Pizza Capricciosa

Here’s a classic and delicious recipe for Pizza Capricciosa, one of Italy’s most beloved pizza varieties. It’s known for its rich combination of cured meats, mushrooms, artichokes, and olives—all layered on a tomato-mozzarella base.

🍕 Pizza Capricciosa (Italian Classic)

🍽️ Serves: 2–4

⏰ Total Time: ~1 hour (including dough prep if homemade)

🌿 Traditional Toppings

• Tomato sauce (passata or crushed tomatoes)

• Fresh mozzarella (fior di latte or low-moisture)

• Cooked ham, sliced or torn

• Artichoke hearts (marinated or canned), quartered

• Black olives (typically oil-cured or kalamata)

• Mushrooms (cremini, button, or porcini), thinly sliced

• Extra virgin olive oil

• Fresh basil (optional)

• Salt and pepper

🍞 Dough (Optional Homemade)

If you want to make your own dough:

Ingredients (for 2 pizzas):

• 3 ½ cups (440g) all-purpose or bread flour

• 1 ¼ cups (300ml) warm water

• 2 tsp salt

• 2 tsp sugar

• 2 ¼ tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast

• 1 tbsp olive oil

Instructions:

1. Dissolve yeast and sugar in warm water. Let sit 5–10 mins until foamy.

2. Mix in flour and salt, then knead for 8–10 mins until smooth.

3. Let rise, covered, in a warm spot for 1 hour or until doubled.

Or use 1 lb (450g) of store-bought pizza dough.

👩‍🍳 Assembly Instructions

1. Preheat Oven
   Preheat oven to 475°F (245°C) with a pizza stone or steel inside, if you have one.

2. Prep Toppings

   • Drain and pat dry artichoke hearts and olives.

   • Lightly sauté mushrooms in olive oil until golden (optional, but recommended for flavor and texture).

   • Tear mozzarella into small pieces.

3. Roll Out Dough
   On a floured surface, roll out dough into a thin round (~10–12 inches). Transfer to parchment if not using a peel.

4. Assemble Pizza

   • Spread a thin layer of tomato sauce.

   • Scatter mozzarella over the base.

   • Add ham, artichokes, mushrooms, and olives evenly.

5. Bake
   Bake on preheated stone or baking sheet for 10–13 minutes, or until crust is golden and cheese is bubbling.

6. Finish
   Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and add fresh basil if using.

✅ Notes & Variations

• Ham: Use cooked prosciutto cotto for authenticity.

• Olives: Go with black Italian-style, not canned California olives if possible.

• Sauce: Keep it simple—crushed tomatoes with a pinch of salt and olive oil is traditional.

• Cheese: Avoid overloading; Capricciosa isn’t meant to be overly cheesy.