Description
This Sardine Margherita recipe offers a delightful twist on the classic pizza with the addition of flavorful sardines, fresh mozzarella, and sautéed cherry tomatoes on a crispy crust. Ready in just 22 minutes, it’s a quick and tasty way to enjoy a gourmet pizza night at home with a Mediterranean flair.
Ingredients
Scale
Pizza Base
- 1 prepared pizza dough or 2 flatbreads
- 1/3 cup tomato sauce or crushed San Marzano tomatoes
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Toppings
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 4 oz fresh mozzarella, torn into pieces
- 1 (3.75 oz) can sardines in olive oil, drained
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
- Chili flakes or lemon zest (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 450°F (230°C). Stretch the prepared pizza dough onto a baking sheet or pizza stone if using dough, or lay out the flatbreads for the base.
- Sauté garlic: In a small skillet, warm the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until it releases a fragrant aroma without browning.
- Cook cherry tomatoes: Add the halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until they soften slightly. Season lightly with salt and pepper to enhance their flavor.
- Prepare the pizza base: Spread the tomato sauce evenly over your pizza dough or flatbreads. Sprinkle dried oregano over the sauce to add a classic herb flavor.
- Add sautéed toppings: Evenly distribute the cooked garlic and cherry tomato mixture over the sauced base, then scatter the torn pieces of fresh mozzarella on top.
- Top with sardines: Arrange the drained sardine pieces over the pizza. You can leave them whole or break them into chunks, depending on your preference.
- Bake the pizza: Place the pizza in the preheated oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the crust is golden and the cheese has melted into a bubbly delight.
- Garnish and serve: Remove the pizza from the oven, sprinkle fresh basil leaves over it, and optionally add chili flakes or lemon zest for an extra burst of flavor.
- Slice and enjoy: Cut the pizza into slices and serve hot for the best taste experience.
Notes
- For a crispier crust, use a preheated pizza stone if available.
- You can substitute fresh mozzarella with shredded mozzarella if preferred.
- Adjust chili flakes or lemon zest to taste for desired spice or citrus brightness.
- Use sardines in olive oil for best flavor and moisture balance.
- Serve with a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
