Dinner

Pizza Capricciosa Recipe

Name: Pizza Capricciosa Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 classic pizza dough (wood-fired Italian style); 1 fast no-yeast pizza dough (excellent alternative); or 1 store-bought pizza dough (30cm/12″); 1/4 cup tomato paste; 1/4 tsp cooking salt or kosher salt; 1/2 tsp white sugar; 1/2 tbsp water; 1/2 garlic clove, finely minced (optional); 1/8 tsp each dried parsley, basil, and oregano (optional); 1 1/3 cups (130 g) mozzarella cheese, freshly shredded; 1/2 cup artichokes from a jar, preferably oil-packed, drained and sliced; 3 button mushrooms, sliced 3 mm / 1/8″; 2/3 cup (70 g) shaved leg ham, torn into pieces (thinner slices preferred); 1/4 cup sliced kalamata olives or black olives

ByJack Voss March 29, 2026March 29, 2026

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Introduction

Pizza Capricciosa is a classic Italian favorite loaded with savory toppings like ham, artichokes, mushrooms, and olives on a cheesy, flavorful base. This recipe offers a quick homemade sauce paired with your choice of dough for a delicious, crispy pizza experience.

A close-up of a pizza with a golden brown crust showing three visible slices, topped with a layer of tomato sauce under melted white cheese. On top are thin, light pink slices of ham, light brown sautéed mushroom slices, pale yellow artichoke hearts, and dark sliced black olives scattered evenly. The pizza rests on white parchment paper over a white marbled surface, with a folded slice being gently held by a woman's hand on the right side. Some loose olive slices and artichoke pieces are placed around the pizza. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 classic pizza dough (wood-fired Italian style) or 1 fast no-yeast pizza dough (your choice)
1/4 cup tomato paste
1/4 tsp cooking salt or kosher salt
1/2 tsp white sugar
1/2 tbsp water
1/2 garlic clove, finely minced (optional)
1/8 tsp each dried parsley, basil, and oregano (optional)
1 1/3 cup (130 g) mozzarella cheese, freshly shredded
1/2 cup artichokes (from a jar, preferably oil-packed, drained and sliced)
3 button mushrooms, cut into 3 mm (1/8″) slices
2/3 cup (70 g) shaved leg ham, torn into pieces (thinner is better)
1/4 cup sliced kalamata olives (or black olives)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 250°C (480°F), using either fan or standard setting. Allow it to heat thoroughly for a crispy crust.
Step 2: Prepare the pizza sauce by mixing tomato paste, salt, sugar, water, garlic, and dried herbs in a small bowl. Set aside.
Step 3: Stretch out your chosen pizza dough onto a pizza pan or baking tray, following the instructions for your dough type. Avoid using a rolling pin to preserve texture.
Step 4: Spread the sauce evenly over the pizza dough, leaving about a 1 cm (1/2″) border around the edges. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese first, then distribute ham, olives, artichoke slices, and mushroom slices across the pizza. If using no-yeast dough, lightly brush or spray the exposed crust with olive oil.
Step 5: Bake the pizza for 10 to 12 minutes, turning it after 4 minutes to ensure even cooking. The pizza is ready when the cheese has golden spots and the crust is crispy. Slice and serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

For a crisper crust, use a pizza stone preheated in the oven.
Substitute fresh basil leaves for dried herbs in the sauce for a brighter flavor.
Try adding sliced artichoke hearts and prosciutto as delicious variations on the topping.
If you prefer less salt, reduce or omit olives.

Storage

Store leftover pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a hot oven or skillet to restore crispiness rather than using a microwave, which can make the crust soggy.