Craving a pizza that’s bold, salty, and unforgettable?
Anchovy pizza might be your new obsession.
Anchovies add a savory depth that balances perfectly with melted cheese and tangy tomato sauce, whether it be in pasta or pizza.
And once you try a properly made anchovy pizza, you might never look at those little fish the same way again.
Let’s look into how to make the perfect anchovies pizza.
Why do People Love Their Pizza with Anchovies
People love their pizza with anchovies because these little fish deliver an intense umami flavor that you can’t get from other toppings.
They’re naturally salty, which means you don’t need extra seasoning.
The briny taste cuts through rich cheese and balances sweet tomato sauce perfectly. Plus, anchovies practically melt into the pizza when baked, creating pockets of savory goodness in every bite.
For curious eaters, they add complexity and depth that make each slice more interesting.
Ingredients You Need for Anchovy Pizza
| Ingredient | Why You Need It |
|---|---|
| Pizza dough | Foundation for your pie |
| Tomato sauce | Balances anchovy saltiness |
| Mozzarella cheese | Creamy, melty base layer |
| Anchovies | Star of the show—salty, savory punch |
| Olive oil | Adds richness, helps anchovies melt |
| Garlic | Complements the briny flavor |
| Red pepper flakes | Optional heat kick |
| Fresh basil | Bright, herbal finish |
| Capers | Extra briny depth (optional) |
| Black olives | Doubles down on savory notes (optional) |
How to Make Pizza with Anchovies: Step-by-Step
Making anchovy pizza at home is easier than you think. Follow these steps for a quick and easy homemade pizza.
Step 1: Prep Your Dough
Roll out your pizza dough on a floured surface until it’s about ¼-inch thick. Aim for a 12-inch circle, or whatever size fits your baking sheet.
Don’t stress about perfect circles, rustic works here.
Step 2: Preheat Your Oven
Set your oven to its highest setting, usually 475-500°F.
If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven now to heat up. A screaming hot oven gives you that crispy, slightly charred crust.
Step 3: Sauce It Up
Spread a thin layer of tomato sauce over the dough, leaving about a half-inch border for the crust. Don’t overdo it. Too much sauce makes the pizza soggy.
About ⅓ cup should do the trick.
Step 4: Add Cheese
Scatter mozzarella cheese evenly over the sauce.
Fresh mozzarella works great, but shredded low-moisture mozzarella is easier and melts beautifully. Use about 1 to 1½ cups.
Step 5: Place Your Anchovies
Drain your anchovies and pat them dry with a paper towel. Arrange them across the pizza, you can lay them whole or chop them into smaller pieces.
Start with 6-8 fillets and adjust based on your love for that briny punch.
Step 6: Add Extras
Mince 2-3 garlic cloves and sprinkle them around.
Add capers or olives if you want more salty, savory notes. Drizzle a tablespoon of olive oil over everything, as it helps the anchovies melt into the cheese.
Step 7: Bake
Transfer your pizza to the oven (or onto your preheated pizza stone).
Bake for 10-12 minutes, until the crust turns golden and the cheese bubbles.
Step 8: Finish and Serve
Pull the pizza out and let it cool for a minute.
Top with fresh basil leaves and a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like heat. Slice it up and serve immediately while it’s hot and melty.
That’s it. Your homemade anchovies pizza is ready.
Some More Anchovies Pizza Recipes to Try
These recipes nail the anchovy pizza, salty fish that melts into bubbling cheese without overpowering your taste buds.
1. Traditional Italian Anchovy Pizza
Use San Marzano tomatoes for the sauce. Skip the mozzarella and go with just anchovies, garlic, oregano, and olive oil.
This stripped-down version lets the anchovies shine without competing flavors.
traditional italian anchovy pizza
2. White Anchovy Pizza
Ditch the tomato sauce entirely. Brush the dough with olive oil, add ricotta cheese, mozzarella, and anchovies. Top with arugula after baking for a peppery contrast.
This version is creamy and rich.
3. Anchovy and Olive Pizza
Add Kalamata or black olives alongside your anchovies. The double dose of briny flavor creates an intensely savory pie.
You can add some capers for even more punch.
4. Spicy Anchovy Pizza
Mix red pepper flakes into your tomato sauce. Add sliced jalapeños or Calabrian chili peppers. The heat plays beautifully against the salty anchovies.
5. Anchovy and Onion Pizza
Caramelize onions in butter until sweet and golden.
Spread them on your pizza with anchovies. The sweetness balances the salt perfectly. Making them the perfect combination.
6. Puttanesca Pizza
Combine anchovies with olives, capers, and sun-dried tomatoes.
It’s like turning the classic pasta sauce into pizza form. Bold, tangy, and absolutely packed with flavor.
7. Gourmet Anchovy Pizza
Use burrata instead of mozzarella. Add anchovies, cherry tomatoes, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze after baking. Finish with microgreens.
This is perfect for dinner parties.
What to Serve with Anchovy Pizza?
Anchovy pizza is bold and salty, so pair it with sides that balance those intense flavors without competing.
A simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette cuts through the richness perfectly.
Roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or eggplant add sweetness and texture.
Garlic bread seems redundant, but it works if you’re feeding a crowd. For drinks, go with crisp white wine, cold beer, or sparkling water with lemon.
How to Store and Reheat Anchovy Pizza?
Let your pizza cool completely before storing. Place slices in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers.
Refrigerate for up to 3 days, no more than that.
For reheating, use your oven at 375°F for 8-10 minutes for crispy results. A skillet with a lid works great too, just heat for 3-5 minutes.
Avoid the microwave if possible, as it makes the crust rubbery. Never reheat anchovy pizza more than once, or the fishy flavor intensifies.
Conclusion
Do not settle for mediocre versions of anchovy pizza from pizza joints that don’t understand how to handle these flavorful little fish.
Start with quality anchovies, don’t overload your pie, and let that salty umami goodness work its magic.
Ready to give it a shot? Grab your ingredients and fire up that oven.
And once you’ve made your first anchovy pizza, drop a comment below. We’d love to hear which version became your favorite.
Happy cooking!
