Sweet Savory Fig Pizza

This sweet and savory fig pizza is a fantastic way to impress without much fuss. Perfect for a weekend snack or sharing over a glass of wine, it balances creamy cheese and salty prosciutto with fresh figs and herbs. This recipe comes together quickly using simple ingredients while delivering elevated flavors that feel special.

I first made this pizza on a whim for a casual gathering, and everyone kept asking for the recipe. It quickly became a favorite go-to for entertaining.

Ingredients

• Pizza dough: provides a crisp and light base so the toppings shine without getting soggy. Use a quality store-bought dough or your favorite homemade version for best results.
• Goat cheese or ricotta: adds creamy tanginess that balances the sweetness. Choose fresh cheese with a mild, rich flavor and soft texture.
• Fresh ripe figs: bring natural sweetness and a tender texture& if fresh figs are not in season, look for firm but ripe fruit with no blemishes.
• Prosciutto or pancetta: gives the pizza a salty, savory kick. Opt for thin slices trimmed of excess fat for a delicate melt into the cheese and figs.
• Fresh rosemary or thyme: contributes aromatic, herbal notes that lift the entire pizza. Pick bright green, fragrant leaves and avoid any that look wilted.
• Olive oil: is used to brush the dough, helping create a golden crust with subtle fruitiness. Use extra virgin for the best flavor.
• Honey: drizzled at the end enhances the sweet and savory contrast, finishing the pizza with a glossy touch. Choose a mild honey that does not overpower the other ingredients.

Instructions

Prepare the dough:

Roll out your pizza dough on a well-floured surface to your desired thickness and shape. Transfer it carefully to a baking sheet or pizza stone to ensure even baking. This step sets the foundation for your crispy crust.

Brush the crust:

Lightly brush the entire surface of the dough including the edges with olive oil. This encourages a beautiful golden crust and helps the dough crisp up nicely in the oven.

Spread the cheese:

Evenly distribute dollops or a gentle layer of goat cheese or ricotta over the dough, leaving about a one-inch border around the edges for the crust. This creates a creamy canvas for the toppings to sit on without sogginess.

Add the figs and prosciutto:

Arrange sliced fresh figs evenly across the cheese. Follow by laying thin prosciutto slices over the figs so each bite has a balance of sweet and savory flavors.

Sprinkle herbs and seasoning:

Scatter the chopped fresh rosemary or thyme leaves across the pizza surface. Add several twists of freshly cracked black pepper to add an aromatic, peppery note that brightens each bite.

Bake:

Place the pizza in an oven preheated to 450 degrees Fahrenheit or 230 degrees Celsius. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and cheese is bubbling with slight blistering.

Final honey drizzle:

Remove the pizza from the oven and while still warm, drizzle honey generously over the whole pizza. This final step amplifies the contrast between salty, sweet, and herbaceous notes and adds a glossy finish.

My absolute favorite part is the fresh rosemary. Its scent fills the kitchen while baking and it adds just the right earthiness to the pizza. Serving this for friends always sparks conversations about figs and family recipes.

Storage tips

Store leftover pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently in a skillet or oven to keep the crust crisp. Avoid microwaving as it can make the crust chewy.

Ingredient swaps

If fresh figs are unavailable, sliced dried figs rehydrated briefly in warm water can work. For dairy-free options, try a cashew-based cheese spread. Prosciutto can be swapped for mushrooms or caramelized onions for a vegetarian twist.

Serving ideas

Pair the pizza with a simple green salad dressed lightly with lemon and olive oil to complement the savory-sweet flavors. A crisp white wine or sparkling water with a slice of lemon are excellent beverage choices.

This fig pizza recipe combines simple ingredients with elegant flavors for a truly special treat. Serve warm and enjoy the sweet and savory harmony in every bite.

Frequently Asked Recipe Questions

→ What type of cheese works best for this pizza?

Goat cheese or ricotta are ideal choices. Their creamy texture melts well and pairs beautifully with the sweet figs and savory prosciutto.

→ Can I use fresh herbs other than rosemary or thyme?

Yes, fresh oregano or basil can be used as alternatives, though rosemary and thyme offer a pleasantly earthy aroma that complements the other toppings.

→ How do I achieve a crispy crust for the pizza?

Brushing olive oil on the dough edges and baking on a preheated stone or tray helps create a golden and crisp crust.

→ What’s the best way to slice the figs for topping?

Fresh ripe figs should be sliced thinly to evenly distribute their sweetness and soften quickly while baking.

→ Is honey necessary and when should it be added?

Honey is key to enhancing the sweet contrast and should be drizzled generously after baking, while the pizza is still warm.