Creamy White Sauce Pizza with Prosciutto, Caramelized Onions, Mushrooms and Kale

Introduction

Are you ready to elevate your pizza game? Meet the Creamy White Sauce Pizza with Prosciutto, Caramelized Onions, Mushrooms, and Kale. This gourmet pizza combines rich, creamy white sauce with savory prosciutto, sweet caramelized onions, earthy mushrooms, and nutritious kale. It’s a flavor explosion that’s perfect for any occasion, from casual family dinners to elegant gatherings.

The History of White Sauce Pizza

Origins and Background

White sauce pizza, also known as pizza bianca, hails from Italy. Unlike the traditional tomato-based pizza, this version uses a creamy sauce base, offering a different but equally delightful flavor profile. It has gained popularity worldwide, with many variations adapting to local tastes and ingredients.

Popular Variations

From Alfredo sauce to garlic cream sauce, white sauce pizzas can vary widely. Popular toppings include chicken, spinach, and artichokes, making it a versatile canvas for culinary creativity.

Health Benefits of Ingredients

Nutritional Value of Kale

Kale is a superfood packed with vitamins A, C, and K, along with calcium, antioxidants, and fiber. It’s excellent for boosting immune health, improving bone density, and aiding digestion.

Benefits of Mushrooms

Mushrooms are low in calories but rich in nutrients like B vitamins, selenium, and potassium. They’re known for their antioxidant properties and ability to enhance the immune system.

Pros and Cons of Prosciutto

Prosciutto adds a delicious, savory element to your pizza. While it’s high in protein and B vitamins, it should be consumed in moderation due to its salt content.

Choosing the Right Dough

Types of Pizza Dough

You can use classic pizza dough, whole wheat dough, or even gluten-free dough. Each type offers a different texture and flavor.

Making Your Own vs. Store-Bought

Homemade dough provides a fresher taste and texture, but store-bought dough is convenient and time-saving. Choose based on your preference and schedule.

Preparing the Creamy White Sauce

Key Ingredients

• Heavy cream
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Butter
• Minced garlic

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
3. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer.
4. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and cook until the sauce thickens.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Toppings Preparation

Caramelizing the Onions

1. Heat a skillet over medium heat with a bit of olive oil.
2. Add the thinly sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until they become golden brown and caramelized. This usually takes about 15-20 minutes.

Sautéing the Mushrooms

1. In another skillet, heat a bit of olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add the sliced mushrooms and sauté until they release their moisture and become golden brown.

Preparing the Kale

1. Remove the stems from the kale and chop the leaves.
2. Sauté the kale in a bit of olive oil until wilted, about 5 minutes.

Handling Prosciutto

Prosciutto is typically added to the pizza after baking to preserve its delicate texture and flavor. Tear it into bite-sized pieces for easy topping.

Assembling the Pizza

Spreading the White Sauce

Spread the creamy white sauce evenly over the rolled-out pizza dough, leaving a small border around the edges.

Layering the Toppings

Evenly distribute the caramelized onions, sautéed mushrooms, and kale over the sauce. Ensure every bite gets a bit of each topping.

Adding Cheese

Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the toppings. The cheese will melt and bind everything together beautifully.

Baking Techniques

Oven Temperature and Time

Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). Bake the pizza for about 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.

Tips for a Perfect Crust

For an extra crispy crust, preheat your baking sheet or pizza stone in the oven before placing the pizza on it. This helps achieve a restaurant-quality finish.

Serving Suggestions

Best Side Dishes

Pair your pizza with a fresh arugula salad, garlic bread, or a light soup to balance the richness of the pizza.

Ideal Drinks to Pair

Serve with a chilled white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light beer to complement the flavors. For non-alcoholic options, try sparkling water with a splash of lemon.

Variations of Creamy White Sauce Pizza

Vegetarian Options

Omit the prosciutto and add more vegetables like bell peppers, artichokes, or sun-dried tomatoes for a hearty vegetarian version.

Gluten-Free Options

Use a gluten-free pizza dough to cater to dietary restrictions. Ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free as well.

Different Cheese Choices

Experiment with different cheeses such as fontina, goat cheese, or ricotta for unique flavor profiles.

Tips for the Perfect Pizza

Cooking Tips

• Pre-cook the toppings to ensure they’re perfectly cooked on the pizza.
• Let the pizza rest for a few minutes after baking to allow the cheese to set.

Flavor Enhancements

• Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
• Drizzle truffle oil over the pizza just before serving for an extra touch of luxury.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overloading Toppings

Too many toppings can make the pizza soggy. Stick to the recommended amounts for the best results.

Not Pre-Cooking Toppings

Pre-cooking the toppings ensures they’re properly cooked and reduces excess moisture on the pizza.

Yield: 2 People

Creamy White Sauce Pizza with Prosciutto Caramelized Onions Mushrooms and Kale

Print

Are you ready to elevate your pizza game? Meet the Creamy White Sauce Pizza with Prosciutto, Caramelized Onions, Mushrooms, and Kale. This gourmet pizza combines rich, creamy white sauce with savory prosciutto, sweet caramelized onions, earthy mushrooms, and nutritious kale. It’s a flavor explosion that’s perfect for any occasion, from casual family dinners to elegant gatherings.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 15 minutes

Ingredients

• White Sauce:
• 3 tbsp salted butter
• 2 tbsp all purpose flour
• 1 cup whole milk
• 3 garlic cloves, finely minced
• ½ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Pizza:
• 1 package Wewalka Bistro Pizza Dough
• ½ yellow onion, thinly sliced
• 1 tbsp salted butter
• 3 oz diced prosciutto (a generous ⅓ cup)
• Handful of roughly chopped kale
• 2-3 large baby bella mushrooms, sliced
• ¼ cup shredded parmesan cheese
• Fresh herbs like sage or basil to top

Instructions

White Sauce Instructions

1. Shred about ¾ cup of parmesan cheese. Finely mince 3 medium cloves of garlic. Set this aside. 
2. In a small pot, melt the butter on low/medium heat. Once melted, add flour and whisk to combine. Continue whisking this for around 2 minutes to cook the flour through. 
3. Slowly add in 1 cup of milk, whisking it in as you go. Whisk continuously for 5-6 minutes until sauce has thickened, turning the heat up to medium if needed. 
4. Once the sauce has thickened, add in the garlic and whisk in. Turn off the heat but leave the pot on the stove eye. Add in the ½ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese and whisk it in until it’s fully melted/incorporated. Once fully melted, remove from the heat and set aside. Taste for salt and pepper and add if necessary. This should yield 1 cup of sauce.

Pizza Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees. Slice the yellow onions into long thin slices. To a medium side pan, add 1 tbsp of salted butter and let it melt. Add in the sliced onions. Cook, stirring occasionally on medium heat for 5-6 minutes. Remove from the pan once done. 
2. Add the diced prosciutto into the same pan and cook for 3-4 minutes, or until fully cooked through and slightly crispy. 
3. While the prosciutto is cooking, slice the mushrooms and roughly chop the handful of kale. 
4. Roll the pizza dough out onto a pizza or sheet pan. Add the white sauce (I used the entire 1 cup!) and then begin assembling the toppings! I started with the caramelized onions, followed by the prosciutto, mushrooms and kale. Top with the remaining ¼ cup of parmesan cheese. 
5. Bake at 425 degrees for 14-16 minutes - my sweet spot was at 15! The edges will be golden and crispy.
6. Let cool for a second before you slice it - top with fresh herbs and enjoy every single bite! 

Notes

This pizza was the perfect size for my husband and I! He usually eats around 3-4 pieces, I eat 2 and then we have leftovers the next day.