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Pizza Capricciosa

Pizza Capricciosa is a beloved Italian classic, known for its rich combination of flavors and textures. Originating from Italy, this pizza is a delightful medley of savory ham, earthy mushrooms, tangy artichokes, and briny black olives, all nestled atop a crisp yet tender crust. The addition of buffalo mozzarella enhances the dish with its creamy, melt-in-your-mouth goodness, while a vibrant tomato sauce infused with basil provides a fresh, aromatic base. Traditionally baked in a high-temperature oven, this pizza achieves a perfectly golden crust with bubbling cheese. Whether enjoyed as a comforting meal at home or served at a festive gathering, Pizza Capricciosa embodies the essence of Italian culinary artistry—simple yet deeply satisfying. Serve it hot, straight from the oven, with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil for an authentic touch.

Dinner | Italian | Egg-Free | Nut-Free | Shellfish-Free | Soy-Free | Pizza | Baking Tray | Mixing Bowl | Oven | Rolling Pin | Ham | Mozzarella | Mushroom | Tomato | Baking | Fermenting | Kneading | Mixing | Festive | Multi-Day
Time to complete

Prep

20min

Cook

10min

Wait

0 minutes

Total

30min

Ingredients (Makes 1 pizza (serves 2-3 people))
  • 240 g (8.5 oz) pizza dough
  • 1 glass (200 ml) Italian tomato sauce for pizza
  • 2 pinches table salt
  • Fresh basil leaves
  • 1 buffalo mozzarella (shredded or diced)
  • 2 mushrooms, sliced
  • Slices of ham
  • Artichoke hearts, quartered
  • Black olives
  • A handful of flour
  • 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil (optional)
Nutrition Information (per 100g)
  • Calories: 230
  • Fat: 8
  • Protein: 10
  • Carbohydrates: 28
  • Fiber: 2
Directions

Preparing the Dough

  • 1. Lightly dust your work surface with flour. Place the pizza dough on the floured surface and gently press down with your fingertips.
  • 2. Stretch the dough outward, turning it over occasionally and adding more flour as needed to prevent sticking.
  • 3. Optionally, use a rolling pin to further stretch the dough, rolling forward and backward evenly.
  • 4. For an alternative method, drape the dough over an upside-down mixing bowl and gently stretch it downward using the palm of your hand.
  • 5. Transfer the dough to a baking tray, flattening it slightly with your palms.

Prepping the Sauce

  • 6. Preheat the oven to 250°C (480°F).
  • 7. Mix the tomato sauce with two pinches of salt and a few torn basil leaves.

Assembling the Pizza

  • 8. Spread about 5 spoonfuls of tomato sauce evenly over the dough using the back of a spoon.
  • 9. Distribute the shredded buffalo mozzarella over the sauce.
  • 10. Arrange the sliced mushrooms, followed by the ham slices.
  • 11. Add the artichoke hearts, distributing them evenly.
  • 12. Place black olives strategically across the pizza.
  • 13. Sprinkle additional mozzarella in the center for extra richness.

Baking the Pizza

  • 14. Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil if desired.
  • 15. Bake in the preheated oven at 250°C (480°F) for approximately 10 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbling.

Serving

  • 16. Remove from the oven, slice, and serve hot.
Cookix's Secrets

Alternative Cooking Method

  • Try grilling the pizza for a smoky flavor.

Alternative Proteins

  • Replace ham with smoked salmon or grilled chicken.

Baking

  • For an authentic touch, bake on a preheated pizza stone.

Bold Flavor Enhancements

  • Add a sprinkle of chili flakes for a spicy kick.

Dough Handling

  • For a crispier crust, let the dough rest at room temperature for 30 minutes before stretching.

Healthier Version

  • Use whole wheat pizza dough and low-fat mozzarella for a lighter option.

Sauce Application

  • Avoid overloading the pizza with sauce to prevent a soggy crust.

Seasonal Tweaks

  • Swap artichokes for roasted bell peppers in summer.