Italian > Pizza > Artichoke Pizza

Caciocotto and Artichoke Pizza Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 pound pizza dough
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup cooked and chopped artichoke hearts
- 1/2 cup sliced black olives
- 1/2 cup sliced pepperoni
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
- 1/4 cup sliced red onion
- 1/4 cup sliced mushrooms
- 1/4 cup sliced green bell pepper
- 1/4 cup sliced yellow bell pepper
- 1/4 cup sliced red bell pepper
- 1/4 cup sliced jalapeno pepper
- 1/4 cup sliced banana pepper
- Salt and pepper to taste

Special Equipment Needed:
- Pizza stone or baking sheet
- Rolling pin
- Pizza cutter

Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 450°F.
2. Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface to desired thickness.
3. Place the pizza dough on a pizza stone or baking sheet.
4. Spread the tomato sauce over the pizza dough.
5. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the tomato sauce.
6. Add the cooked and chopped artichoke hearts, sliced black olives, and sliced pepperoni on top of the cheese.
7. Sprinkle the grated parmesan cheese over the toppings.
8. Add the sliced red onion, mushrooms, green bell pepper, yellow bell pepper, red bell pepper, jalapeno pepper, and banana pepper on top of the parmesan cheese.
9. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
10. Bake the pizza in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
11. Remove the pizza from the oven and sprinkle the chopped fresh basil over the top.
12. Cut the pizza into slices using a pizza cutter.
13. Serve hot.


Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 12-15 minutes
Temperature:
Preheat the oven to 450°F.
Serving size:
This recipe makes one large pizza that serves 4-6 people.

Nutritional information:
Calories: 350
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 30mg
Sodium: 950mg
Carbohydrates: 40g
Fiber: 5g
Sugar: 5g
Protein: 18g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- Instead of pepperoni, you can use cooked and crumbled Italian sausage or sliced ham.
- Instead of artichoke hearts, you can use sliced mushrooms or roasted red peppers.
- Instead of black olives, you can use sliced green olives or capers.
- Instead of mozzarella cheese, you can use provolone cheese or a blend of Italian cheeses.

Variations:
- Add cooked and crumbled bacon on top of the pizza.
- Use a white pizza sauce instead of tomato sauce.
- Add sliced tomatoes on top of the pizza before baking.
- Use a gluten-free pizza dough for a gluten-free version of this recipe.

Tips and Tricks:
- Preheat the pizza stone or baking sheet in the oven before placing the pizza dough on it to ensure a crispy crust.
- Use a light hand when adding toppings to prevent the pizza from becoming too heavy and soggy.
- Let the pizza cool for a few minutes before slicing to prevent the cheese from sliding off.

Storage Instructions:
Leftover pizza can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating Instructions:
Reheat leftover pizza in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes or until heated through.

Presentation Ideas:
Serve the pizza on a large wooden cutting board or pizza stone for a rustic look.

Garnishes:
Garnish the pizza with additional chopped fresh basil or red pepper flakes for added heat.

Pairings:
Serve this pizza with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.

Suggested Side Dishes:
- Caesar salad
- Garlic bread
- Antipasto platter

Troubleshooting Advice:
- If the pizza crust is not crispy enough, try baking it for a few more minutes or placing it on the top rack of the oven.
- If the cheese is not melted enough, try broiling the pizza for a few minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

Food Safety Advice:
- Make sure to cook the pizza to an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure that it is safe to eat.
- Store leftover pizza in the refrigerator within 2 hours of cooking to prevent bacterial growth.

Food History:
Pizza originated in Naples, Italy in the 18th century and has since become a popular dish all over the world.

Flavor Profiles:
This pizza has a savory and slightly spicy flavor from the pepperoni and jalapeno peppers, balanced by the sweetness of the artichoke hearts and bell peppers.

Serving Suggestions:
Serve this pizza as a main dish for a casual dinner party or game day gathering.

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Region: Italian

Taste: Savory, Tangy, Cheesy, Herbal, Aromatic