RECIPE

Fontina, Prosciutto and Caramelized Onion Pizzas

  • ACTIVE: 45 MIN
  • TOTAL TIME: 1 HR 40 MIN
  • SERVINGS: 4

For their delectably crusty and chewy pizzas, Top Chef contestants Betty Fraser and Cliff Crooks adapted a bread recipe from star chef Jamie Oliver—a recipe Fraser had memorized—then covered it with slices of nutty Fontina cheese, prosciutto and sautéed onions.

  • ACTIVE: 45 MIN
  • TOTAL TIME: 1 HR 40 MIN
  • SERVINGS: 4
  • STAFF-FAVORITE

Ingredients

  • DOUGH
    1. 1 envelope active dry yeast
    2. 1 cup warm water
    3. Pinch of sugar
    4. 1 teaspoon extra-virgin olive oil
    5. 1 teaspoon chopped thyme
    6. 1 teaspoon salt
    7. About 2 1/3 cups all-purpose flour
  • TOPPINGS
    1. 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
    2. 2 pounds white onions
    3. Salt and freshly ground pepper
    4. 3/4 pound Italian Fontina cheese, sliced
    5. 8 thin slices of prosciutto
    6. 2 tablespoons grapeseed oil
    7. 1 tablespoon white truffle oil
    8. 2 tablespoons sherry vinegar
    9. 1 apple—peeled, cored and cut into matchsticks
    10. 4 ounces arugula (6 cups)

Directions

  1. In a large bowl, mix the yeast with the water and sugar and let stand until foamy, about 5 minutes. Add the olive oil, thyme and salt. Add 2 cups of the flour and stir until a very soft, wet dough forms. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured work surface and knead, working in about 1/3 cup more flour, until the dough is soft and silky. Shape into a ball and put in a large, oiled bowl. Cover and let rise until doubled in bulk, about 1 hour at room temperature or overnight in the refrigerator.
  2. Preheat the oven to 450°. Oil 2 large baking sheets. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet. Add the onions and stir to coat with the oil. Cover and cook over moderate heat, stirring, until the onions are softened, about 5 minutes. Uncover and cook the onions over high heat until golden brown, about 8 minutes longer. If the onions dry out, add a few tablespoons of water. Season the onions with salt and pepper, transfer to a plate and let cool slightly.
  3. Punch down the dough and turn it out onto a lightly floured work surface. Divide the dough into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece out to a 9-by-3-inch rectangle and arrange on the prepared baking sheets. Top the dough with the Fontina, sautéed onions and prosciutto. Bake for 25 minutes, or until golden and crisp.
  4. In a large bowl, whisk the grapeseed oil, truffle oil and vinegar; season with salt and pepper. Add the apple and arugula and toss. Top the hot pizzas with the salad and serve immediately.