Classic Italian Capricciosa Pizza

A beloved Italian classic, this Capricciosa pizza balances tangy artichokes, earthy mushrooms, and savory ham on a perfectly charred, artisanal crust.

Ingredients

• 250 g pizza dough
• 100 ml tomato sauce
• 125 g mozzarella cheese
• 50 g French ham
• 50 g artichoke hearts
• 50 g mushrooms
• 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• to taste flour for dusting

Instructions

1. 1Prepare the dough

   

   Use a plastic dough scraper to carefully lift and prepare your portion of pizza dough on a lightly floured surface. Ensuring the dough is properly released from its container helps maintain its structure for the stretching process.

   Tip: Keep your surface lightly floured to prevent sticking while you work.
2. 2Stretch the dough

   

   Begin stretching the dough by hand, using a gentle slapping motion against the counter. This technique helps to expand the dough evenly without tearing the gluten structure.

   Tip: Work quickly and gently to keep the dough elastic.
3. 3Shape the pizza base

   

   Carefully toss the dough into the air to achieve the desired round shape and thickness. This traditional method helps to stretch the dough uniformly and creates a light, airy crust.

   Tip: Practice consistent, rhythmic tosses to maintain control over the doughs shape.
4. 4Apply the sauce

   

   Using a ladle, spread a generous layer of tomato sauce evenly over the surface of the stretched dough. Leave a small border around the edge to form the crust.

   Tip: Use the back of the ladle to swirl the sauce from the center outward.
5. 5Add the ham

   

   Layer thin slices of French ham over the tomato sauce base. Distribute them evenly to ensure every slice of pizza will have a portion of ham.

   Tip: Tear the ham slices slightly if needed to ensure even coverage across the dough.
6. 6Add mozzarella

   

   Scatter fresh chunks of mozzarella cheese over the ham and tomato sauce. The cheese will melt and bind the toppings together during the baking process.

   Tip: Tear the mozzarella into bite-sized pieces for even melting.
7. 7Add artichoke hearts

   

   Take the prepared artichoke hearts and distribute them evenly across the pizza base. This adds a unique texture and tangy flavor that complements the ham and cheese.

   Tip: Pat the artichoke hearts dry with a paper towel before adding to the pizza to prevent excess moisture.
8. 8Add sliced mushrooms

   

   Layer the fresh, thinly sliced mushrooms over the pizza. These will cook down during baking, absorbing the flavors of the tomato sauce and olive oil.

   Tip: Ensure your mushrooms are sliced thin so they cook evenly in the short time the pizza is in the oven.
9. 9Drizzle with olive oil

   

   Lightly drizzle high-quality extra virgin olive oil over the assembled pizza. This helps to bring all the flavors together and ensures a beautiful crust during baking.

   Tip: Use a steady hand to get a fine, even drizzle across the entire surface of the pizza.
10. 10Sprinkle with oregano

    

    Finish the pizza with a generous sprinkle of dried oregano. This aromatic herb provides the classic, savory Italian flavor characteristic of a Capricciosa pizza.

    Tip: Rub the dried oregano between your palms as you sprinkle it to help release the essential oils.

Storage & Reheating

Burn It Off

Frequently Asked Questions