Summer Squash-and-Arugula Pizza with Fontina Cheese

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For a fantastic white pizza (made with no sauce), Thomas McNaughton tops his amazing crust with creamy fontina, salty Parmigiano-Reggiano, tender squash, spicy chiles and lightly bitter arugula.

Summer Squash-and-Arugula Pizza with Fontina Cheese
Photo: © John Kernick
Active Time:
25 mins
Total Time:
1 hrs
Yield:
1 10-inch pizza

Ingredients

  • One portion Perfect Neapolitan Pizza Dough

  • Grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, for sprinkling

  • 3/4 cup shredded Fontina cheese

  • 2 ounces thinly sliced summer squash (about 1/2 small squash)

  • 1 teaspoon chopped rosemary

  • 1 or 2 chopped Calabrian red chiles

  • 1/2 cup arugula leaves

Directions

  1. Set a pizza stone on a rack in the top third of the oven. Preheat the oven to 500° for at least 45 minutes. Meanwhile, remove the dough ball from the refrigerator and let stand for 20 minutes.

  2. Working on a floured surface and using your fingers, press and stretch the dough out to a 10-inch round, working from the center toward the edge; avoid pressing on the outermost edge. Transfer the dough to a lightly floured pizza peel. Spread the Parmigiano-Reggiano and Fontina cheeses onto the dough, making sure to leave a 1-inch border around the edge, and top with the squash, rosemary and chiles.

  3. Turn the oven to broil for 5 minutes, then return it to 500°. Slide the pizza onto the pizza stone, opening and closing the oven door as quickly as possible. Bake until the bottom is lightly charred and the toppings are bubbling, about 6 minutes for a chewier crust and 8 minutes for a crispier one; avoid opening the oven door during baking. Top the pizza with the arugula before serving.

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