Looking to elevate your pizza game with something bold and unforgettable? Sardine pizza is the perfect combination of rich, savory flavors and a touch of Mediterranean flair. Whether you’re a seafood lover or just curious to try something new, this dish promises to surprise your taste buds in the best way possible.
Sardines bring a punch of umami that pairs beautifully with gooey cheese, tangy tomato sauce, and a crispy crust. Plus, they’re packed with nutrients, making this pizza as wholesome as it is delicious. It’s a unique twist on a classic favorite, guaranteed to impress at your next dinner or pizza night.
Ingredients

To create a sardine pizza with bold flavors and a perfect balance of textures, you’ll need fresh, high-quality ingredients. Gather the components for the dough, sauce, and toppings to build your masterpiece.
For The Pizza Dough
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1 1/4 cups warm water (around 110°F)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For The Pizza Sauce
- 1 can (14 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
For The Toppings
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 can (4-5 ounces) sardines in olive oil, drained
- 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 10-12 cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 tablespoons capers, rinsed and drained
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley leaves, chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil for drizzling
Tools And Equipment
To make your sardine pizza, gather the following tools and equipment to ensure a smooth and efficient cooking process. Each item plays a key role in achieving the ideal crust, sauce, and toppings.
- Mixing Bowl: Essential for combining ingredients to prepare your pizza dough.
- Measuring Cups And Spoons: Use these for precise measurements of ingredients such as flour, yeast, and spices.
- Rolling Pin: Helps you roll out the dough evenly to achieve the perfect pizza base.
- Pizza Stone Or Baking Sheet: A pizza stone ensures a crispy crust, while a baking sheet also works well if you don’t have the stone.
- Parchment Paper: Prevents sticking and makes transferring the pizza easier.
- Chef’s Knife: Needed for chopping herbs, slicing vegetables, or handling sardines.
- Cutting Board: Provides a sturdy surface for all your slicing and chopping tasks.
- Spatula: Useful for spreading sauce evenly across the pizza dough.
- Oven Mitts: Protect your hands when handling hot equipment or baking your pizza.
- Pizza Cutter Or Sharp Knife: Allows you to slice your freshly baked pizza into neat, shareable portions.
With these tools and equipment, you’ll be well-prepared to make a delicious sardine pizza.
Directions

Creating a delightful sardine pizza from scratch is simpler than you think. Follow these step-by-step directions to ensure perfect results every time.
Prep The Dough
- Combine 2 1/4 teaspoons of active dry yeast with 3/4 cup of warm water in a large mixing bowl. Let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
- Add 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the yeast mixture. Stir until a shaggy dough forms.
- Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a clean, oiled bowl, turning it to coat in the oil. Cover with a damp cloth and let it rise in a warm spot for at least 1 hour or until doubled in size.
Make The Sauce
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add 2 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Stir in 1 can (14 ounces) of crushed tomatoes, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, and 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Add salt to taste.
- Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Once thickened, set it aside to cool.
- Open a can of sardines and drain the oil or water. Gently pat them dry with a paper towel and set aside.
- Thinly slice 1 small red onion. Chop 1/4 cup of fresh parsley for garnishing later.
- Grate 2 cups of mozzarella cheese and crumble 1/4 cup of feta cheese for a creamy flavor boost.
- Preheat your oven to 475°F and place a pizza stone or baking sheet inside to heat.
Assembly
Now it’s time to bring all the elements together and create your sardine pizza. Follow these steps closely to ensure your pizza turns out perfectly balanced and irresistibly delicious.
Roll Out The Dough
Begin by lightly flouring your clean workspace to prevent sticking. Take your risen dough and gently pat it into a flat circle before using a rolling pin to shape it. Work the dough outward from the center, rotating it occasionally to create an even thickness. Aim for a thin crust, approximately 12 inches in diameter, or adjust based on your preferred thickness. Transfer the rolled-out dough to a piece of parchment paper for easy handling.
Add Sauce And Toppings
Spread an even layer of your prepared tomato sauce onto the dough, leaving about half an inch around the edges for the crust. Use the back of a spoon to distribute it smoothly. Afterward, evenly layer shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce, making sure all areas are covered. Arrange the sardines on top, spacing them out to distribute their rich flavor. Sprinkle thinly sliced red onion for a mild crunch and scatter crumbled feta for extra creaminess. Add chopped parsley for a fresh finish and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if you desire a slight kick.
Cooking

Bringing your sardine pizza to life is the most exciting step of the process. With all your ingredients prepped and the pizza assembled, it’s time to bake and perfect your masterpiece.
Bake The Pizza
Place your prepared pizza on the middle rack of the oven. Ensure the oven is preheated to 475°F for optimal crust texture and even cooking. Bake for 12-15 minutes until the edges are golden brown and the cheese bubbles with a slightly toasted finish. Keep an eye on the pizza during the last few minutes to avoid burning. Use oven mitts to carefully remove the pizza from the oven once done.
Final Touches
Let the pizza rest for 5 minutes after baking to allow the toppings to set. Garnish the pizza with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color and extra flavor. If you prefer an additional kick, drizzle a touch of olive oil or a dash of red pepper flakes over the top. Slice with a pizza cutter and serve immediately while warm and gooey.
Serving Suggestions

Sardine pizza is best served fresh out of the oven while the cheese is still gooey and the crust delightfully crisp. Pair it with a fresh side salad to add a bright and refreshing contrast to the pizza’s rich flavors. A simple arugula salad with a light lemon vinaigrette works wonderfully.
For a Mediterranean-inspired meal, consider serving your sardine pizza alongside a plate of marinated olives, hummus, and warm pita bread. This complements the bold, briny flavor of the sardines perfectly. A chilled sparkling water or light white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc pairs well, balancing the savory depth of the pizza.
If you’re hosting a casual dinner, add some roasted vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, or bell peppers as side dishes. Their caramelized sweetness harmonizes beautifully with the salty sardines and creamy cheeses. For spice enthusiasts, a light drizzle of homemade chili oil on your slice brings an additional layer of heat and complexity.
When serving the pizza, use a wooden or marble pizza board for easy slicing and presentation. Garnish with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes to enhance its visual appeal and add a final pop of flavor. Offer some grated Parmesan or a side of lemon wedges so your guests can tailor their pizzas to their taste preferences.
Make-Ahead Tips
You can prepare several components of the sardine pizza ahead of time to streamline the pizza-making process. Start by making the dough up to 24 hours in advance. After kneading, let it rise, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When ready to use, allow it to come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before rolling it out.
Prepare the tomato sauce ahead as well. After cooking, let it cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight jar or container. Refrigerate it for up to three days or freeze it for longer storage. Thaw frozen sauce in the refrigerator overnight when needed.
Slice and chop your toppings, like red onion and parsley, in advance to save time on pizza night. Store them in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator to keep them fresh. Sardines are usually ready to use straight from their tin but can be drained and laid on a paper towel beforehand.
Shred the mozzarella cheese a day or two prior and keep it refrigerated in a resealable bag or container. Crumbled feta cheese can also be prepped ahead and stored the same way. By preparing these elements early, you’ll reduce your hands-on work and spend more time enjoying your flavorful sardine pizza.
Conclusion
Sardine pizza is more than just a meal—it’s an experience that combines bold flavors, wholesome ingredients, and Mediterranean charm. With its perfect balance of textures and vibrant toppings, it’s a dish that stands out and satisfies every time. Whether you’re hosting a dinner or treating yourself to something new, sardine pizza is sure to impress. So roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and enjoy the rewarding process of creating this unique and flavorful pizza.
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