Italian pizza is a beloved dish worldwide, known for its thin crust, fresh ingredients, and rich flavors. Whether you’re a fan of the classic Margherita or adventurous with toppings, these 25 classic Italian pizza recipes will guide you to create the perfect slice. Let’s dive into the recipes, complete with ingredients and step-by-step instructions.
1. Margherita Pizza
The quintessential Italian pizza, named after Queen Margherita of Savoy, features simple yet flavorful ingredients.
Ingredients:
- 1 pizza dough ball (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce
- 1 1/2 cups fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
- Fresh basil leaves
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt to taste
Steps:
- Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C) with a pizza stone or baking sheet inside.
- Roll out the pizza dough into a thin circle.
- Spread the tomato sauce evenly over the dough.
- Arrange the mozzarella slices on top.
- Drizzle olive oil and sprinkle salt.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until the crust is golden and cheese is bubbly.
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.
Tip: Use fresh mozzarella for the best melt and flavor. Make sure to slice it thinly to avoid excess moisture that could make the crust soggy.
2. Marinara Pizza
A simple yet flavorful pizza that highlights the freshness of tomatoes and herbs.
Ingredients:
- 1 pizza dough ball
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Fresh basil leaves (optional)
Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 475°F (245°C).
- Roll out the dough into a thin circle.
- Spread the tomato sauce evenly.
- Sprinkle minced garlic and oregano over the sauce.
- Drizzle olive oil on top.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until the crust is crispy.
- Garnish with fresh basil if desired.
Tip: To elevate the garlic flavor, sauté the minced garlic in olive oil for a minute before spreading it on the dough for an extra fragrant base.
3. Quattro Formaggi (Four Cheese Pizza)
A cheese lover’s dream, this pizza combines four types of cheese for a rich and creamy flavor.
Ingredients:
- 1 pizza dough ball
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce (optional)
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/4 cup gorgonzola cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 1/4 cup fontina cheese, shredded
Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 475°F (245°C).
- Roll out the dough into a thin circle.
- Spread tomato sauce (if using) evenly over the dough.
- Sprinkle all four cheeses evenly over the sauce.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let cool slightly before serving.
Tip: For a more balanced cheese blend, use a mix of aged cheeses like Parmesan to cut through the richness of the creamy mozzarella and gorgonzola.
4. Diavola Pizza
Spicy and bold, this pizza is topped with spicy salami and chili flakes.
Ingredients:
- 1 pizza dough ball
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce
- 1 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 10-12 slices of spicy salami
- 1 teaspoon chili flakes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 475°F (245°C).
- Roll out the dough into a thin circle.
- Spread the tomato sauce evenly.
- Sprinkle mozzarella cheese over the sauce.
- Arrange the spicy salami slices on top.
- Sprinkle chili flakes and drizzle olive oil.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until the crust is golden.
Tip: Toast the chili flakes in the olive oil for 30 seconds before drizzling over the pizza to bring out their heat and aroma.
5. Capricciosa Pizza
A hearty pizza loaded with a variety of toppings.
Ingredients:
- 1 pizza dough ball
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 4 slices of ham
- 4 artichoke hearts, sliced
- 4-5 mushrooms, sliced
- 2 tablespoons black olives, sliced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 475°F (245°C).
- Roll out the dough into a thin circle.
- Spread the tomato sauce evenly.
- Sprinkle mozzarella cheese over the sauce.
- Arrange ham, artichoke hearts, mushrooms, and olives on top.
- Drizzle olive oil.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until the crust is crispy.
Tip: Pre-roast the artichoke hearts and mushrooms for a deeper flavor before adding them to the pizza.
6. Prosciutto e Funghi (Ham and Mushroom Pizza)
A classic combination of salty prosciutto and earthy mushrooms.
Ingredients:
- 1 pizza dough ball
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce
- 1 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 4 slices of prosciutto
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 475°F (245°C).
- Roll out the dough into a thin circle.
- Spread the tomato sauce evenly.
- Sprinkle mozzarella cheese over the sauce.
- Arrange mushrooms on top.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes.
- Add prosciutto slices after baking and drizzle olive oil.
Tip: Add the prosciutto after baking to keep it tender and juicy rather than crispy from the oven heat.
7. Quattro Stagioni (Four Seasons Pizza)
A pizza divided into four sections, each representing a season with different toppings.
Ingredients:
- 1 pizza dough ball
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 4 artichoke hearts, sliced
- 4-5 mushrooms, sliced
- 4 slices of ham
- 2 tablespoons black olives, sliced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 475°F (245°C).
- Roll out the dough into a thin circle.
- Spread the tomato sauce evenly.
- Sprinkle mozzarella cheese over the sauce.
- Divide the pizza into four sections.
- Top each section with artichoke hearts, mushrooms, ham, and olives.
- Drizzle olive oil.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until the crust is golden.
Tip: For an extra crispy crust, brush the edges of the dough with olive oil before baking.
8. Pizza al Pesto
A vibrant pizza with a basil pesto base.
Ingredients:
- 1 pizza dough ball
- 1/2 cup basil pesto
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 475°F (245°C).
- Roll out the dough into a thin circle.
- Spread basil pesto evenly over the dough.
- Sprinkle mozzarella cheese on top.
- Arrange cherry tomatoes over the cheese.
- Drizzle olive oil.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until the crust is crispy.
Tip: Use a high-quality pesto to ensure that its fresh, vibrant flavor stands out on the pizza.
9. Pizza alla Napoletana
A traditional Neapolitan pizza with anchovies and capers.
Ingredients:
- 1 pizza dough ball
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 4-5 anchovy fillets
- 1 tablespoon capers
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 475°F (245°C).
- Roll out the dough into a thin circle.
- Spread the tomato sauce evenly.
- Sprinkle mozzarella cheese over the sauce.
- Arrange anchovy fillets and capers on top.
- Drizzle olive oil.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until the crust is golden.
Tip: Try using a bit of anchovy paste in the tomato sauce for a more intense, savory flavor without the full anchovy fillets.
10. Pizza Bianca (White Pizza)
A cheese-based pizza without tomato sauce.
Ingredients:
- 1 pizza dough ball
- 1 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/4 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Fresh rosemary (optional)
Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 475°F (245°C).
- Roll out the dough into a thin circle.
- Sprinkle mozzarella cheese evenly over the dough.
- Add dollops of ricotta cheese on top.
- Sprinkle parmesan cheese.
- Drizzle olive oil and add rosemary if desired.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until the cheese is bubbly.
Tip: For an extra touch of elegance, sprinkle some freshly grated nutmeg over the ricotta for a warm, aromatic kick.
11. Pizza ai Frutti di Mare (Seafood Pizza)
A delightful seafood pizza loaded with fresh flavors from the ocean.
Ingredients:
- 1 pizza dough ball
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 cup mussels, cleaned
- 1/2 cup calamari rings
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 475°F (245°C).
- Roll out the dough into a thin circle.
- Spread the tomato sauce evenly.
- Sprinkle mozzarella cheese over the sauce.
- Arrange shrimp, mussels, and calamari rings on top.
- Sprinkle minced garlic and drizzle olive oil.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until the crust is golden and seafood is cooked.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Tip: To avoid overcooking the seafood, add the shrimp, mussels, and calamari in the last few minutes of baking.
12. Pizza con Patate (Potato Pizza)
A rustic pizza featuring thinly sliced potatoes and rosemary.
Ingredients:
- 1 pizza dough ball
- 2 medium potatoes, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded (optional)
Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 475°F (245°C).
- Roll out the dough into a thin circle.
- Toss the potato slices with olive oil, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
- Arrange the potato slices evenly over the dough.
- Sprinkle mozzarella cheese if desired.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes until the potatoes are tender and the crust is crispy.
Tip: For an extra crispy texture, par-cook the potato slices in the oven or microwave for a few minutes before adding them to the pizza.
13. Pizza alla Romana (Roman-Style Pizza)
A thin and crispy pizza with a light topping of anchovies and olives.
Ingredients:
- 1 pizza dough ball
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 4-5 anchovy fillets
- 2 tablespoons black olives, sliced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 475°F (245°C).
- Roll out the dough into a thin circle.
- Spread the tomato sauce evenly.
- Sprinkle mozzarella cheese over the sauce.
- Arrange anchovy fillets and olives on top.
- Drizzle olive oil.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until the crust is crispy.
Tip: To prevent the anchovies from becoming too salty, rinse them lightly before placing them on the pizza.
14. Pizza con Funghi e Tartufo (Mushroom and Truffle Pizza)
A luxurious pizza with earthy mushrooms and truffle oil.
Ingredients:
- 1 pizza dough ball
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce (optional)
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 1 tablespoon truffle oil
- Fresh thyme leaves
Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 475°F (245°C).
- Roll out the dough into a thin circle.
- Spread tomato sauce if using, or skip for a white pizza.
- Sprinkle mozzarella cheese over the dough.
- Arrange mushrooms on top.
- Drizzle truffle oil and sprinkle thyme leaves.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until the crust is golden.
Tip: Drizzle the truffle oil after baking to preserve its delicate flavor, ensuring it doesn’t cook off in the oven.
15. Pizza con Salsiccia (Sausage Pizza)
A hearty pizza with Italian sausage and peppers.
Ingredients:
- 1 pizza dough ball
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup Italian sausage, crumbled
- 1/2 cup bell peppers, sliced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 475°F (245°C).
- Roll out the dough into a thin circle.
- Spread the tomato sauce evenly.
- Sprinkle mozzarella cheese over the sauce.
- Arrange sausage and bell peppers on top.
- Drizzle olive oil.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until the crust is crispy and sausage is cooked.
Tip: Crumble the sausage and sauté it lightly before adding it to the pizza to enhance its flavor and ensure it cooks evenly.
16. Pizza con Melanzane (Eggplant Pizza)
A vegetarian pizza with roasted eggplant and fresh basil.
Ingredients:
- 1 pizza dough ball
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 small eggplant, sliced and roasted
- Fresh basil leaves
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 475°F (245°C).
- Roll out the dough into a thin circle.
- Spread the tomato sauce evenly.
- Sprinkle mozzarella cheese over the sauce.
- Arrange roasted eggplant slices on top.
- Drizzle olive oil.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until the crust is golden.
- Garnish with fresh basil before serving.
Tip: Roasting the eggplant slices before adding them to the pizza will bring out their natural sweetness and reduce moisture.
17. Pizza con Rucola e Prosciutto (Arugula and Prosciutto Pizza)
A fresh and peppery pizza topped with arugula and prosciutto.
Ingredients:
- 1 pizza dough ball
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 4 slices of prosciutto
- 1 cup arugula
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 475°F (245°C).
- Roll out the dough into a thin circle.
- Spread the tomato sauce evenly.
- Sprinkle mozzarella cheese over the sauce.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until the crust is crispy.
- Top with prosciutto and arugula after baking.
- Drizzle olive oil before serving.
Tip: Add the arugula and prosciutto after the pizza bakes to preserve their fresh texture and flavor.
18. Pizza con Gorgonzola e Pere (Gorgonzola and Pear Pizza)
A sweet and savory pizza with gorgonzola cheese and pears.
Ingredients:
- 1 pizza dough ball
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce (optional)
- 1/2 cup gorgonzola cheese, crumbled
- 1 ripe pear, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 475°F (245°C).
- Roll out the dough into a thin circle.
- Spread tomato sauce if using, or skip for a white pizza.
- Sprinkle gorgonzola cheese over the dough.
- Arrange pear slices on top.
- Drizzle honey and olive oil.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until the crust is golden.
Tip: Use firm, slightly under-ripe pears for a perfect balance of sweetness and texture that won’t get mushy in the oven.
19. Pizza con Cipolle (Onion Pizza)
A caramelized onion pizza with a touch of sweetness.
Ingredients:
- 1 pizza dough ball
- 2 large onions, thinly sliced and caramelized
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Fresh thyme leaves
Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 475°F (245°C).
- Roll out the dough into a thin circle.
- Spread caramelized onions evenly over the dough.
- Sprinkle mozzarella cheese on top.
- Drizzle olive oil and sprinkle thyme leaves.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until the crust is crispy.
Tip: Caramelizing the onions slowly over low heat beforehand will bring out their natural sweetness and prevent them from burning.
20. Pizza con Pancetta e Uovo (Bacon and Egg Pizza)
A breakfast-inspired pizza with crispy pancetta and a runny egg.
Ingredients:
- 1 pizza dough ball
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 4 slices of pancetta
- 2 eggs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 475°F (245°C).
- Roll out the dough into a thin circle.
- Spread the tomato sauce evenly.
- Sprinkle mozzarella cheese over the sauce.
- Arrange pancetta slices on top.
- Bake for 8 minutes, then crack the eggs onto the pizza.
- Bake for another 4-5 minutes until the egg whites are set.
- Drizzle olive oil before serving.
Tip: Crack the eggs carefully to ensure the yolks stay intact, and add them halfway through the baking to keep the whites set while the yolks remain runny.
21. Pizza con Spinaci (Spinach Pizza)
A healthy and flavorful pizza with fresh spinach and ricotta.
Ingredients:
- 1 pizza dough ball
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 cup fresh spinach
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 475°F (245°C).
- Roll out the dough into a thin circle.
- Spread the tomato sauce evenly.
- Sprinkle mozzarella cheese over the sauce.
- Arrange spinach on top and add dollops of ricotta cheese.
- Drizzle olive oil.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until the crust is golden.
Tip: Wilt the spinach slightly in a pan to release excess moisture before placing it on the pizza to prevent a soggy crust.
22. Pizza con Carciofi (Artichoke Pizza)
A tangy and savory pizza with artichoke hearts.
Ingredients:
- 1 pizza dough ball
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 cup artichoke hearts, sliced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 475°F (245°C).
- Roll out the dough into a thin circle.
- Spread the tomato sauce evenly.
- Sprinkle mozzarella cheese over the sauce.
- Arrange artichoke hearts on top.
- Drizzle olive oil.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until the crust is crispy.
Tip: For a deeper flavor, marinate the artichoke hearts in olive oil, garlic, and lemon juice before adding them to the pizza.
23. Pizza con Pomodorini (Cherry Tomato Pizza)
A fresh and vibrant pizza with cherry tomatoes and basil.
Ingredients:
- 1 pizza dough ball
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- Fresh basil leaves
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 475°F (245°C).
- Roll out the dough into a thin circle.
- Spread the tomato sauce evenly.
- Sprinkle mozzarella cheese over the sauce.
- Arrange cherry tomatoes on top.
- Drizzle olive oil.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until the crust is golden.
- Garnish with fresh basil before serving.
Tip: Lightly salt the cherry tomatoes before adding them to the pizza to help release their juices, creating a more flavorful topping.
24. Pizza con Funghi e Salsiccia (Mushroom and Sausage Pizza)
A hearty combination of mushrooms and Italian sausage.
Ingredients:
- 1 pizza dough ball
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup Italian sausage, crumbled
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 475°F (245°C).
- Roll out the dough into a thin circle.
- Spread the tomato sauce evenly.
- Sprinkle mozzarella cheese over the sauce.
- Arrange sausage and mushrooms on top.
- Drizzle olive oil.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until the crust is crispy.
Tip: Brown the sausage in a pan before adding it to the pizza to enhance its flavor and ensure it’s fully cooked.
25. Pizza con Verdure Miste (Mixed Vegetable Pizza)
A colorful and healthy pizza with a variety of vegetables.
Ingredients:
- 1 pizza dough ball
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup bell peppers, sliced
- 1/2 cup zucchini, sliced
- 1/2 cup red onion, sliced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 475°F (245°C).
- Roll out the dough into a thin circle.
- Spread the tomato sauce evenly.
- Sprinkle mozzarella cheese over the sauce.
- Arrange bell peppers, zucchini, and red onion on top.
- Drizzle olive oil.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until the crust is golden.
Tip: Roast the vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini ahead of time to concentrate their flavors and prevent them from releasing too much moisture on the pizza.
Conclusion
These 25 classic Italian pizza recipes showcase the diversity and richness of Italian cuisine. From the simplicity of a Margherita to the bold flavors of a Diavola, there’s a pizza for every taste. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a cozy night in, these recipes will help you create authentic Italian pizzas that are sure to impress. Buon appetito!