Asparagus season hits like the first warm days of spring. One of the pleasures of late spring is enjoying fresh asparagus spears straight from the farmer’s market or your garden.
An asparagus pizza allows you to celebrate the arrival of this green vegetable in a bold new way. The bright spears pair perfectly with mozzarella cheese, lightening up an otherwise rich pizza.
In this blog post, we will share with you a quick and easy asparagus pizza recipe so that you can enjoy a delicious asparagus pizza at home. Get ready to welcome in spring with this seasonal pizza that will have you looking forward to those early morning walks to pick asparagus all over again.
What Ingredients Are Used In an Asparagus Pizza Recipe?
Asparagus pizza is a type of pizza that features asparagus as the main ingredient.
The pizza typically consists of a crust, sauce, and toppings, with the addition of fresh or cooked asparagus spears to give it a unique flavor and texture.
Now, let’s find out what ingredients are used in an asparagus pizza. The primary ingredients used include:
1. Pizza Dough
2. Parchment Paper
3. Sauce
4. Asparagus spears
5. Baby arugula
6. Olive Oil
7. Garlic
8. Mozzarella Cheese
9. Parmesan Cheese
10. Red Pepper Flakes
Each ingredient listed above plays an important role in creating a delicious asparagus pizza.
Pizza dough provides a chewy and crispy texture to the crust, which complements the softness and freshness of the asparagus. You can either make your own pizza dough or use a pre-made one from the store to save time.
The sauce is another crucial element in any pizza recipe, as it adds flavor and moisture to the pizza. For an asparagus pizza, you can use a classic tomato sauce or opt for a white sauce made with cream and parmesan cheese.
Asparagus is, of course, the star ingredient in this recipe. Make sure to use fresh asparagus and trim off any woody ends before using them on the pizza.
Note: Asparagus adds a unique and refreshing flavor to the pizza, along with various health benefits like being high in fiber and vitamins A, C, and K.
To give the pizza an extra burst of flavor, drizzle some olive oil on top before baking. This will not only add a delicious taste but also help the asparagus to roast and become tender.
Garlic is another popular addition to most pizza recipes, including asparagus pizza. You can either use minced garlic or garlic powder for convenience. Garlic adds a subtle yet distinct flavor that pairs well with the other ingredients.
Of course, no pizza is complete without cheese!
– Mozzarella cheese is a classic choice for pizza as it melts perfectly and adds a creamy texture to each bite.
– Parmesan cheese is also commonly used on asparagus pizza, either sprinkled on top before baking or shaved fresh over the cooked pizza.
To make things more interesting, you can also add some red pepper flakes for a spicy kick. This ingredient is optional, but it adds a nice heat and depth of flavor to the pizza.
With these ingredients, you can create a delicious asparagus pizza that will surely impress your friends and family.
How To Make Asparagus Pizza?
Creating a delicious asparagus pizza at home is a simple and easy process. So keep reading to learn how to make this seasonal pizza in just a few steps:
Step 1: Preheat The Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 500°F. This will ensure that your pizza cooks evenly and thoroughly.
Step 2: Prep The Asparagus
Wash and trim the ends of the asparagus spears, removing any tough or woody parts.
Cut them into 1-inch pieces for easier handling and even cooking.
Step 3: Prepare The Crust and Sauce
Roll out your pizza dough onto a floured surface or use a pre-made crust.
Spread your desired sauce evenly over the crust, leaving about half an inch around the edge of the crust.
Step 4: Add Toppings
Layer mozzarella cheese on top of the sauce, followed by the asparagus pieces.
Sprinkle minced garlic cloves, herbs, and seasonings on top of the pizza.
Finish it off with a layer of prosciutto.
Step 5: Bake The Pizza
Reduce the oven temperature to 450°F, transfer your assembled pizza onto a baking sheet or pizza stone, and place it in the oven.
Bake for 12 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and crispy and the cheese is melted.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Once the pizza is out of the oven, let it cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving. Enjoy your delicious asparagus pizza hot!
What To Serve With An Asparagus Pizza?
If you’re wondering what else to serve with an asparagus pizza, we’ve got some tasty suggestions for you.
1. Fresh Salad
Consider combining asparagus with a variety of fresh, crunchy salad greens. A delightful salad option might include mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a delicate vinaigrette dressing to enhance the taste profile of the pizza.
2. White Wine
A glass of chilled white wine is a classic pairing with any pizza. Consider serving a Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to balance out the richness of the asparagus and cheese on the pizza.
3. Garlic Bread
A simple side of garlic bread is always a crowd-pleaser, and it also goes well with an asparagus pizza. The garlic flavor complements the earthy taste of the asparagus.
4. Roasted Vegetables
Roasted vegetables make for a delicious and healthy side dish to serve with an asparagus pizza. Try roasting some bell peppers, zucchini, and eggplant to add color and variety to your meal.
5. Soup
A warm bowl of soup is the perfect accompaniment to an asparagus pizza, especially on a cold day. Consider making a simple tomato or minestrone soup for a comforting and satisfying meal.
Overall, when deciding what to serve with an asparagus pizza, consider adding some variety and balance to your meal with fresh greens, a light drink, and/or other tasty side dishes.
Tips For a Delicious Asparagus Pizza
Here are some useful tips to keep in mind when making asparagus pizza:
1. Pre-Cook The Asparagus: For a softer texture, consider pre-cooking the asparagus before adding it as a topping.
2. Use Fresh Ingredients: Asparagus is the star of this pizza, so make sure to use fresh and high-quality ingredients for the best results.
3. Get Creative With Toppings: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different toppings like caramelized onions, sun-dried tomatoes, or even pineapple for a unique twist.
4. Serve With a Salad: For a complete meal, serve your asparagus pizza with a side salad to add some greens and balance out the flavors.
5. Customize The Sauce: Change up the flavor profile of your asparagus pizza by using different types of sauces or mixing them for a more complex taste.
6. Make It Vegetarian-Friendly: Simply skip the prosciutto to make this pizza suitable for vegetarians. You can also try substituting it with tofu or vegan cheese.
Remember these tips, and feel free to get creative with your asparagus pizza recipe. It’s a versatile dish that can be customized to suit any taste preference and dietary needs.
Conclusion
In conclusion, now you know the asparagus pizza recipe, the main ingredients used in it, and some tips to make it even more delicious. Asparagus pizza is a perfect dish to celebrate the arrival of spring or enjoy as a light and tasty meal any time of the year.
So gather your ingredients, follow these steps, and prepare yourself for a burst of flavor in every bite! Happy cooking!
Asparagus Pizza
Ingredients
- Pizza crust (homemade or store-bought)
- Tomato sauce/pesto/olive oil
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese
- 6 ounces fresh asparagus spears
- 1 cup baby arugula
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- Prosciutto slices
- Herbs and seasonings (basil, oregano, thyme, red pepper flakes, salt, black pepper)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 500°F.
- Wash and trim the ends of the asparagus spears and cut them into 1-inch pieces.
- Roll out your pizza dough onto a floured surface or use a pre-made crust. Spread your desired sauce evenly over the crust.
- Layer mozzarella cheese on top of the sauce, followed by the asparagus pieces. Sprinkle minced garlic cloves, herbs, and seasonings on top of the pizza. Finish it off with a layer of prosciutto.
- Reduce oven temperature to 450°F and bake for 12 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and crispy and the cheese is melted.
- Once done, let the pizza cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.