PIZZA CAPRICCIOSA: THE ULTIMATE RECIPE

This classic Italian pizza creation is a symphony of flavor and texture, featuring a harmonious blend of premium ingredients that will transport your taste buds to the charming streets of Naples.

With a crisp, golden crust and a topping of rich tomato sauce, flavorful prosciutto, earthy mushrooms, salty olives and artichoke hearts, all topped with melted mozzarella and a sprinkling of Parmigiano Reggiano  cheese, each slice is a culinary masterpiece.

Our step-by-step guide will help you create a restaurant-quality Pizza Capricciosa in the comfort of your own kitchen.

Whether you are an experienced pizza maker or a novice, this recipe promises an authentic taste of Italy that will leave your family and friends speechless at your culinary prowess.

So grab your apron and embark on a culinary journey to the Mediterranean with this Mediterranean wonder, Ultimate Pizza Capricciosa.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Authentic Italian Flavor: Brings the taste of a Neapolitan pizzeria to your home.
• Versatile: Customize toppings to suit your preferences.
• Restaurant-Quality at Home: Achieve that perfect golden crust and bubbling cheese with simple techniques.
• Impressive Yet Simple: Great for dinner parties or a family night in.

For the Pizza Dough (Recipe: https://cookingitalians.com/impasto-per-pizza-how-to-make-a-classic-pizza-dough/

Cooking Time

• Servings: 4
• Preparation Time: 20 minutes (plus 1-2 hours for dough rising)
• Cooking Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes (including dough rising time)

Ingredients

For the Dough:

• 1 ½ cups warm water (110°F)
• 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt

For the Toppings:

• 1/2 cup tomato sauce
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup sliced mushrooms
• 1/4 cup sliced black olives
• 1/4 cup artichoke hearts (canned or marinated), quartered
• 4–6 slices of cooked ham or prosciutto
• 1/2 cup grated Parmigiano Reggiano cheese
• Fresh basil leaves for garnish
• Salt and pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Method

Prepare the Dough:

1. In a small bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture and olive oil.
3. Stir until the dough begins to come together, then knead on a floured surface for 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
4. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let rise in a warm place for 1–2 hours until doubled in size.

Assemble and Bake the Pizza:

1. Preheat the oven to 475°F (245°C) with a pizza stone or baking sheet inside.
2. Roll out the dough on a floured surface to a 12–14 inch round and transfer to parchment paper.
3. Spread tomato sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border for the crust.
4. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella over the sauce, followed by mushrooms, olives, artichoke hearts, and ham.
5. Season with salt and pepper, then sprinkle Parmigiano Reggiano on top.
6. Carefully transfer the pizza (with parchment) onto the preheated pizza stone or baking sheet.
7. Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly.
8. Remove from the oven, garnish with fresh basil, and let cool slightly before slicing.

Suggestions

• Topping Variations: Add capers, anchovies, or roasted red peppers for extra flavor.
• Serving Tip: Pair with a crisp Italian white wine or a refreshing sparkling water.
• Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven for best results.

Nutritional Facts (Per Serving)

Enjoy your authentic Pizza Capricciosa, the ultimate Italian delight, right from your oven to your table. Buon appetito!

Pizza Capricciosa Recipe

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Ingredients

  

For the Pizza Dough (Recipe: https://cookingitalians.com/impasto-per-pizza-how-to-make-a-classic-pizza-dough/

• 1 ½ cups warm water 110°F
• 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast 1 packet
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt

For the Toppings:

• 1/2 cup tomato sauce
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup sliced mushrooms
• 1/4 cup sliced black olives
• 1/4 cup artichoke hearts canned or marinated, quartered
• 4-6 slices of cooked ham
• 1/2 cup grated Parmigiano Reggiano cheese
• Fresh basil leaves for garnish
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

 

For the Pizza Dough:

• In a small bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy.
• In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Make a well in the center.
• Pour the yeast mixture and olive oil into the well. Stir until the dough starts to come together.
• Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Shape it into a ball.
• Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.

For Assembling and Baking the Pizza:

• Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C) and place a pizza stone or baking sheet inside to heat.
• Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface into a 12-14 inch round.
• Transfer the rolled-out dough to a piece of parchment paper, which will make it easier to transfer to the oven.
• Spread the tomato sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border for the crust.
• Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce.
• Evenly distribute the sliced mushrooms, black olives, artichoke hearts, and ham slices on top of the cheese.
• Season the pizza with salt and pepper to taste, and then sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the toppings.
• Carefully transfer the parchment paper with the pizza onto the preheated pizza stone or baking sheet in the oven.
• Bake for about 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
• Remove from the oven, garnish with fresh basil leaves, and let it cool for a minute before slicing.
• Slice and enjoy your homemade Pizza Capricciosa!