Ultimate Pastrami Pizza Recipe: A Bold Twist on Your Favorite Comfort Food

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Written By Nittany Pizza

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Imagine the smoky, savory flavors of pastrami paired with the gooey, cheesy goodness of pizza. Pastrami pizza is the ultimate fusion of deli comfort and classic Italian indulgence, creating a mouthwatering experience you didn’t know you needed. Whether you’re a pizza lover looking to try something new or a pastrami fan craving a creative twist, this dish is guaranteed to impress.

Ingredients

Ingredients
Ingredients

Prepare to make the ultimate pastrami pizza by gathering everything you need. Follow this breakdown for the dough, sauce, and toppings to create this mouthwatering creation.

For The Dough

  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast
  • ¾ cup warm water (around 110°F)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

For The Pizza Sauce

  • 1 cup canned crushed tomatoes
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1 garlic clove (minced)
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon dried basil
  • ½ teaspoon sugar
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

For The Toppings

  • 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 6 oz pastrami (sliced into bite-sized pieces)
  • ½ cup pickles (thinly sliced)
  • ¼ cup red onions (thinly sliced)
  • 1 teaspoon caraway seeds (optional, for extra deli flavor)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)

Tools And Equipment

To make the perfect pastrami pizza, you’ll need a variety of essential tools and equipment. These will ensure your preparation process is smooth and results in a deliciously baked pizza.

  • Mixing Bowl: For combining your dough ingredients until smooth and elastic.
  • Measuring Cups And Spoons: Precise measurements guarantee the right dough consistency and perfect sauce seasoning.
  • Rolling Pin: This helps to roll out your pizza dough to your preferred thickness.
  • Pizza Stone Or Baking Sheet: A pizza stone gives a crispier crust, while a baking sheet works as a great alternative.
  • Pizza Cutter Or Sharp Knife: Essential for easily slicing your finished pizza into servings.
  • Cutting Board: Use this to chop toppings like pickles and red onions without causing a mess.
  • Silicone Spatula: Helpful for spreading sauce evenly across the pizza base.
  • Oven Mitts Or Heatproof Gloves: Protect your hands when handling the hot pizza stone or baking sheet.
  • Grater: Shred your mozzarella cheese effortlessly for that melty topping.

Gather these tools ahead of time to streamline your cooking process. These essentials will make assembling your pastrami pizza more enjoyable and effective.

Directions

Directions
Directions

Follow these steps to create your delicious pastrami pizza. Each stage focuses on building flavor and texture for a perfect balance of smoky pastrami and cheesy goodness.

Preparing The Dough

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 1/4 teaspoons of active dry yeast and 1 1/2 cups of warm water (about 110°F). Stir gently and let it sit for 5 minutes until frothy.
  2. Add 3 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons of salt, and 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the yeast mixture. Stir until the dough starts forming.
  3. Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  4. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for 1–1.5 hours until doubled in size.

Making The Pizza Sauce

  1. Heat a saucepan over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
  2. Sauté 2 minced garlic cloves for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Pour in 1 cup of canned crushed tomatoes. Stir well to combine.
  4. Add 1 teaspoon each of dried oregano and basil, and a pinch of salt. Simmer the sauce for 10 minutes until thickened.
  5. Set the sauce aside to cool slightly before using.

Prepping The Toppings

  1. Slice 1 cup of pastrami into thin strips for easy layering.
  2. Shred 2 cups of mozzarella cheese using a grater.
  3. Thinly slice 1/2 cup of red onions and 1/2 cup of pickles to enhance flavor balance.
  4. Arrange all toppings on a cutting board for quick assembly.

Assembling The Pastrami Pizza

  1. Preheat your oven to 475°F and place a pizza stone or baking sheet inside to heat.
  2. Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface into a 12-inch circle or your preferred shape.
  3. Transfer the dough to parchment paper for easier handling.
  4. Spread an even layer of the prepared pizza sauce over the dough, leaving about a half-inch border.
  5. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the sauce.
  6. Top with strips of pastrami, red onion slices, and pickle rounds.
  7. Carefully slide the pizza onto the preheated stone or baking sheet and bake for 12–15 minutes, until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbling.
  8. Remove the pizza from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing with a pizza cutter. Serve warm and enjoy!

Cooking The Pastrami Pizza

Cooking The Pastrami Pizza
Cooking The Pastrami Pizza

Begin by preheating your oven to 475°F (245°C) to ensure it’s hot and ready for baking. If you are using a pizza stone, place it in the oven while preheating. A baking sheet works as a great alternative if you don’t own a pizza stone.

Lightly flour your work surface before rolling out the risen pizza dough. Roll the dough into a 12-inch circle or your preferred shape, ensuring an even thickness throughout. Transfer the dough to a pizza peel or directly onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Spread the prepared pizza sauce evenly across the surface of the dough, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges for the crust. Use the silicone spatula for precision here. Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce to create the base layer of cheesy goodness.

Distribute the sliced pastrami generously across the pizza for its signature smoky flavor. Add the pickles and red onion slices as toppings for complementary briny and slightly sweet bursts of flavor. Top it off with the remaining mozzarella cheese to bind everything together as it bakes.

Carefully slide the assembled pizza onto the preheated pizza stone or place the baking sheet in the oven. Bake for about 12 to 15 minutes, monitoring closely as the crust should turn golden brown and the cheese melts into bubbly perfection.

Remove the pizza from the oven using your oven mitts. Let it cool for 2 to 3 minutes on a wire rack before slicing. Use a sharp pizza cutter or knife for clean, even cuts. Serve and savor the delicious harmony of flavors in your homemade pastrami pizza.

Serving Suggestions

Serving Suggestions
Serving Suggestions

Serve your pastrami pizza hot and fresh for the best flavor experience. Slice it into even portions using a pizza cutter or sharp knife. Pair it with a side of tangy coleslaw or a crisp garden salad to complement the rich, smoky pastrami flavors.

Consider offering a selection of dipping sauces such as garlic aioli or creamy ranch for added indulgence. Cold beverages like iced tea, lemonade, or a crisp lager work wonderfully to balance the savory notes of the pizza.

For a deli-inspired presentation, plate the pizza alongside dill pickles or an extra side of pastrami for guests to enjoy. If serving at a party, cut the pizza into smaller slices or strips to create easy-to-hold appetizers.

Finally, store any leftovers in the refrigerator for up to two days, and reheat in the oven to preserve the crispy crust and melted cheese textures.

Make-Ahead Tips

Preparing some elements in advance can make the process of making pastrami pizza quicker and more streamlined. You can start by making the pizza dough ahead of time. After kneading the dough and letting it rise, refrigerate it in an airtight container for up to 24 hours. This not only saves time but also enhances the flavor as the dough develops overnight.

The pizza sauce can be cooked ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Use a sealed jar or container to preserve its freshness. When you’re ready to assemble the pizza, warm the sauce slightly before spreading it over the dough for easier application.

Prepping the toppings beforehand is another excellent time-saver. Slice your pastrami, shred the mozzarella, and chop the red onions and pickles the day before. Store each ingredient in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator to maintain their texture and taste.

If you’re hosting a gathering, consider pre-rolling the pizza dough into 12-inch circles and layering parchment paper between each rolled-out dough. Stack them carefully in the fridge so they’re ready to use as soon as it’s time to assemble.

Conclusion

Pastrami pizza offers a creative and flavorful twist on traditional pizza, making it a must-try for your next culinary adventure. With its smoky, cheesy, and tangy layers, this dish is sure to impress your taste buds and anyone you share it with.

By following the steps and tips provided, you can effortlessly create a homemade masterpiece that’s both satisfying and unique. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or treating yourself to something special, pastrami pizza is a delightful way to elevate your pizza game.

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