Name: Anchovies on Pizza – Two Ways Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 16-20 oz pizza dough; 8 oz anchovy fillets in olive oil (four tins of 2 oz each); 1 tbsp Italian flat leaf parsley (finely chopped for garnish); 8 tbsp sour cream (or creme fraiche, adjust to taste); 1 small onion (sliced very thin); 4 small lemons (sliced ultra thin); Black pepper (freshly ground, as needed); 8 tbsp marinara or other tomato pizza sauce; 1 lb fresh mozzarella (sliced); 4 tbsp olives (pitted and sliced, adjust to taste); 2 tbsp capers (adjust to taste); 1 tbsp grated Parmesan (for garnish)

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If you love bold flavors and crave a pizza experience like no other, you’re in for a real treat with this Anchovies on Pizza – Two Ways Recipe. This recipe brings together the salty, savory punch of anchovies combined with two distinct styles: one brightened with fresh lemon and sour cream for a zesty twist, and the other rooted in classic Italian flavors with marinara, olives, and capers. Whether you’re a die-hard anchovy fan or looking to dive into something new, these pizzas are an irresistible celebration of contrasting tastes and textures that will have you reaching for seconds in no time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A round pizza dough base on a shiny silver tray, placed on a dark rustic wooden board. On top of the dough, there is a spiral layer of bright red tomato sauce with small black seasoning bits, starting from the center and going outward in even circular lines. A silver spoon with more sauce rests on the right side of the dough, spreading the sauce. In the background, blurred objects include a jar with a green lid, a small white bowl with green leaves, a spoon holding black olives, and some dough balls. The surface beneath all items is white marbled texture photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this Anchovies on Pizza – Two Ways Recipe is in its simplicity. Each ingredient is carefully chosen to complement the salty umami depth of the anchovies while adding balance, texture, and a pop of color that makes these pizzas truly special.

16-20 oz pizza dough: The foundation for your crispy, golden crust, essential for holding all those bold flavors.
8 oz anchovy fillets in olive oil: Packed with savory goodness, these little fish deliver a comforting punch of saltiness and richness.
8 tbsp sour cream or creme fraiche: Adds a creamy tanginess that contrasts beautifully with the anchovies in the lemony version.
1 small onion, thinly sliced: Offers subtle sweetness and crunch when baked with the lemony pizza.
4 small lemons, ultra-thinly sliced: Infuses brightness and a slight caramelized zing that elevates the first pizza style.
Black pepper, freshly ground: Highlights and sharpens flavors without overpowering the delicate seafood notes.
1 tbsp Italian flat leaf parsley, finely chopped: A fresh, herbaceous finish to garnish each pizza beautifully.
8 tbsp marinara or tomato pizza sauce: Brings the rich, tangy foundation for the classic marinara-style pizza.
1 lb fresh mozzarella, sliced: Melts into luscious gooey pockets that balance the salt of the anchovies.
4 tbsp pitted and sliced olives: Adds a punch of briny fruitiness complementing anchovies perfectly.
2 tbsp capers: These little bursts of brine enhance the Mediterranean character of the marinara pizza.
1 tbsp Italian parsley or basil: Adds a fresh herbal note for garnish on the marinara-style pizza.
1 tbsp grated Parmesan: A nutty, salty topping to finish off the marinara pizza with depth and richness.

How to Make Anchovies on Pizza – Two Ways Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Start by preheating your oven to 425°F and letting your pizza dough come to room temperature if it was refrigerated. This step ensures your dough is easy to roll out and bakes evenly. Divide it into four equal parts and roll each section out thinly to form about 10-inch individual pizzas. The thinner crust will crisp up wonderfully, providing a delightful texture contrast to the toppings.

Step 2: Assemble the Lemony Anchovy Pizza

Spread 2 tablespoons of sour cream evenly over each rolled-out pizza crust. Next, scatter the thinly sliced onions across the top for a hint of sweetness that pairs beautifully with the tangy sour cream. Arrange the ultra-thin lemon slices over the onions, making sure each lemon circle is visible—this not only adds zest and brightness but also creates an eye-catching pattern. Lay the anchovy fillets evenly on top, then season with freshly ground black pepper. This pizza is all about fresh, bright, and savory layers coming together harmoniously.

Step 3: Bake the Lemony Pizza

Place your lemony pizzas in the oven and bake for about 10 minutes. Look for golden, crisp edges on the thin crust and the lemon slices just beginning to caramelize slightly—this creates an amazing, mellow citrus flavor. Once out of the oven, finish with a sprinkle of finely chopped flat leaf parsley for freshness and color.

Step 4: Assemble the Marinara, Capers, and Olives Anchovy Pizza

For the second style, spread 2 tablespoons of marinara sauce over each crust as the base layer. Scatter slices of fresh mozzarella generously to create rich, melty pockets throughout the pizza. Add sliced olives and capers evenly to introduce layers of briny, salty punch that complement the anchovies beautifully. Arrange the anchovy fillets on top last, ensuring every bite has that signature anchovy flavor.

Step 5: Bake the Marinara Anchovy Pizza

Bake these pizzas for about 10 minutes or until the crust edges are golden brown and crisp, and the mozzarella has melted into gooey perfection. Garnish each pizza with a sprinkle of chopped Italian parsley or basil for a fresh herbal lift and finish with grated Parmesan cheese to add a savory, nutty dimension.

How to Serve Anchovies on Pizza – Two Ways Recipe

The dish is a thin pizza on a round silver tray, placed on a white marbled surface. It has one layer of a light cream-colored base topped with thin yellow lemon slices evenly spread out. On top of the lemon slices, there are strips of brown anchovies arranged in a scattered pattern. Small green herbs are sprinkled all over the pizza for garnish, with a small bunch of fresh green parsley placed in the center. In the background, there is a glass with dark beer and some small white ramekins, along with a halved lemon on the white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Finishing your pizzas with fresh herbs like parsley or basil is a simple step that immediately brightens the plate and adds a pleasant herbal aroma. A light dusting of Parmesan on the marinara style not only adds richness but also brings an extra depth of umami to the mix. These little touches complete the flavor profile and make the presentation inviting.

Side Dishes

Because these pizzas have bold flavors, pairing them with simple side dishes works best. A crisp green salad with a lemon vinaigrette echoes that fresh citrus note from the lemony anchovy pizza. For the marinara version, a bowl of roasted vegetables or a light antipasto platter balances the saltiness and richness. These sides help cleanse the palate and keep the meal feeling light and satisfying.

Creative Ways to Present

To impress your guests, try slicing the pizza into smaller square bites for easy sharing, turning the meal into a fun, interactive appetizer spread. You can also pair the lemony pizza with a sparkling water or light white wine to uplift the citrus flavors. Alternatively, serve the marinara anchovy pizza alongside a robust red wine or a classic Italian beer for a fuller pairing. Presentation with fresh herbs, lemon wedges, or small bowls of olives and capers retains the Mediterranean vibe and invites diners to customize their bites.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Should you have any pizza leftover, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Leftover pizza is best enjoyed within 2 to 3 days to maintain flavor and texture. The delicate lemon slices might darken a bit, so these work best if eaten sooner rather than later.

Freezing

These pizzas can be frozen before baking by wrapping them individually or stacked with parchment paper in between. When ready to enjoy, bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time. Freezing baked pizza is also possible, but fresh toppings like lemon may lose their brightness once frozen and thawed.

Reheating

The best way to reheat leftover pizza to keep the crust crisp and the cheese melty is in a preheated oven at 375°F for about 8 minutes. Avoid microwaving if possible, as this can lead to a soggy crust and uneven heating, dulling the bold flavors of your Anchovies on Pizza – Two Ways Recipe.

FAQs

Are anchovies too salty for pizza?

Anchovies can be salty, but when spread evenly and combined with ingredients like sour cream, lemon, or fresh mozzarella, their saltiness balances out beautifully. The key is using them sparingly to enhance rather than overpower the pizza.

Can I use store-bought pizza dough?

Absolutely! Store-bought dough works great and saves time. Just be sure to bring it to room temperature before rolling it out to prevent tearing and to achieve the perfect thin crust.

What can I substitute for sour cream?

Creme fraiche is a fantastic, slightly richer substitute for sour cream in the lemony anchovy pizza. Greek yogurt can also work but will give a tangier note, so adjust to your taste preferences.

Can I make the pizzas vegetarian?

While this recipe is all about anchovies, you can easily skip them for a vegetarian version and boost the flavor with extra olives, capers, and herbs. Just keep in mind it won’t be the same Anchovies on Pizza – Two Ways Recipe, but still delicious!

What’s the best way to remove anchovy oil residue?

For cleaning, soak your dishes in warm, soapy water and rinse thoroughly. The strong smell can linger, so a splash of vinegar or lemon juice in the water helps neutralize it.

Final Thoughts

Trying out this Anchovies on Pizza – Two Ways Recipe is like taking your taste buds on a little Mediterranean vacation without leaving your kitchen. The contrast between the citrusy sour cream version and the rich tomato-mozzarella style creates a delicious exploration of flavors that will charm any pizza lover. Don’t hesitate to make this recipe your own, and enjoy every bite of these unique, savory creations!