Easy Sardine Margherita Recipe | Mediterranean Twist on Classic Pizza
A bold twist on the classic Margherita! This Sardine Margherita combines fresh tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, fragrant basil, and savory sardines for a Mediterranean-inspired dish that’s rich, flavorful, and unforgettable.
Equipment
- Pizza stone or baking sheet
- Rolling Pin
- Mixing bowl
- Wooden spoon
- Oven preheated to 475°F (245°C)
Ingredients
- 1 ball pizza dough (homemade or store‑bought)
- ½ cup tomato sauce or passata
- 1 cup mozzarella (fresh slices or shredded)
- 4–6 sardines (fresh or canned in olive oil)
- Fresh basil leaves
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Olive oil for drizzling
- Optional: black olives, chili flakes, caramelized onions
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 475°F (245°C).
- Roll out pizza dough to desired thickness and place on a pizza stone or baking sheet.
- Spread tomato sauce evenly over the base.
- Layer mozzarella across the sauce.
- Bake for 5–6 minutes, then add sardines to prevent overcooking.
- Continue baking for another 5–6 minutes until crust is golden and cheese is bubbling.
- Remove from oven, garnish with fresh basil, sprinkle oregano, and drizzle with olive oil.
- Slice and serve hot.
Notes
- Make‑ahead: Prep dough and sauce ahead; assemble just before baking.
- Storage: Refrigerate leftovers for up to 2 days.
- Reheating: Warm in oven at 350°F for crispness. Avoid microwaving—sardines lose texture.
- Common mistakes: Don’t overload with sardines, always use fresh basil, and avoid overbaking.
- Variations: Add black olives, chili flakes, or swap mozzarella for burrata.
- Pairings: Serve with arugula salad and crisp white wine (Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio).