Name: Sardine Margherita Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 22 min
Cuisine: Italian Fusion
Ingredients: 1 pre-baked pizza crust or 1 ball of pizza dough; 1/2 cup tomato sauce (preferably San Marzano or pizza sauce); 1 cup fresh mozzarella (sliced or torn); 1 can sardines in olive oil (drained); 1 teaspoon dried oregano or Italian seasoning; 1 tablespoon olive oil; Salt and black pepper to taste; Fresh basil leaves for topping

Description

Sardine Margherita is a delicious twist on the classic Margherita pizza, featuring savory sardines atop a bed of fresh mozzarella and rich tomato sauce on a crispy pre-baked pizza crust or homemade dough. This easy-to-make Italian fusion dish combines the flavors of the sea with traditional herbs and a crispy, golden crust, perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Pizza Base

1 pre-baked pizza crust or 1 ball of pizza dough

Toppings

1/2 cup tomato sauce (preferably San Marzano or pizza sauce)
1 cup fresh mozzarella (sliced or torn)
1 can sardines in olive oil (drained)
1 teaspoon dried oregano or Italian seasoning
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and black pepper to taste
Fresh basil leaves for topping

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Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C) and place a pizza stone or baking sheet inside to heat thoroughly, ensuring a crisp crust.
Prepare the Dough: If using pizza dough, roll it out into a 10–12-inch round on a lightly floured surface to your desired thickness. If using pre-baked crust, proceed to the next step.
Add Sauce and Cheese: Spread the tomato sauce evenly over the crust, leaving a small border around the edges. Arrange the fresh mozzarella slices or torn pieces evenly over the tomato sauce.
Top with Sardines and Seasoning: Gently place the drained sardines on top of the cheese, spacing them out evenly. Drizzle with olive oil, then sprinkle dried oregano or Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper to taste.
Bake the Pizza: Transfer the prepared pizza carefully onto the preheated pizza stone or baking sheet. Bake for 10–12 minutes until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Garnish and Serve: Remove the pizza from the oven and top with fresh basil leaves. Slice into portions and serve hot for the best flavor and texture.

Notes

For extra depth of flavor, try sardines packed in tomato or chili oil instead of plain olive oil.
This pizza pairs excellently with a fresh squeeze of lemon juice to brighten the flavors and a glass of dry white wine.