Capricciosa Pizza is a delightful Italian dish known for its delicious combination of rich flavors and hearty toppings. It’s the perfect balance of savory, tangy, and umami, with a mix of traditional ingredients like ham, mushrooms, artichokes, and olives. With its thin crispy crust, creamy mozzarella, and a variety of toppings, Capricciosa Pizza has become a classic in pizzerias worldwide. Ready to make this savory pizza at home? Let’s dive into the recipe!

Ingredients

For the Pizza Dough:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 cup warm water (about 110°F)

For the Tomato Sauce:

• 1 can (15 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Toppings:

• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup cooked ham, sliced or diced
• ½ cup mushrooms, sliced
• ½ cup artichoke hearts (canned or jarred, drained and chopped)
• ½ cup black olives, pitted and sliced
• 1 egg (optional, for the classic Capricciosa style)
• Fresh basil leaves (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Pizza Dough

Begin by activating the yeast. In a small bowl, mix the warm water, sugar, and active dry yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy and bubbly.

In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Make a well in the center, then pour in the yeast mixture and olive oil. Stir until the dough begins to come together, then transfer it to a floured surface. Knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.

Once kneaded, place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-1.5 hours or until it doubles in size.

2. Prepare the Tomato Sauce

While the dough is rising, prepare the tomato sauce. In a medium saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Add the crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Stir well and let the sauce simmer for 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to develop. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Once done, set the sauce aside.

3. Prepare the Toppings

While the dough rises and the sauce simmers, prepare the toppings. Slice the mushrooms, chop the artichoke hearts, and slice the olives. If you’re using cooked ham, slice it into thin strips or dice it into small pieces.

If you’re making the traditional Capricciosa Pizza, you can add an egg in the center of the pizza before baking (the egg will bake while the pizza cooks, adding a creamy texture to the dish). This is optional but is a classic touch in some Italian regions.

4. Assemble the Pizza

Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). Once the dough has risen, punch it down and transfer it to a floured surface. Roll the dough out to your desired thickness (about 12 inches in diameter) and place it on a pizza stone or baking sheet.

Spread a thin layer of the tomato sauce over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly on top of the sauce.

Now, add your toppings. Arrange the cooked ham, mushrooms, artichoke hearts, and olives evenly on the pizza. If you’re using an egg, create a small well in the center of the pizza and crack the egg into it.

5. Bake the Pizza

Place the pizza in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown, the cheese is bubbly, and the egg (if using) is cooked to your liking. The crust should be crispy, and the cheese should be perfectly melted.

6. Garnish and Serve

Once the pizza is out of the oven, let it cool for a couple of minutes. If desired, garnish with fresh basil leaves for a burst of color and flavor. Slice, serve, and enjoy this deliciously savory Capricciosa Pizza!

Tips for the Best Capricciosa Pizza

• Toppings: You can get creative with your toppings! Capricciosa Pizza traditionally includes ham, mushrooms, artichokes, and olives, but you can add extra ingredients like roasted red peppers, anchovies, or even some fresh mozzarella.
• Egg Option: The egg is an optional classic touch for this pizza, but if you prefer not to use it, the pizza will still be delicious without it.
• Crispy Crust: For a crispier crust, bake the pizza on a preheated pizza stone or baking sheet. This helps the dough bake evenly and get crispy on the bottom.
• Flavor Boost: If you like a bit of spice, drizzle some chili oil over the pizza after it’s baked to add a kick of heat.

Conclusion

Capricciosa Pizza is a fantastic, savory pizza that brings together a variety of delicious ingredients in perfect harmony. With a blend of ham, mushrooms, artichokes, and olives, it’s a well-balanced pizza that will satisfy your cravings for rich and hearty flavors. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or a pizza night with friends, this pizza will surely become a favorite.

Enjoy creating this classic Italian masterpiece, and happy cooking! 🍕🍄