Imagine biting into a slice of pizza that's not just another ordinary meal, but a gourmet experience that combines the creamy richness of ricotta, the tender crunch of roasted asparagus, and a perfectly crisp crust. This Asparagus and Ricotta Pizza isn't just a recipe—it's a culinary adventure that will elevate your home cooking from mundane to magnificent, bringing the authentic flavors of Italian cuisine right to your dining table.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 2 pizzas
Ingredients
- 1 pizza dough
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C). If using a pizza stone, place it in the oven during preheating to ensure a crispy crust.
- Wash the asparagus thoroughly and trim off the tough woody ends. Cut the asparagus into 2-inch diagonal pieces to ensure even cooking and attractive presentation.
- Toss the asparagus pieces with olive oil, then season with salt and pepper. Lightly roast the asparagus in a skillet over medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes to partially cook and enhance their flavor.
- Roll out the pizza dough on a lightly floured surface to create a thin, even circle approximately 12 inches in diameter. If using a pizza stone, transfer the dough using a pizza peel or the back of a baking sheet.
- Spread the ricotta cheese evenly across the pizza dough, leaving a small border around the edges for the crust. Use the back of a spoon to create a smooth, even layer.
- Distribute the roasted asparagus pieces across the ricotta-covered dough. Arrange them in an aesthetically pleasing pattern.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the asparagus, ensuring even coverage.
- Bake the pizza in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and slightly bubbling.
- Remove the pizza from the oven and let it rest for 2-3 minutes to allow the cheese to set and the crust to crisp up.
- Optional: Drizzle with a small amount of extra virgin olive oil and sprinkle with fresh cracked black pepper before serving.
- Slice the pizza into wedges and serve immediately while hot and crispy.
Tips
- Temperature is Key: Ensure your oven is fully preheated to 450°F for that perfect crispy crust.
- Prep Like a Pro: Trim asparagus ends and cut diagonally for even cooking and a beautiful presentation.
- Don't Overcrowd: Arrange asparagus and cheese sparingly to prevent a soggy pizza.
- Pizza Stone Hack: If you have a pizza stone, preheat it in the oven to achieve restaurant-quality crispy bottoms.
- Fresh is Best: Use fresh, high-quality ingredients for maximum flavor impact.
- Resting Matters: Let the pizza rest 2-3 minutes after baking to allow cheese to set and flavors to meld.
- Finishing Touch: A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and fresh cracked pepper can elevate the entire dish.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 805kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: 44g
Fat: 36g
Saturated Fat: 17g
Cholesterol: 90mg
