Leggera Padana from PizzaExpress features a thin, crispy crust topped with fresh mozzarella, creamy ricotta, smoky speck ham, and vibrant arugula, delivering a harmonious blend of rich, savory, and peppery flavors in every bite.
Equipments
- Pizza oven
- Pizza stone or baking steel
- Rolling pin
- Pizza peel
- Mixing bowl
- Dough scraper
- Ladle or spoon (for sauce)
- Cheese grater
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Pastry brush
Ingredients
- Pizza dough
- Semolina flour (for dusting)
- Extra-virgin olive oil
- Fresh mozzarella cheese
- Ricotta cheese
- Speck ham
- Arugula
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Cornmeal (optional, for dusting)
Fresh mozzarella and ricotta cheese should be used at their freshest to ensure the creamy texture and flavor that define the Leggera Padana pizza. Speck ham offers a smoky, savory contrast, so select a high-quality cured ham for authenticity. Semolina flour or cornmeal dusting helps create a non-stick, crispy crust, enhancing the thin base typical of PizzaExpress pizza. Fresh arugula is best added after baking to preserve its vibrant color and peppery bite. You can recreate the Leggera Padana from PizzaExpress at home by carefully balancing these ingredients and using proper pizza-making equipment like a pizza stone or baking steel for the perfect crust.
Instructions
- Preheat the pizza oven with the pizza stone or baking steel inside to high temperature (450-500°F or as hot as possible).
- Lightly dust the pizza peel and work surface with semolina flour or cornmeal.
- Stretch or roll out the pizza dough into a thin, even circle using your hands or a rolling pin.
- Transfer the shaped dough onto the prepared pizza peel.
- Lightly brush the dough with extra-virgin olive oil.
- Evenly distribute fresh mozzarella cheese over the dough.
- Add spoonfuls of ricotta cheese across the pizza.
- Season lightly with salt and black pepper.
- Slide the pizza onto the preheated pizza stone or steel in the oven.
- Bake until the crust is golden and crispy, and cheese is melted and bubbling (about 7-10 minutes).
- Remove the pizza from the oven using the pizza peel.
- Arrange slices of speck ham over the hot pizza.
- Top generously with fresh arugula.
- Drizzle with a bit more extra-virgin olive oil if desired.
- Slice and serve immediately.
Substitution
Leggera Padana from PizzaExpress copycat menu replicates the original's thin, crispy crust with fresh mozzarella, creamy ricotta, smoky speck ham, and peppery arugula. If speck ham is unavailable, prosciutto or smoked turkey can provide a similar smoky flavor as a substitute. When you don't have a pizza stone or baking steel, baking the pizza on a preheated inverted baking sheet can achieve a comparable crispy base. To prevent sticking, dust your rolling surface and peel with semolina flour or cornmeal before transferring the dough to the oven. You can brush the crust lightly with extra-virgin olive oil before baking to enhance browning and add flavor.
Tips
Ensure your pizza oven and stone are fully preheated to achieve the signature crispy crust of Leggera Padana. Use semolina flour for dusting both the peel and work surface to prevent sticking and maintain dough texture. When adding toppings like ricotta and speck ham, do so after baking to preserve their fresh flavor and prevent sogginess. Your final step of topping with arugula and a drizzle of olive oil adds vibrant freshness, so serve the pizza immediately for optimal taste.
Nutritions
Leggera Padana from PizzaExpress offers a balanced source of protein and healthy fats from fresh mozzarella, ricotta cheese, and speck ham, supporting muscle repair and satiety. The arugula adds essential vitamins A, C, and K, along with antioxidants that help reduce inflammation and promote immune health. The thin, crispy crust made from pizza dough provides carbohydrates for energy, while extra-virgin olive oil contributes heart-healthy monounsaturated fats. When enjoying this pizza, you benefit from a flavorful combination that supports both taste and nutritional value.
Storage
To keep your Leggera Padana fresh, store leftover pizza slices in an airtight container or wrap them tightly with aluminum foil or plastic wrap. Refrigerate the pizza within two hours of baking to maintain the quality of the fresh mozzarella, ricotta, and arugula toppings. When reheating, use an oven or pizza stone to restore the crispy crust and evenly warm the flavors.
Variation or Alternatives
You can experiment by swapping speck ham with prosciutto for a slightly sweeter, saltier flavor that complements the creamy ricotta and mozzarella. Using a blend of fontina and fresh mozzarella cheeses can add a nuttier depth while keeping the meltiness. Try folding fresh arugula into a lemony vinaigrette before topping the pizza to introduce a tangy brightness that contrasts nicely with the smoky ham. Dusting your pizza peel with cornmeal instead of semolina flour may give your crust an extra crunch and prevent sticking more effectively.
Allergies
Leggera Padana contains dairy from fresh mozzarella and ricotta cheese, which may cause reactions in individuals with milk allergies or lactose intolerance. Speck ham includes pork protein that could trigger sensitivities in those allergic to meat products. Your enjoyment of this pizza should consider these common allergens to avoid any adverse effects.
Why this recipe?
Leggera Padana from PizzaExpress is favored for its unique blend of creamy gorgonzola, verjuice, and crunchy walnuts atop a perfectly thin, handmade pizza base. The fresh combination of bold, tangy, and nutty flavors creates an indulgent yet balanced taste experience that stands out among typical pizza options. Recreating this recipe at home allows you to customize ingredients for personal dietary preferences while enjoying the restaurant-quality crunch and depth of flavor. Your copycat version offers a satisfying, gourmet pizza experience that highlights authentic Italian influences with a modern twist.