pizza with ham, asparagus, and ricotta

Ingredients

• Servings: 1
• 1 cup fresh asparagus, trimmed
• 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 pinch red pepper flakes, or to taste
• salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons chopped herbs, such as basil, parsley, rosemary, thyme (optional)
• 1 pound pizza dough (see footnote for recipe link)
• 1 tablespoon flour, for dusting
• 1/2 cup diced smoked ham
• 1/2 cup shredded sharp white cheddar cheese
• 1 tablespoon finely grated parmigiano-reggiano cheese

Recipe

Preparation Time: 20 mins Cook Time: 12 mins Ready Time: 37 mins


• preheat an oven to 550 degrees f (285 degrees c).
• bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. add asparagus and cook uncovered until just tender, about 2 minutes. drain in a colander, then immediately immerse in ice water for several minutes. once asparagus is cold, drain well and set aside.
• combine ricotta, olive oil, garlic, red pepper flakes, salt, black pepper, and heavy cream in a small bowl. stir in fresh herbs (if using) and set aside.
• to shape the pizza dough, sprinkle the countertop and dough surface with flour and lightly pat flat. use a rolling pin to form a thin disk about 9 inches in diameter. transfer to a baking sheet.
• spread ricotta mixture over crust, top with ham and asparagus. sprinkle with cheddar and parmigiano-reggiano cheeses.
• place baking sheet on the bottom rack of the preheated oven and bake for 5 minutes. transfer the baking sheet to the top rack and bake for an additional 5 minutes.