Don't let summer pass by without taking advantage of fresh figs. This Fig, Prosciutto, and Ricotta Flatbread is packed with flavor and is the perfect combination of salty and sweet.
I’m getting to that point in summer where I’m hoarding my favorite seasonal foods. My kitchen is filled with corn on the cob, tomatoes, and watermelon and I’m about to start hiding the delicacies under my bed. Because I fear the day they disappear for 3 entire seasons. Don’t even get me started on things like s’mores, lemonade cocktails, and grilled everything. Depression is starting to set in.
Please add figs to that list of deliciousness I’m currently in tears over. I made this flatbread a couple weeks ago and now I feel like I should make it 14 more times before I can’t find figs. I could even freeze it and eat it all winter long. Would that be obsessive? Also, is it normal to start shaking with fear at the mere mention of winter? Because I am.
At least pizza is one thing that won't abandon me come the chill in the air and disappearing greenery. We just have to change up our topping choices a bit. I've been making pizza/flatbread dough so often lately that I'm pretty sure I could just about do it with my eyes closed. My favorite thing is to make a batch first thing in the morning, set it on top of the oven, and watch it rise over the next couple hours.
FIG, PROSCIUTTO, AND RICOTTA FLATBREAD RECIPE
If you've never made your own flatbread dough, I insist you try immediately! All you do is mix a few ingredients in a big bowl, let it rise, and then roll it out.
I've never made a balsamic reduction before, but I decided this flatbread needed one. It was most definitely the perfect touch. And super easy to make. All you have to do is put balsamic vinegar in a small saucepan over medium-high heat and bring it to a simmer. Turn the heat down to low and continue to cook until vinegar thickens and reduces by about half. Remove from heat and cool. Yum yum.
I actually made a similar version of this flatbread back in 2010; which both feels like yesterday and eons ago at the exact same time. Back then I used goat cheese, but this time I used both ricotta and gorgonzola. That's called stepping up the game and is exactly the kind of progress that should be made over five years, right?
Some people don't like "salad" on their pizza, but I do. When it comes to figs and prosciutto, arugula topping is always a must.
But if you just can't do it, you should at least serve arugula on the side.
This will always and forever be my favorite combination for flatbread. I can't help but order it out any time I see it on a menu and if figs were always in season, I'd probably be making it at home at least once a month.
Of course, it can easily be made without the figs, but it just wouldn't be the same. However, if you're really craving this fig ricotta flatbread combination and can't get your hands on figs, I'd spread on a little fig jam instead.
Did you know I used to hate ricotta cheese? Like HATE it. It was the only cheese I absolutely would not eat. It's all because I had a bad experience with lasagna when I was a kid. But I eventually came around again and lately, I've been craving ricotta so, so much. I cannot get enough of it. Ricotta flatbread needs to happen in my life a lot more often!
Adding the gorgonzola was a little bit unnecessary, but also the best idea ever. And prosciutto? I don't think there's ever been a time where I haven't been in the mood for prosciutto! And I've never met a pizza or flatbread with prosciutto that I didn't like. I don't think that's even possible.
It's Friday, which is the perfect time to make flatbread. But I also love making it on Sunday, so I can bring leftovers to work the next day and make my Monday just a little bit happier.
What fruit/vegetable/other are you going to seriously miss as this summer comes to an end?
If you love this flatbread recipe, be sure to check out my Sausage, Grape, and Gorgonzola Flatbread and my Lamb Flatbread with Mint and Feta. I also love this Blackberry, Fig, and Prosciutto Flatbread from Under the Sugar Tree.
📖 Recipe
Fig, Prosciutto, and Ricotta Flatbread
Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- 15 oz. ricotta cheese
- 4 oz. prosciutto, chopped
- 3 oz. gorgonzola, crumbled
- 4 large fresh figs, sliced into quarters
- 3 cup arugula
- ½ cup balsamic vinegar
Flatbread Dough
- ¾ Tbsp rapid rise granulated yeast
- 1½ cup lukewarm water
- ½ Tbsp salt
- ½ tsp sugar
- 1 Tbsp honey
- ⅛ cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 cup unbleached all-purpose flour
- 1 cup whole wheat flour
Instructions
- Pre-heat oven to 475 degrees.
- Divide dough into two balls and on a floured surface, roll each into large rectangles and place on foil-lined cookie sheets.
- Brush the dough rounds lightly with olive oil.
- Place cookie sheets in oven and pre-cook crust for 8 minutes.
- Immediately after removing dough from oven, spread ricotta cheese over the top (alternatively, you can drop it in small clumps).
- Top with prosciutto, gorgonzola, and fig slices, evenly divided among rough rectangles.
- Place back in oven for 5 more minutes. Remove from oven.
- Place balsamic vinegar in a small saucepan over medium-high heat and bring to a simmer. Turn the heat down to low and continue to cook until vinegar thickens and reduces by about half. Remove from heat and cool.
- Drizzle balsamic reduction over flatbread.
- Top flatbread with arugula and cut into slices.
Flatbread Dough
- Mix yeast and water in a large bowl and let rest for 2 minutes.
- Stir salt, sugar, honey, and extra-virgin olive oil into the mixture.
- With a wooden spoon, mix both flours into the mixture. If dough is dry, add more water, 1 Tbsp at a time.
- Cover bowl with a kitchen towel and let rest in a warm spot for about 2 hours. Dough should rise during this time.
Rachel says
yum yum yum! a perfect end of summer treat 🙂 love all of these flavor combinations!
Katalina @ Peas & Peonies says
Such a perfect combo, the figs with the balsamic are a perfect paring, and the arugula on the side adds such a nice pop of color. Pinning!
Emily aka The Three Bite Rule says
Yum! I looove ricotta and can't figure out what it is about it that some people don't like. This looks great!
Annie @ The Garlic Diaries says
Oh wow...this looks absolutely fantastic. I want it so bad! RIGHT NOW!!!
Odetta says
Perfection on a plate especially for Friday night!
Tandy | Lavender and Lime says
This is a firm favourite for me as well, with brie instead of gorgonzola. I cannot wait for fig season to start. As we go into summer I miss the guavas the most 🙂
Stephanie @ The Glamorous Gourmet says
I ADORE flatbreads but have never made them before and this has SO many of my favorite ingredients - I'm dying to try it! Thanks for sharing this delicious recipe:)
Joanne says
If there's one seasonal fruit I haven't celebrated enough this year, it's the fig! I pretty much had better buy some RIGHT NOW and make this before they disappear forever! (And by that I mean, until next summer...so pretty much forever.)
Susan says
Now this is a delightful way to enjoy fresh figs when you can find them! What delicacies they are and here for such a short time.
Culinary Flavors says
Figs are in season here too and I love this focaccia!
Mary Frances says
This is gorgeous! I love a sweet and savory pizza.
The Duo Dishes says
Is it just me, or can one great meal with figs make you want to have 17 great meals with figs? Something happens, and the fig lovin' just takes over. Love this for summer.