Crispy Meatball Pizza Recipe

Introduction

This crispy meatball pizza is a delicious way to transform leftovers into a satisfying meal. Loaded with flavorful meatballs, tangy sauce, and melted mozzarella, it’s perfect for a quick dinner or sharing with friends.

Ingredients

• 400g shop-bought or homemade pizza dough, defrosted if frozen
• Plain flour, for dusting
• 200g leftover sauce
• 150g grated mozzarella
• 20 leftover meatballs, whole or roughly chopped
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 2 tsp fennel seeds
• ½ tsp chilli flakes (optional)
• 2 tbsp olive oil, plus a drizzle
• Small handful of green olives, roughly chopped
• Green salad, to serve

Instructions

1. Step 1: Leave the pizza dough at room temperature for 30 minutes to 1 hour to soften. Preheat the oven to 240°C (220°C fan) or gas mark 9. Lightly dust a clean work surface, rolling pin, and your largest baking tray with flour.
2. Step 2: Roll out the dough and stretch it to fit the baking tray. Transfer the dough onto the tray and push it gently into the corners.
3. Step 3: Spread the leftover sauce evenly over the dough, then scatter most of the grated mozzarella on top.
4. Step 4: In a bowl, mix the meatballs with the oregano, fennel seeds, chilli flakes if using, and 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Spoon the meatball mixture evenly over the mozzarella layer.
5. Step 5: Scatter the chopped olives and remaining mozzarella over the top. Drizzle with a little extra olive oil.
6. Step 6: Bake in the oven for about 12 minutes, or until the pizza is crispy and golden.
7. Step 7: Remove from the oven, cut into wedges, and serve with a fresh green salad.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add fresh basil or a drizzle of balsamic glaze before serving.
• Swap green olives for black olives or capers for a different taste.
• If you don’t have leftover meatballs, freshly cooked ones work just as well.
• For a spicier kick, increase the chilli flakes or add sliced jalapeños.

Storage

Store any leftover pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a hot oven or a skillet to maintain crispiness rather than using a microwave.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen dough for this recipe?

Yes, just make sure to defrost the dough completely and let it come to room temperature before rolling it out to achieve the best texture.

What other sauces can I use besides leftover sauce?

You can use any pizza sauce, marinara, or even a simple garlic and herb tomato sauce to suit your taste.

Crispy Meatball Pizza Recipe

---

★★★★★

4.8 from 135 reviews

• Author: Jack
• Total Time: 42-82 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

Pin Recipe

Print Recipe

Description

A delicious and easy Crispy Meatball Pizza perfect for using up leftover meatballs and sauce. This pizza features a crispy base topped with a flavorful combination of mozzarella, oregano, fennel seeds, and a hint of chilli flakes, finished with green olives and served with a fresh green salad.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pizza Base

• 400g shop-bought or homemade pizza dough, defrosted if frozen
• Plain flour, for dusting

Toppings

• 200g leftover sauce
• 150g grated mozzarella
• 20 leftover meatballs, whole or roughly chopped
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 2 tsp fennel seeds
• ½ tsp chilli flakes (optional)
• 2 tbsp olive oil, plus a drizzle
• Small handful of green olives, roughly chopped

To Serve

• Green salad

---

Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough: Leave the pizza dough at room temperature for 30 minutes to 1 hour to allow it to relax and become easier to stretch.
2. Preheat the Oven: Heat the oven to 240°C (220°C fan/gas mark 9) to ensure a hot environment for a crispy crust.
3. Roll Out the Dough: Lightly dust a clean work surface, rolling pin, and your largest baking tray with plain flour. Roll out the dough and stretch it to fit the baking tray, then transfer it over and gently press the dough into the corners.
4. Add Sauce and Cheese: Spread the leftover sauce evenly over the base and sprinkle most of the grated mozzarella on top.
5. Prepare Meatball Topping: In a bowl, combine the meatballs, dried oregano, fennel seeds, chilli flakes (if using), and 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Mix well to coat the meatballs.
6. Assemble the Pizza: Spoon the meatball mixture evenly over the mozzarella layer. Scatter chopped green olives and then sprinkle the remaining mozzarella on top.
7. Drizzle and Bake: Drizzle a little extra olive oil over the pizza and place the baking tray in the preheated oven. Bake for 12 minutes or until the crust is crispy and golden and the cheese has melted beautifully.
8. Serve: Remove the pizza from the oven, cut into wedges, and serve immediately alongside a fresh green salad.

Notes

• Use leftover meatballs and sauce to add flavor and reduce waste.
• If you don’t have fennel seeds, you can omit or substitute with Italian seasoning.
• Adjust chilli flakes according to your heat preference or leave out for a milder pizza.
• Ensure the oven is very hot to achieve a crispy crust.
• You can add additional toppings like fresh basil or arugula after baking for extra freshness.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes (plus 30-60 minutes resting for dough)
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Keywords: crispy meatball pizza, leftover meatballs recipe, easy pizza recipe, homemade pizza, Italian pizza, oven baked pizza