🍕🍄 How to Make Authentic Pizza Capricciosa | Italian-Style Mixed Topping Delight

Pizza Capricciosa is a classic Italian pizza loaded with a variety of flavorful toppings like ham, mushrooms, artichokes, and olives on a rich tomato base with melty mozzarella. The name “Capricciosa” means “capricious” or “whimsical”, and the pizza lives up to its name with a playful mix of textures and tastes!

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🧾 Ingredients (For 1–2 Medium Pizzas)

For the Dough:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour or ’00’ pizza flour
• 1 tsp active dry yeast
• 1 tsp sugar
• 3/4 cup warm water
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 tbsp olive oil

For the Toppings:

• 1/2 cup tomato sauce (seasoned with salt, pepper, and a bit of oregano)
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded or sliced
• 1/4 cup cooked ham, chopped or sliced
• 1/4 cup canned artichoke hearts, quartered
• 1/4 cup black olives, pitted
• 1/4 cup mushrooms, thinly sliced (preferably sautéed)
• Olive oil – for drizzling
• Fresh basil or oregano – for garnish (optional)

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👨‍🍳 Instructions

🔹 Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. In a bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until frothy.
2. Add flour, salt, and olive oil. Knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth.
3. Cover and let rise for 1–2 hours, or until doubled.

🔹 Step 2: Preheat & Prep

1. Preheat oven to 250°C (480°F) or highest setting.
2. Prepare all toppings (slice mushrooms, chop ham, drain artichokes, etc.).

🔹 Step 3: Assemble the Pizza

1. Roll out the dough on a floured surface into a thin round.
2. Spread tomato sauce evenly, leaving the edges bare.
3. Add mozzarella cheese first, then layer with ham, artichokes, olives, and mushrooms.
4. Drizzle with olive oil.

🔹 Step 4: Bake

1. Bake in the oven for 7–10 minutes, or until the crust is crisp and cheese is golden.
2. Garnish with fresh basil or oregano, and serve hot.

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🍽️ Serving Suggestions

• Pair with a glass of Italian red wine or sparkling lemonade.
• Great for weekend dinners or entertaining guests.

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💡 Tips & Variations

• Want it vegetarian? Skip the ham and add more veggies like bell peppers or zucchini.
• Add hard-boiled egg slices for a traditional Roman-style touch.
• Use a pizza stone for the crispiest crust.