Ultimate Autumn Delight: Savory Pumpkin Pizza with Prosciutto, Sage & Honey Drizzle

Embrace the vibrant flavors of fall with this exceptional Pumpkin Pizza with Prosciutto and Sage. It’s more than just a seasonal dish; it’s a culinary masterpiece that brings together the comforting warmth of pumpkin, the herbaceous aroma of fresh sage, and the savory kick of prosciutto, all perfectly balanced by a sweet hint of honey. This pizza is designed to be a true flavor bomb, making every bite an unforgettable experience. While it truly shines during autumn celebrations, its unique taste profile makes it a delicious and exciting option any time of the year!

The secret to this pizza’s incredible depth of flavor lies in its luxurious pumpkin cream sauce. Inspired by my popular Baked Rigatoni with Pumpkin Cream Sauce, this base is elevated with the addition of dry rubbed sage, which infuses the sauce with an earthy, aromatic quality that is simply divine. It provides the ideal balance of savory, herby, and creamy notes, creating a rich foundation for all the other toppings. This sauce is designed to complement the other ingredients without overpowering them, ensuring a harmonious bite every time.

For the crust, you have the flexibility to choose. A high-quality store-bought pizza dough offers convenience without sacrificing taste, allowing you to get this gourmet pizza on the table faster. However, if you’re looking for an extra layer of authenticity and flavor, I highly recommend making your own using my recipe for Perfect All-Purpose Pizza Dough. This dough is incredibly versatile and performs beautifully whether you’re using a grill, a standard oven, or a dedicated pizza oven. Just remember to account for approximately 2 hours of extra time for the dough to properly rise, which is crucial for achieving that light, airy, and slightly chewy crust that forms the perfect canvas for our pumpkin creation.

Ingredients for Your Culinary Masterpiece

Crafting this exquisite pumpkin pizza starts with selecting the right ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in building the complex and satisfying flavor profile that defines this dish. Quality ingredients make all the difference, transforming a simple pizza into a gourmet experience. Here’s what you’ll need:

Pumpkin Cream Sauce Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon salted salt (for a rich, flavorful base)
• 1/2 tablespoon all-purpose flour (to create a smooth roux for thickening)
• 1/2 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese (adds a salty, nutty depth to the sauce)
• 1/2 cup + 2 tablespoons of half and half, warmed (ensures a creamy texture without clumping)
• 1/2 cup of pure pumpkin puree (the star of the sauce, providing natural sweetness and body)
• 1/2 teaspoon of fresh chopped rosemary (lends a piny, aromatic note)
• 1/2 teaspoon of dry rubbed sage leaves (the essential herb that pairs beautifully with pumpkin)
• 1/8 teaspoon ground white pepper (for a subtle, clean spice without visible flecks)
• 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder (adds a foundational savory flavor)
• 1/8 teaspoon kosher salt (to season and enhance all the flavors)
• Tiny pinch of ground nutmeg (a classic pairing with pumpkin, enhancing its warmth)

Pizza Dough and Toppings Ingredients

• 1 pound of refrigerated pizza dough or make your own homemade dough (the foundation of your pizza)
• 4 ounces of fresh Mozzarella, torn into 1-inch pieces (melts beautifully and provides a creamy texture)
• 2 ounces of shredded Fontina cheese (adds a mild, nutty, and exceptionally melty quality)
• 1 ounce of freshly grated Parmesan cheese (for a sharp, salty finish and crispness)
• 12 fresh Sage leaves (for garnish and an intense burst of herbal flavor)
• 2 ounces Prosciutto slices, torn (adds a delicate salty, savory, and slightly chewy element)
• Crushed red pepper flakes for serving (optional, for a touch of heat)
• Honey or hot honey for serving (a final drizzle to create a sublime sweet-savory contrast)

Crafting the Irresistible Pumpkin Cream Pizza Sauce

The heart of this pumpkin pizza is its rich and savory cream sauce. Making it from scratch is simple and yields a flavor far superior to anything store-bought. Before you begin, ensure your oven is preheated to 450 degrees Fahrenheit, as pizza bakes best at a high temperature for a crispy crust.

This recipe provides enough sauce for one 12-inch pizza. If you’re planning a pizza party or just want to make extra for later, feel free to use the convenient recipe multiplier on the recipe card below to easily double or triple the quantities. This sauce is so good, you might want to make a big batch!

1. Start with a Roux: Melt the butter in a medium skillet over medium heat. Once the butter is completely melted and slightly shimmering, add the all-purpose flour. Stir continuously for about one minute, or until the mixture turns a light golden color and smells slightly nutty. This flour and butter mixture, known as a roux, is essential for thickening the sauce and giving it a smooth, velvety texture.
2. Achieve Creaminess: Gradually whisk in the warm half-and-half. Warming the half-and-half beforehand helps prevent lumps and ensures a smoother sauce. Continue to whisk vigorously until the sauce becomes creamy and begins to gently bubble. This process helps to fully incorporate the roux and create a uniform consistency.
3. Melt the Cheese: Add the freshly grated Parmesan cheese to the skillet. Continue whisking until the cheese is completely melted and seamlessly blended into the sauce. This adds a crucial layer of savory depth and enhances the creaminess.
4. Infuse with Flavors: Finally, stir in the pumpkin puree, fresh rosemary, dry rubbed sage, ground white pepper, garlic powder, kosher salt, and that tiny pinch of ground nutmeg. These spices are carefully selected to complement the pumpkin, bringing out its natural sweetness and adding warmth. Stir until all ingredients are thoroughly blended and the sauce is perfectly smooth. The finished sauce should have a luxurious consistency, similar to a classic Alfredo pasta sauce, ready to spread generously over your pizza dough.

Assembling and Baking Your Perfect Pumpkin Pizza

With your delectable pumpkin cream sauce ready, it’s time to bring your pizza to life! Proper assembly and baking techniques are key to achieving that ideal balance of crispy crust, melted cheese, and tender toppings.

1. Prepare the Dough: Begin by stretching your pizza dough to your desired thickness, typically into a 12-inch round. Whether you’re using store-bought or homemade dough, follow the package or recipe directions for preparation. Aim for an even thickness to ensure uniform baking. If you’re struggling to stretch it, let it rest for a few minutes, then try again.
2. Sauce and First Layer of Cheese: Once the pizza dough is stretched and placed on your baking surface (pizza stone, copper mat, or baking sheet), spoon the Pumpkin Cream Sauce generously over the dough, spreading it almost to the edges. Leave a small border for the crust. Then, scatter about two-thirds of the fresh Mozzarella pieces, all of the shredded Fontina, and half of the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the sauce. Finally, place six fresh sage leaves onto this cheese layer. These will bake directly into the pizza, infusing it with their aromatic essence.
3. Baking Method and Time: Baking times can vary depending on your oven and chosen baking method. For this recipe, using a copper mat is recommended, and baking for 12-15 minutes should yield perfect results. If you’re using a pizza stone, allow it to preheat with the oven for at least 30-60 minutes to ensure maximum heat retention, which helps achieve a crispy bottom crust. For more detailed guidance on achieving the perfect bake, explore my post with all the tips and tricks for making homemade pizza and my guide on pan pizza for alternative methods.
4. Indicators of Doneness: Your Pumpkin Pizza with Prosciutto and Sage is fully baked when the crust has puffed up nicely, the cheeses are bubbling and melted, and the edges of the crust have turned a beautiful golden brown. These visual cues indicate that the pizza is cooked through and has developed its optimal texture and flavor.
5. Remove and Rest: Carefully remove the baked pizza from the oven and transfer it to a platter or a sturdy cutting board. Allow it to rest for a minute or two before the final assembly; this helps the cheese set slightly and makes slicing easier.

The Grand Finale: Finishing Touches for Your Pizza

Now that your pizza is beautifully baked, golden, and emitting an enticing aroma, it’s time for the final, crucial touches that elevate it from great to truly extraordinary. These additions are made after baking to preserve their fresh textures and vibrant flavors, creating a stunning presentation and an unforgettable taste experience.

1. Add Post-Bake Toppings: Gently arrange the torn slices of Prosciutto over the hot pizza. The residual heat will slightly warm the prosciutto, bringing out its delicate salty flavor without making it crispy. Next, scatter the remaining fresh Mozzarella pieces over the pizza. These will soften beautifully from the heat without fully melting, offering pockets of creamy freshness. Finally, artfully place the remaining six fresh Sage leaves on top. Their bright green color and intense herbal notes will pop against the warm cheeses and prosciutto.
2. The Signature Drizzle: For the ultimate flourish, a generous drizzle of honey or hot honey is absolutely essential. This sweet counterpoint to the savory, salty, and earthy flavors is what makes this pumpkin pizza truly unique and addictive. The honey ties all the ingredients together, creating a perfectly balanced sweet and savory profile.
3. Optional Enhancements: If desired, sprinkle a little more freshly grated Parmesan cheese for extra umami and a dusting of crushed red pepper flakes for a subtle, warming kick. These optional additions allow you to customize the pizza to your personal preference, adding another layer of complexity to this autumnal masterpiece.

Exciting Variations to Customize Your Pumpkin Pizza

While this Pumpkin Pizza with Prosciutto and Sage is perfect as is, it’s always fun to experiment with variations to suit different tastes or ingredients you might have on hand. These suggestions offer exciting twists without straying too far from the core deliciousness of the original concept. Here are some of my personal favorites:

• Bacon Instead of Prosciutto: For a different kind of savory crunch, try using cooked, crumbled applewood smoked bacon instead of prosciutto. The smoky flavor of the bacon complements the pumpkin and sage beautifully, offering a heartier alternative.
• Smoked Mozzarella Swap: Substitute the fresh mozzarella with smoked mozzarella. This instantly adds a deeper, more complex, and smoky flavor profile to the pizza, creating a more robust and intriguing taste experience.
• Gouda for Fontina: If you’re looking for an alternative to Fontina, Gouda cheese is an excellent choice. Its mild, nutty, and slightly sweet notes will pair wonderfully with the pumpkin cream sauce and other toppings.
• Add Sautéed Mushrooms: For an earthy, umami boost, consider adding sautéed baby Bella mushrooms before baking. Their savory flavor and tender texture integrate seamlessly into the pizza, providing an extra layer of deliciousness.
• Spice It Up: For those who love a bit of heat, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to the pumpkin cream sauce, or increasing the amount of crushed red pepper flakes on top.
• Vegetarian Option: Easily make this pizza vegetarian by simply omitting the prosciutto. The rich sauce, cheeses, and sage still provide plenty of flavor and satisfaction.

Perfect Pairings: What to Serve with Pumpkin Pizza

This rich and flavorful Pumpkin Pizza with Prosciutto and Sage is a meal in itself, but it truly shines when paired with a fresh, vibrant side dish that cuts through its richness. A crisp salad is often the ideal complement, providing a refreshing contrast in texture and taste. Here are my top picks for serving suggestions:

• Butter Lettuce Green Salad: The delicate, tender leaves of butter lettuce, often dressed with a light vinaigrette, offer a refreshing and palate-cleansing counterpoint to the creamy, savory pizza. Its simplicity allows the complex flavors of the pizza to remain the star.
• Kale Broccolini Roasted Butternut Squash Salad: This salad echoes the autumnal theme of the pizza, featuring roasted butternut squash that complements the pumpkin. The heartiness of kale and broccolini, along with a bright dressing, provides a satisfying yet balanced side.
• Roasted Golden Beet Salad With Quinoa: For a truly elegant pairing, this salad offers vibrant colors and earthy sweetness from the golden beets, while quinoa adds a textural contrast and protein. It’s a sophisticated side that elevates the entire meal.
• Wine Pairing: Consider pairing this pizza with a crisp, dry white wine like a Pinot Grigio or a light-bodied red like a Sangiovese to complement the diverse flavors.

If you tried this delightful recipe, please take a moment to help other readers by commenting below and sharing your star rating! Your feedback is invaluable, and we 🫶🏼 truly appreciate you for sharing your experience!

All content and photographs ©Claudia’s Table and claudiastable.com

Pumpkin Pizza with Prosciutto and Sage

Ana | Claudia’s Table

October 16, 2024

This mouthwatering Pumpkin Pizza with Prosciutto and Sage is a perfect Autumn pizza, blending savory, sweet, and aromatic notes for an unforgettable seasonal treat.

5 from 1 vote

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Prep Time 25 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Course Appetizer, Brunch, Dinner, Lunch

Cuisine American, Californian, Italian, Mediterranean

Servings 4 servings

Calories 293 kcal

Equipment

• 1 pizza stone, copper mat or baking sheet
• 1 medium skillet (for making the sauce)
• 1 cheese grater (for fresh cheeses)

Ingredients

  

Pumpkin Cream Sauce

• 1 tablespoon salted butter
• 1/2 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup + 2 tablespoons of half and half warmed
• 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
• 1/2 teaspoon fresh chopped rosemary
• 1/2 teaspoon dry rubbed sage leaves
• 1/8 teaspoon ground white pepper
• 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/8 kosher salt
• Tiny pinch of ground nutmeg

Pizza and Toppings

• 1 pound refrigerated pizza dough or make your own
• 4 ounces fresh Mozzarella torn into 1 inch pieces
• 2 ounces shredded Fontina cheese
• 1 ounce freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 12 fresh Sage leaves
• 2 ounces torn Prosciutto slices
• Crushed red pepper flakes for serving
• Honey or hot honey for serving

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Instructions

 

• Preheat your oven to a high temperature of 450 degrees Fahrenheit (230°C). This high heat is crucial for a perfectly crispy crust.

How to make the pizza sauce

• This recipe yields enough pumpkin cream sauce for one delicious 12-inch pizza. If you’re planning to make multiple pizzas, utilize the convenient recipe multiplier tool on this recipe card to effortlessly scale the ingredients for two or three pizzas.
• In a medium-sized skillet, melt the salted butter over medium heat. Once the butter is fully melted and shimmering, add the all-purpose flour. Stir continuously with a whisk for approximately one minute, or until the mixture turns a light golden color and develops a nutty aroma. This creates a foundational roux. Now, gradually whisk in the warmed half-and-half until the sauce becomes creamy and begins to bubble gently. Incorporate the freshly grated Parmesan cheese and continue whisking until the cheese is completely melted and smoothly integrated into the sauce.
• Stir in the pumpkin puree, fresh chopped rosemary, dry rubbed sage, ground white pepper, garlic powder, kosher salt, and the tiny pinch of ground nutmeg. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined and the sauce achieves a perfectly smooth consistency, reminiscent of a classic Alfredo pasta sauce. Remove from heat.

How to assemble and bake the pizza

• On a lightly floured surface, stretch your pizza dough to a 12-inch round, following the package or recipe directions. Carefully transfer the stretched dough to your chosen baking surface (pizza stone, copper mat, or baking sheet). Generously spoon the prepared Pumpkin Cream Sauce over the dough, spreading it almost to the edges, leaving a small border for the crust. Distribute about two-thirds of the fresh Mozzarella pieces, all of the shredded Fontina, and half of the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the sauce. Finally, place six fresh sage leaves on top of the cheese layer.
• Baking times will vary depending on your selected baking method and oven. For best results with a copper mat, bake the pizza for approximately 12-15 minutes. For comprehensive tips on achieving perfect homemade pizza crusts and specific baking times for different setups like pizza stones or cast iron pans, please refer to my detailed guides on homemade pizza tips and pan pizza.
• The Pumpkin Pizza with Prosciutto and Sage is fully baked when the crust has puffed beautifully, the cheeses are bubbly and melted, and the edges of the crust have turned a rich golden brown.
• Carefully remove the baked pizza from the oven and place it on a serving platter or a cutting board. Allow it to rest for a minute or two before the final toppings.

How to finish assembling the Pizza

• Now that your pizza is perfectly baked, golden, and aromatic, it’s time for the final touches. Artfully arrange the torn slices of Prosciutto over the hot pizza, followed by the remaining pieces of fresh Mozzarella and the other six fresh Sage leaves. These ingredients are added after baking to maintain their fresh texture and vibrant flavor.
• For the ultimate flourish, generously drizzle honey or hot honey over the entire pizza. This creates an irresistible sweet-savory contrast that defines this dish. Optionally, sprinkle a little more grated Parmesan cheese and a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for an extra kick of flavor and warmth. Slice and serve immediately, savoring every unique bite!

Notes

 

Nutrition

Serving: 2slicesCalories: 293kcal

Nutritional information is calculated online and should be used as a guide.

Keyword all purpose pizza dough recipe, autumn pizza, fall pizza, gourmet pizza, homemade pizza, pizza with prosciutto, pizza with pumpkin, pumpkin cream sauce, pumpkin pizza, sage pizza, sweet and savory pizza

All content and photographs ©Claudia’s Table and claudiastable.com

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