Ricotta and Squash Blossom Pizza Recipe – American, Italian Special
Celebrating seasonal blooms, this ricotta squash blossom pizza is the ultimate springflower pizza—a stunning blend of creamy ricotta topping and delicate squash blossoms layered over a pesto base. It’s a beautiful American-Italian fusion dish that brings color, freshness, and flavor to your table, perfect for showcasing seasonal produce.
- Prep Time25 min
- Cook Time15 min
- Perform Time1 hr 15 min
- Total Time1 hr 55 min
For the Pizza Dough Ingredients:
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup warm water
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp salt
For the Topping:
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 8-10 squash blossoms, cleaned and trimmed
- 1-2 tbsp olive oil
- 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil or thyme for garnish (optional)
Prepare the Dough:
Activate Yeast: In a small bowl, mix 1 cup warm water with 1 tsp sugar. Sprinkle 1 packet yeast over the water, stir, and let sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.
Mix Dough: In a large bowl, combine 2 cups flour and 1 tsp salt. Create a well in the center and add the yeast mixture and 2 tbsp olive oil. Mix until a dough forms.
Knead Dough: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic.
First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
Prepare the Toppings:
Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven to heat.
Prepare Squash Blossoms: Gently rinse and pat dry the squash blossoms. Remove the stamens if needed and set aside.
Prepare Garlic Oil: In a small bowl, mix 1-2 tbsp olive oil with 2-3 cloves minced garlic. Set aside.
Assemble the Pizza:
Shape Dough: Punch down the risen dough and turn it out onto a floured surface. Roll or stretch it into your desired pizza shape.
Pre-Bake Crust (Optional): For a crispier crust, pre-bake the dough on a baking sheet or pizza stone for 5 minutes.
Spread Ricotta: Spread 1 cup ricotta cheese evenly over the pizza dough.
Add Toppings: Sprinkle 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese over the ricotta. Arrange the squash blossoms on top. Drizzle with the garlic oil mixture and sprinkle with 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper.
Bake the Pizza:
Bake: Transfer the pizza to the preheated oven (or onto the hot pizza stone) and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Finish and Serve:
Garnish: Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool slightly. Garnish with fresh basil or thyme if desired.
Slice and Serve: Cut into slices and serve warm.
This Ricotta and Squash Blossom Pizza highlights fresh, seasonal ingredients and offers a sophisticated twist on traditional pizza. The creamy ricotta, fragrant squash blossoms, and aromatic garlic make it a delightful choice for a special meal or casual dinner.
Recipe Notes
Use the popular skillet-to-oven method, where the dough gets crisped on the stovetop before baking, delivering an exceptional crust texture.
Handle the squash blossoms gently—this delicate topping care preserves their shape and appearance, ensuring they remain vibrant and intact through baking.
This pizza is as much about looks as taste—a truly gorgeous presentation, with blossoms that shine atop the creamy base, making it a show-stopping centerpiece for spring gatherings.
