Prosciutto, Artichoke, Olive and Basil Pesto Pizza
The Crispy Crust™ Pizza Maker, set to its thin crust setting, cooks this Mediterranean fave to gourmet perfection. Watch through the viewing window as the toppings bubble their way to the finish.
⅔ cup (3½ oz) drained thinly sliced oil-packed sundried tomatoes
½ cup (2½ oz) pitted Kalamata olives
halved
To serve
Extra-virgin olive oil
Flaky sea salt
Instructions
1To make the dough, place the flour, yeast, sugar and salt in the bowl of a stand mixer. Using the dough hook, mix to combine. Add the oil and water and mix on medium-low speed for 5 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and elastic. (Alternatively, combine the dry ingredients in a bowl. Add the oil and water and mix until the dough comes together, add an extra tablespoon of water if necessary. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured countertop and knead for 10 minutes, or until smooth and elastic.)
2Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with plastic wrap and set aside in a warm place for 1 hour, or until the dough doubles in size.
3Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured countertop and punch down to remove the excess air. Knead the dough into a smooth ball. Divide into four, 6½ oz pieces.
4To make the basil pesto, combine all the ingredients in a blender or food processor. Blend or process until combined. Spoon into a clean jar. Cover the top with a thin layer of olive oil. Refrigerate for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
5To make the pizza, turn the ON/OFF switch to the ON position and PREHEAT the pizza oven for 15 minutes.
6Roll out each piece of pizza dough to form a 9-inch round and place each on a 11-inch square piece of parchment paper.
7Prick the crusts with a fork or pizza docker.
8Spread 2½ tablespoons of the pesto over each pizza crust.
9Divide the toppings evenly among the crusts, poking the tomatoes under so they won't burn.
10Select the THIN crust setting.
11Transfer one of the pizzas (still on the parchment paper) to the hot pizza stone and close the lid. Cook for 2 minutes.
12Open the lid and quickly slide the parchment paper out carefully. Close the lid and cook for a further 5-6 minutes, or until browned. Monitor the cooking progress through viewing window. Topping should be cooked and golden and crust crisp and brown.
13Open the lid carefully with oven mitt and transfer the pizza to a cutting board.
14Repeat with the remaining pizzas.
15Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Slice and serve.