Fig Pizza Recipe: How to Make Italian-Style Fig Pizza
Written by MasterClass
Last updated: Jul 26, 2024 • 3 min read
A fruit that pairs well with bold flavors, figs are the star of this simple yet decadent fig pizza. You can make it vegan, meaty, or ultra-cheesy, depending on your preference. Using store-bought pizza dough makes this recipe weeknight-friendly.
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What Is Fig Pizza?
Fig pizza is an Italian bistro favorite made with pizza dough, ripe figs, and a base of caramelized onions. Fresh arugula adds a pop of peppery flavor, while a blend of Gorgonzola and Fontina cheeses lends a creamy, tangy note. Serve slices of fig pizza as an appetizer at a tapas party or as a main course paired with a full-bodied red wine—an Italian wine would be perfect.
You can adapt this dish to fit various dietary preferences: there’s no wrong way to make it as long as you use fresh, juicy figs.
5 Tips for Making Fig Pizza
Using quality toppings and a blend of cheeses are easy ways to elevate this flavorful homemade pizza.
- 1. Choose ripe figs. Any sweet fig variety, such as Mission, Calimyrna, or Tiger Stripe, will work for this fig pizza; just ensure they are ripe. If you can’t find fresh figs, use a layer of fig jam as your pizza base.
- 2. Make caramelized onions. It may take a bit of extra time, but making caramelized onions is well worth the effort for the deep, rich flavor they provide. Think of them as the sauce for your fig pizza. If you’re new to caramelization, check out this guide to making caramelized onions.
- 3. Use a combination of cheeses. You can omit the cheese altogether and go vegan for this recipe, but if you’re looking for ultimate cheesiness, pair a melting cheese—such as mozzarella or fontina—with a crumbly, more tangy blue cheese or Gorgonzola.
- 4. Finish with balsamic. Balsamic vinegar and figs are a classic combination, whether you’re using a balsamic reduction, store-bought balsamic glaze, or a quick dressing. An easy way to incorporate its flavor is to dress arugula in balsamic vinegar and olive oil and then top your pizza with the greens.
- 5. Try making your own pizza dough. Store-bought pizza dough is an excellent option for busy weeknights. However, if you have the time, learn how to make the best homemade pizza dough.
Italian-Style Fig Pizza Recipe
makes
1 pizzaprep time
25 mintotal time
40 mincook time
15 minIngredients
For the caramelized onions:
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 yellow onions, thinly sliced
Kosher salt, to taste
Balsamic vinegar, to taste
For the pizza:
8 ounces fresh pizza dough
1 tablespoon cornmeal, for dusting
4 ounces shredded Fontina or fresh mozzarella cheese
2 ounces crumbled Gorgonzola, feta, or goat cheese
6 fresh figs, sliced
3 thin prosciutto slices, torn into bite-size pieces
1 cup fresh baby arugula
1 teaspoon extra-virgin olive oil
1 teaspoon aged balsamic vinegar
Kosher salt, to taste
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Note: Total time does not include 2 minutes of inactive time.
Make the caramelized onions:
- 1
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat and add the sliced onions.
- 2
Cook, stirring often, until the onions begin to brown, about 10 minutes.
- 3
Deglaze the skillet with a splash of balsamic vinegar, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
- 4
Continue to cook the onions until softened and deeply browned, another 8–10 minutes.
- 5
Transfer the caramelized onions to a bowl, season with a pinch or two of salt, and set them aside.
Assemble the pizza:
- 1
Preheat the oven to 475 degrees Fahrenheit.
- 2
Prepare a baking sheet with an even dusting of cornmeal.
- 3
Stretch the dough into a thin circle or rectangle, and place it on the prepared baking sheet.
- 4
Spread the caramelized onions over the dough in an even layer, leaving a ½-inch border around the edge.
- 5
Top the onions with an even layer of cheeses, prosciutto, and figs.
- 6
Transfer the pizza to the preheated oven and bake until the pizza crust is crisp and golden brown, the cheese has melted, and the figs have begun to caramelize, about 12–15 minutes.
- 7
In a small mixing bowl, toss the arugula with the olive oil and balsamic vinegar and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- 8
Remove the pizza from the oven. Let it rest for 2 minutes, then top it with the dressed arugula. Serve immediately.
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