Ricotta and Squash Blossom Pizza Recipe – American, Italian Special
Ricotta and Squash Blossom Pizza is a gourmet twist on classic pizza, celebrating fresh, seasonal ingredients. Featuring a crispy, golden crust, this pizza is topped with creamy ricotta cheese, tender squash blossoms, and a touch of garlic and Parmesan. The ricotta adds a rich, mild creaminess, while the squash blossoms bring a delicate, slightly earthy flavor. This dish is a perfect blend of sophistication and simplicity, making it ideal for a refined appetizer, a light main course, or an elegant snack. Its combination of flavors and textures highlights the best of both Italian and Mediterranean culinary traditions.
- 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.
