Peach Pizza Recipe

I absolutely love this peach and ricotta pizza because the combination of sweet juicy peaches with creamy ricotta and melty mozzarella is a total flavor explosion. Plus, it’s so easy to make, yet it feels gourmet—perfect for impressing friends or just treating myself on a cozy night in!

Unearth the enticing blend of flavors in my Peach Pizza. I adore pairing the sweet, juicy peaches with creamy ricotta and gooey mozzarella atop a perfectly baked pizza crust.

The honey drizzle and the olive oil finish make this dish a beautifully uncomplicated starter that’s a riff on the classic Margherita pizza. And just when you think it’s a fruit-forward dish that’s smooth and sweet, you get hit with the peppery finish of basil.

That is what makes this pizza so addictive.

Ingredients

Peaches:
Succulent, offer inherent sweetness, abundant in vitamins and roughage.

Ricotta Cheese:
A creamy texture, a source of protein and calcium.

Mozzarella Cheese:
Creamy, contributes to the protein content and the flavor.

Honey:
Sweetener from nature with antioxidants.

Olive Oil:
Adds depth, healthy fats, and an enhanced flavor profile.

Fresh Basil:
Fragrant, provides a burst of fresh peppery flavor.

Ingredient Quantities

• 1 pre-made pizza dough or homemade pizza crust
• 2 ripe peaches, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon balsamic glaze, optional

Instructions

1. Set your oven to 475°F (245°C) and position a pizza stone or baking sheet within to preheat.

2. On a floured surface, roll out the pizza dough to your desired thickness and shape.

3. Olive oil in a thin, even layer over the dough. Ricotta cheese, spread evenly over the surface.

4. Distribute the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly on top of the ricotta layer.

5. Place the mozzarella cheese in a single layer on the serving plate. On top of it, arrange the very thinly sliced peaches in a single layer.

6. Pour the honey over the peaches and cheese.

7. Sprinkle in a little salt, and add some just-ground pepper to your liking.

8. Prepare the pizza for the transformation to the oven. Center it on a pizza peel or a flat baking pan dusted with cornmeal and slide it into the oven.

The next steps assume the use of an oven-safe pizza stone. If you do not have one, use a baking sheet. Either way, make sure that the surface on which you are baking the pizza is preheated.

9. Approximately 10-12 minutes should be used for baking. Look for the appearance of golden crust and bubbling cheese as indicators that your dish is ready.

10. Take it away from the oven, and then garnish it with fresh basil leaves. Drizzle with balsamic glaze (if you’re using it), and then slice and serve it warm.

Equipment Needed

1. Oven
2. Pizza stone or baking sheet
3. Rolling pin
4. Flour (for dusting)
5. Pastry brush
6. Pizza peel or flat baking pan
7. Knife (for slicing peaches)
8. Cutting board
9. Measuring cups and spoons
10. Spoon or spatula (for spreading ricotta)
11. Serving plate
12. Oven mitts or heat-resistant gloves
13. Pizza cutter or sharp knife (for slicing pizza)
14. Small bowl (optional, for mixing olive oil and seasonings)

FAQ

• Can I use any type of pizza dough?Indeed, any store-bought pizza dough or your preferred homemade pizza crust will serve this recipe very nicely.
• Can I substitute the ricotta cheese?You can use either mascarpone or goat cheese, if you prefer, as an alternative.
• Are there alternatives to using fresh peaches?Use canned or frozen peaches, but be sure to drain them thoroughly or thaw and dry them to eliminate any excess moisture before adding them to the pizza.
• Do I need to cook the peaches before adding them to the pizza?No, cutting the peaches into thin slices allows them to cook fast in the oven, so there’s no need to pre-cook them.
• How can I make the pizza more savory?Think about putting a few slices of prosciutto or a smattering of blue cheese on for a more umami flavor.
• What is the purpose of the balsamic glaze?If you want a simpler taste, you can skip the balsamic glaze, but it adds a good sweet and tangy flavor that goes along with the peaches and cheeses in this dish.
• Can I make the pizza vegan?In a plant-based version of this recipe, make the following substitutions: cheeses for vegan cheese alternatives; and ensure that the pizza dough is vegan-friendly.

Substitutions and Variations

Dough for pizza: Replace with a flatbread or naan option for a thinner crust.
Substitute with goat cheese or cream cheese for a different flavor and texture from ricotta cheese.
Honey: If it is not available, you may use maple syrup or agave nectar as an alternative sweetener.
Olive oil: If you don’t have olive oil, you can use avocado oil or melted butter. Both will give you a different taste profile but will work just fine in recipes calling for olive oil.
Balsamic glaze: A reduction of balsamic vinegar and sugar serves as a delightful alternative when homemade charm is called for.

Pro Tips

1. Preheat the Baking Surface Allow the pizza stone or baking sheet to preheat in the oven for at least 30 minutes. This helps in achieving a crispy crust, which is key for any great pizza.

2. Use Cornmeal or Semolina Dust your pizza peel or baking sheet with cornmeal or semolina flour before placing the dough on it. This prevents sticking and makes it easier to slide the pizza into the oven.

3. Optimize Cheese Spread Ensure the mozzarella cheese is evenly distributed over the ricotta layer without overcrowding. This ensures even melting and prevents the pizza from becoming soggy.

4. Slice Peaches Thinly Thinly slice the peaches to ensure they caramelize slightly in the oven, enhancing their natural sweetness and contributing to the pizza’s flavor profile.

5. Adjust Baking Time Based on Dough Thickness Depending on the thickness of your pizza dough, you might need to adjust the baking time slightly. Thicker crusts may need a few more minutes, while thinner ones might cook more quickly. Keep an eye on the crust’s color and the cheese’s bubbling to judge doneness effectively.