Name: Sardine Margherita: A Unique Seafood Twist on Classic Pizza
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 large onions, sliced into half rings; 3 to 4 tbsp oil; 2 lbs top round beef, sliced into thin strips (chuck roast or rump roast can also work); 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce; 1 teaspoon fish sauce; 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt (use less if using table salt); 1/2 teaspoon black ground pepper; 1/2 to 1 cup beef broth; 3 garlic cloves, pressed or minced; 1/4 teaspoon dried rosemary; 4 6-inch hoagie rolls; 4 slices provolone cheese; 4 tablespoons butter (for toasting the hoagie rolls) *optional*

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why Sardine Margherita will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen:

Unique Flavor Combination – The richness of sardines pairs beautifully with the fresh basil, mozzarella, and tangy tomato sauce, creating a flavor-packed experience.
Quick and Easy – This recipe is simple to prepare, with just a 10-minute prep time and a short 12-minute cook time, making it perfect for a weeknight meal or pizza night.
Nutritious – Sardines are high in omega-3s and protein, making this pizza a healthy option without compromising on taste.
Customizable – Feel free to adjust the toppings or even experiment with different crust types to suit your taste.
Impressive Yet Simple – Whether for a casual dinner or a special occasion, this pizza is sure to impress.

This Sardine Margherita is not just a pizza; it’s an adventure for your taste buds that combines the best of both sea and garden.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Pizza Base:

1 fresh or store-bought pizza dough

Sauce:

1/2 cup tangy, slightly sweet tomato sauce

Cheese:

6 oz fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced

Toppings:

1 can high-quality sardines packed in olive oil, drained
Handful of fresh basil leaves

Finishing Touches:

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (for drizzling)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Directions

1. Prepare Your Dough:

Roll out your pizza dough on a floured surface to your desired thickness. Whether you prefer a thin and crispy crust or a thicker, chewier one, this will serve as the perfect base for your Sardine Margherita.

2. Spread the Tomato Sauce:

Using a spoon, evenly spread a generous layer of tangy tomato sauce over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges for the crust. This bright sauce will balance the richness of the sardines.

3. Add Fresh Mozzarella:

Slice the fresh mozzarella and distribute it evenly across the sauced dough. As it bakes, the cheese will melt into pockets, complementing the bold sardine flavor.

4. Arrange the Sardines:

Carefully drain the sardines and place them gently over the mozzarella. Ensure the sardines are spaced evenly to guarantee that every slice gets a bit of that oceanic richness.

5. Bake Until Golden:

Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C) and bake the pizza for 10-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbling beautifully.

6. Finish with Fresh Basil and Olive Oil:

Remove the pizza from the oven and scatter fresh basil leaves over the top. Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil for an aromatic, flavorful finish.

7. Serve and Enjoy:

Slice and serve this vibrant and flavorful pizza warm, and enjoy the perfect harmony of ingredients.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 2-3 servings (1 medium pizza)
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 22 minutes

This Sardine Margherita is quick, easy, and perfect for a light yet flavorful meal.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Reheating: Reheat the pizza in a preheated oven at 375°F for about 5-8 minutes, or until heated through. Alternatively, use a skillet on the stovetop to reheat, which will help keep the crust crispy.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of fish for this pizza?

Yes! If you don’t like sardines, you can use other types of seafood, such as anchovies or tuna, for a similar oceanic flavor.

2. Can I make this pizza ahead of time?

You can prepare the pizza dough and sauce in advance, and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Assemble and bake the pizza when ready to serve.

3. Can I use store-bought sardines?

Yes, just make sure to use high-quality sardines packed in olive oil for the best flavor and texture.

4. Can I add other toppings to this pizza?

Definitely! You can add roasted vegetables, capers, olives, or even a drizzle of balsamic glaze for extra flavor.

5. Is this pizza gluten-free?

This pizza is not gluten-free unless you use a gluten-free pizza crust. You can make the entire recipe gluten-free by opting for a gluten-free dough.

6. Can I freeze this pizza?

While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the pizza after baking. To freeze, place the pizza on a baking sheet and freeze it until solid. Once frozen, wrap it in plastic wrap and aluminum foil and store it in the freezer for up to 2 months.

7. Can I add cheese other than mozzarella?

Yes, you can experiment with different cheeses like goat cheese, feta, or Parmesan for a different twist.

8. Can I use canned tomato sauce instead of homemade?

Yes, canned tomato sauce works fine as long as it is not too watery. You can add herbs or seasoning to it for more flavor.

9. Can I use fresh sardines instead of canned ones?

Fresh sardines can be used if available, but they will need to be cooked first and then added as a topping. Canned sardines are already cooked and ready to use.

10. How do I make the crust crispy?

To get a crispy crust, make sure your oven is preheated to a high temperature, and use a pizza stone if you have one.

Conclusion

The Sardine Margherita is a gourmet twist on the classic Margherita pizza, with bold and rich sardines adding an oceanic flavor that pairs perfectly with fresh basil, mozzarella, and tangy tomato sauce. Quick to make and packed with healthy omega-3s, this pizza is a deliciously unique option for seafood lovers and adventurous eaters. Try this recipe and elevate your pizza night with a new, exciting flavor combination!