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!

Sardine Margherita: A Unique Seafood Twist on Classic Pizza
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes (Instant Pot)
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 sandwiches
- Category: Sandwich
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: American
Description
French Dip Sandwich is a classic American comfort food made with thinly sliced beef, caramelized onions, melted provolone cheese, and served on a toasted hoagie roll with savory broth for dipping. Made in the Instant Pot, this recipe is quick, easy, and perfect for a hearty lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
For the Sandwich:
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
To Serve:
4 6-inch hoagie rolls
4 slices provolone cheese
4 tablespoons butter (for toasting the hoagie rolls) *optional*
Instructions
- Caramelize the Onions: Heat 3-4 tablespoons of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sliced onions and cook, stirring often, until translucent and caramelized, about 10 minutes. Remove half of the onions to a bowl and set aside.
- Prepare the Instant Pot: Add remaining onions, beef, Worcestershire sauce, fish sauce, salt, pepper, beef broth, garlic, and rosemary to the Instant Pot. Seal the lid, set valve to ‘seal’, and cook on ‘high’ for 10 minutes. Let the pressure release naturally for 15 minutes before opening the lid.
- Assemble the Sandwiches: Butter hoagie rolls and toast them lightly in a skillet. Once beef is done, stir it and spoon the beef and onions onto the toasted rolls. Top with provolone cheese.
- Serve: Serve with au jus (broth) for dipping. Enjoy your French Dip Sandwich!
Notes
To avoid sogginess, serve the au jus on the side for dipping.
To make it spicier, add cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the beef mixture.
For gluten-free, use gluten-free rolls.
Make it ahead by preparing the beef and onions and reheating before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 1100mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 70mg