Description
Sardine Margherita pizza is a vibrant twist on the classic favorite, combining fresh tomato, basil, and creamy mozzarella with nutrient-rich sardines for a savory, protein-packed Mediterranean flair. This quick and easy recipe delivers a perfect balance of crispy crust, creamy cheese, and tender sardines, making it a wholesome and exciting meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Base Ingredients
- Pizza dough: enough for one 12-inch pizza (store-bought or homemade)
- Olive oil: 2 tablespoons, plus extra for drizzling
- Sea salt: to taste
- Cracked black pepper: to taste
Toppings
- Fresh mozzarella: 6–8 ounces, sliced or torn
- Ripe tomatoes or tomato sauce: 1/2 cup crushed or spreadable
- Fresh basil leaves: 10-15 leaves
- Sardines (preferably canned in olive oil): 1 can (about 3.75 ounces), drained
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: Roll out your pizza dough on a lightly floured surface to your desired thickness, shaping it into a circle or rectangle depending on your preference. Transfer the dough onto a pizza stone or baking tray for an even bake.
- Add Tomato Base: Spread a thin layer of crushed ripe tomatoes or your prepared tomato sauce evenly across the dough, leaving a small border for the crust. This sets the foundation for that classic Margherita flavor.
- Layer Fresh Mozzarella: Distribute slices or chunks of fresh mozzarella over the tomato base. Using fresh mozzarella ensures it melts perfectly while maintaining a creamy texture.
- Arrange Sardines: Drain sardines from the olive oil and gently place them in even portions atop the cheese. The sardines add an unexpectedly delicious burst of savory-rich taste.
- Season and Drizzle: Sprinkle sea salt and cracked black pepper to taste, then drizzle a generous amount of high-quality olive oil over the pizza. This step enhances flavors and helps the toppings shine.
- Bake to Perfection: Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C) and bake the pizza for 10-15 minutes or until the crust is golden and crisp, and the cheese is melted and bubbling.
- Add Fresh Basil and Serve: Once out of the oven, scatter fresh basil leaves on top for a burst of herbal freshness that completes this vibrant pizza.
Notes
- Use quality sardines packed in olive oil for richer flavor.
- Don’t overload toppings to prevent soggy crust and uneven cooking.
- Bake on a preheated pizza stone for a crispier crust.
- Use fresh mozzarella and basil for an authentic Margherita experience.
- Finish with a drizzle of olive oil after baking to enhance aroma and richness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/3 of pizza
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 470mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 40mg