Description
This Goat Cheese and Soppressata Pizza is a gourmet Italian-inspired main course that combines tangy goat cheese, spicy soppressata, and melted mozzarella on a crisp, golden crust. Perfect for a quick yet delicious meal, this pizza offers a flavorful blend with an optional kick of crushed red pepper and fresh basil or arugula for garnish.
Ingredients
Scale
Pizza Base
- 1 ball pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
Sauce and Cheese
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce or crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 3–4 ounces goat cheese, crumbled
Toppings
- 3 ounces soppressata, thinly sliced
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Finishing
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Fresh basil or arugula for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If you have a pizza stone, place it inside the oven while it’s heating to ensure a crisp crust.
- Prepare Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll or stretch the pizza dough into a 12-inch diameter circle. Transfer the shaped dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet or directly onto the preheated pizza stone for best results.
- Add Sauce and Cheese: Spread the pizza sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges. Then sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce evenly.
- Arrange Toppings: Evenly distribute the thinly sliced soppressata over the mozzarella. Dot the pizza with crumbled goat cheese. If desired, sprinkle the crushed red pepper flakes evenly for a spicy kick. Drizzle the entire pizza with olive oil.
- Bake the Pizza: Place the pizza in the oven and bake for 10 to 14 minutes until the crust is golden, and the cheese is bubbly and lightly browned in spots.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the pizza from the oven and allow it to cool for 2-3 minutes. Optionally, top with fresh basil or arugula. Slice and serve warm.
Notes
- For a crispier crust, bake the pizza directly on a preheated pizza stone or steel rather than a baking sheet.
- Consider drizzling hot honey or balsamic glaze over the pizza before serving to add a complementary sweetness.
