Anchovy Pizza is a deliciously simple pizza recipe, with a perfectly crisp crust, tomato sauce, a combo of cheeses and the briny, salty taste of anchovies in every bite. It's the secret ingredient you never knew you were missing on pizza!
Are you an anchovy fan? It's a classic ingredient that often divides pizza lovers into two camps: those who adore it and those who haven’t yet tried its savory, umami-packed flavor. If you’re in the former group, this recipe is sure to become your go-to for a delicious homemade pizza night. And if you’ve never had the chance to experience the briny, bold taste of anchovies on pizza, this recipe is the perfect introduction.
I know what you're thinking. Anchovies? Yuck! But push your misconceptions aside and give this unassuming little fish a try. Especially on pizza, it pairs so well with a basic tomato and cheese topping and gives your pizza a deliciously rich, umami flavor. With a chewy crust, rich tomato sauce, and a combination of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, every bite of this pizza is a delightful burst of flavor. Whether you’re an anchovy pizza lover or new to this unique pizza recipe, you’re in for a treat.
In This Post
Why I Love This Recipe
Before I actually tried anchovies on pizza, I wasn't sure I'd like them. But once I did, I became a convert. Here's why I love this powerhouse ingredient on my beloved pizza pie.
- That salty goodness! The anchovy fillets provide a salty, briny flavor that’s completely irresistible on pizza.
- Great balance of flavor. This pizza balances the salty anchovies with the creamy mozzarella cheese and the sharpness of the Parmesan. The kalamata olives, red onions and garlic add a bit of a kick, while the fresh basil brings a hint of freshness to the whole thing.
- Easy to make. Using a pizza stone or pizza steel ensures a chewy crust that’s golden brown and perfectly cooked. Plus, with the flexibility to use either homemade pizza dough or store-bought dough, this recipe is adaptable for any pizza night. (I love using the ready-made pizza dough found in the grocery store deli for a super simple dinner.)
Key Ingredients
Just a few simple ingredients are needed to make this classic pizza:
- Pizza dough, olive oil & cornmeal. Homemade is great if you have the inclination or time, but the store-bought dough is completely fine too (and is typically what I use). You'll also need cornmeal and some extra-virgin olive oil to help achieve that crispy pizza crust!
- Pizza sauce. It's easy to make your own simple pizza sauce. Or, if you have a favorite store-bought brand, feel free to use that.
- Anchovy fillets. The star of the show, these little fish pack a punch of umami flavor that’s truly unique.
- Mozzarella & parmesan cheese. Provide a creamy, melty layer that balances the boldness of the anchovies.
- Kalamata olives. Give this pizza a briny, slightly tangy zing.
- Red onion & garlic. Thinly sliced red onions and minced garlic cloves add a warm, savory flavor.
- Fresh basil. Torn and added after baking, basil gives the pizza a fresh, aromatic finish.
How to Make Anchovy Pizza
Making this simple pizza is a cinch! Here's what you'll do.
- Prepare the dough. Allow your pizza dough to sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes. This will make it easier to stretch and roll. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough into a 12-inch round. Transfer it to a pizza stone or a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and sprinkled with cornmeal to prevent sticking. Using a fork, prick the dough all over to allow the steam to escape and prevent the dough from puffing up in spots. Lightly brush the dough with oil.
- Par bake the dough. Parbaking the dough helps to give it a nice crisp crust and a chewy center that's fully cooked by the time the toppings are added. Preheat your oven to 375°F. Parbake the dough for 5-7 minutes, until it starts to firm up but is not yet golden brown.
- Add the toppings. Remove the parbaked crust from the oven and let it cool slightly. Spread a layer of tomato sauce over the crust, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges. Arrange the anchovy fillets evenly over the sauce, followed by the kalamata olives, red onion slices, and minced garlic. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese over the toppings.
- Bake to perfection. Place the pizza back in the oven and bake for 10-15 minutes, watching closely until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the crust is golden brown.
- Finish and serve. Once the pizza is done, remove it from the oven with a pizza peel and let it cool slightly. Garnish with fresh basil leaves, slice, and serve hot.
Variations and Substitutions
- Double the anchovies. If you’re a fan of the salty flavor, add an extra can of anchovy fillets for a more intense taste.
- Try some different cheeses. Swap out the mozzarella for fresh mozzarella or use a mix of cheeses like provolone or fontina for a richer flavor.
- Add some extra toppings. Add other pizza toppings like roasted red peppers, sun-dried tomatoes, mushrooms, minced garlic clove, artichoke hearts, or even a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a bit of spice.
- Change up the sauce. I love a good red sauce with anchovies but a white sauce with a simple olive oil base works great as well.
Frequently Asked Questions
Anchovy pizza has a distinctive savory and salty flavor, thanks to the anchovy fillets. While the anchovies may have a bit of a fishy smell, their taste, especially when baked on the pizza, mellows out quite a bit. The combination of the umami-packed fish with creamy cheese and tangy tomato sauce creates a unique taste that many people (including me!) find irresistible.
Of course! I love using the fresh pizza dough found in the deli section of my grocery store, which works great in this recipe. You can also often call your local pizzeria to see if they will sell you a ball of pizza dough. They often will for just a few dollars, even if it isn't on their menu. Just be sure to let your dough come to room temperature before rolling it out to make it easier to work with.
Anchovies are a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, making this pizza a healthier option compared to some other toppings.
If you’re concerned about the salty flavor, you can rinse the anchovy fillets under cold water before using them, or simply use fewer anchovies and balance the saltiness with other ingredients like fresh vegetables.
Yes, you can use a baking sheet or pizza steel instead of a pizza stone. The key is to ensure the crust gets a nice, even bake, so make sure to par-bake the dough before adding the toppings.
What to Serve with Anchovy Pizza
- Salads! A classic side salad is the perfect choice to serve alongside this pizza. Caesar salad is an obvious choice, but this Pear, Arugula, and Goat Cheese Salad, or this Kale Crunch Salad would both also pair perfectly with the rich, salty flavor of anchovy pizza.
- Garlic bread. A side of warm, crusty garlic bread is always a welcome addition to pizza night. (Use this delicious garlic butter seasoning mix, or try some roasted garlic for some intense garlic flavor!)
- Roasted vegetables. Serve the pizza alongside a medley of roasted vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes for a healthy and colorful meal. This Roasted Fennel is a great compliment to this anchovy pizza.
- Lemon slices. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice over the pizza can brighten the flavors and cut through the richness of the cheese and anchovies.
Have I convinced you to make your first anchovy pizza for your next pizza night? If you make this recipe, let me know what you think in the comments below. And don't forget to tag me on Instagram @frontrangefed so I can see your masterpiece!
More Pizza Recipes
- Spicy Diavola Pizza
- 15-Minute Homemade French Bread Air Fryer Pizza
- Cast-Iron Pizza
- Fall Harvest Pizza Recipe
- Easy BBQ Chicken Flatbread
- Smoked Salmon, Cream Cheese And Everything Bagel Pizza
- Healthy Breakfast Flatbread
Recipe
The BEST Homemade Anchovy Pizza Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 pizza dough ball homemade or store-bought
- 1 tablespoon cornmeal
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 ½ cup pizza sauce (your favorite store-bought sauce, or see my recipe for pizza sauce here.
- 1 2 oz can anchovy filets drained
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup kalamata olives whole
- ⅛ cup red onion thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- ½ cup fresh basil leaves roughly torn
Instructions
- Prepare the dough. Allow the dough to sit at room temperature for 20 minutes before rolling out.* Line a piece of parchment paper onto a pizza pan, or use a pizza stone. Sprinkle with ½ of the cornmeal. Carefully roll and stretch the dough into about a 12-inch round and place it onto the pizza pan or stone. Pierce the rolled-out dough with a fork, then spread the olive oil across the surface of the dough.
- Par bake the dough. Bake the dough in the oven at 375 degrees for about 5-7 minutes. Remove from the oven.
- Dress the pizza. Allow the pizza to cool slightly, then top with the pizza sauce, anchovies, olives, onion, garlic, and cheese. Bake for 10-15 minutes (watch closely).
- Finish. Allow the pizza to cool slightly, then top with fresh, torn basil.
- Slice and serve hot.
Laurie says
Delicious! I love anchovies, but my kids, not so much. I like making this on the side when we order pizza so I can enjoy it all myself, haha! Thanks for the recipe!