flavors.

Step 5: Bake and Drizzle with Balsamic Glaze

Bake your pie for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the crust is beautifully golden and the cheese bubbles enticingly. Keep an eye on it toward the end to prevent over-browning. Once out of the oven, a generous drizzle of balsamic glaze brings everything together with a tangy sweetness I swear makes this pizza addicting—don’t skip it!

How to Serve Caramelized Pear, Prosciutto + Blue Cheese Pizza Recipe

Garnishes

I love finishing this pizza with a handful of fresh arugula or basil—adds a peppery, vibrant note that complements those rich toppings perfectly. A sprinkle of flaky sea salt right before serving brings out the flavors even more. Some people like an extra drizzle of olive oil or a few chili flakes for a spicy twist.

Side Dishes

Simple sides like a crisp green salad or roasted Brussels sprouts work great here—they’re light enough to balance the richness of the pizza. I’ve also served this alongside a glass of chilled white wine or sparkling water with lemon, which really refreshes your palate.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I’ve made mini versions on small rounds of dough and let guests add toppings themselves—the Caramelized Pear, Prosciutto + Blue Cheese Pizza Recipe feels so special but is actually fun and casual. For a dinner party, I like setting it on a rustic wooden board with the balsamic glaze in a small dish for extra drizzling at the table. It always sparks conversation!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover pizza stores well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. I usually slice it and layer parchment between pieces so they don’t stick. The flavors actually deepen, but the crust can soften a bit, so reheating properly is key.

Freezing

Freezing this pizza isn’t my favorite, mainly because pears lose some texture, but if you need to, freeze individual slices wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to preserve as much freshness as possible.

Reheating

To reheat, I pop leftover slices into a hot skillet or oven to crisp up the crust again—avoid microwaving if you want to keep that wonderful texture. Adding a few drops of water to the skillet and covering with a lid helps melt the cheese perfectly without drying things out.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Caramelized Pear, Prosciutto + Blue Cheese Pizza Recipe has become one of my absolute favorites for a reason—it’s a unique combination that feels special but isn’t fussy. I love sharing it with friends who end up asking for the recipe, and I hope you’ll enjoy making it as much as I do. Once you’ve tried it, I think it might just become your go-to when you want something a little fancy that’s still comforting and homemade. Give it a go—you’ll be glad you did!

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