Eggs cook to sunny-side-up perfection in a smoky, spicy tomato sauce on this over-the-top grilled shakshuka pizza. Combining the flavors of shakshuka with pizza results in a delicious fusion, offering the comfort of pizza with the warmth and spice of shakshuka. Topped with mozzarella, feta, and fresh herbs, it’s the perfect dish for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients
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4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
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2 Anaheim peppers, roughly chopped
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1 medium yellow onion, roughly chopped
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4 garlic cloves, minced
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1 teaspoon ground cumin
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1 teaspoon smoked paprika
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2 tablespoons tomato paste
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2 (14.5-ounce) cans diced tomatoes
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½ teaspoon sea salt
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1 teaspoon sugar
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Flour, for dusting
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1 pound raw pizza dough (store-bought or homemade, room temperature)
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1 ½ cups grated mozzarella cheese
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4 large eggs
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Freshly cracked black pepper
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¾ cup crumbled feta
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2 tablespoons minced fresh flat-leaf parsley
Directions
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Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add Anaheim peppers and onions, cooking until softened, about 8 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook for another minute. Add cumin, paprika, and tomato paste, and cook until well incorporated.
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Reduce heat to medium, add diced tomatoes, and simmer for 25-30 minutes until thickened. Stir in salt and sugar.
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Preheat the grill on medium-high. Dust a rimless sheet pan with flour and roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to a 14-inch diameter and ¼-inch thickness. Brush the top with 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
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Place the dough, oiled side down, on the grill, cooking until slightly puffed, about 3 minutes. Flip the dough and place it on the prepared sheet pan with the oiled side up. Spread a thick layer of shakshuka sauce over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border. Sprinkle with mozzarella.
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Create 4 wells in the cheese and sauce, then crack 1 egg into each well. Season the eggs with freshly cracked black pepper.
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Reduce the grill to medium, oil the grates with the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil, and return the pizza to the grill. Close the lid and cook until the crust is browned and egg whites are firm, about 5 minutes.
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Once done, sprinkle with crumbled feta, parsley, and flaky salt, and serve.
Nutrients
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Calories: 673
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Protein: 30g
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Carbohydrates: 69g
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Total Fat: 31g
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Dietary Fiber: 2g
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Cholesterol: 201mg
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Sodium: 687mg
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Total Sugars: 12g
Enjoy this delicious, smoky shakshuka pizza with a unique twist of sunny-side-up eggs!
Why Shakshuka Pizza is the Ultimate Fusion Dish
Shakshuka is a North African and Middle Eastern dish traditionally made by poaching eggs in a spicy, flavorful tomato sauce. By incorporating shakshuka’s smoky, spiced sauce into the familiar format of pizza, you get the best of both worlds. Pizza is universally loved for its crispy crust, melted cheese, and endless topping combinations. When paired with the richness and heat of shakshuka, it becomes an elevated, flavorful dish that satisfies both your craving for comfort food and your desire for something more exciting.
This shakshuka pizza works for various occasions, whether you’re looking for a hearty breakfast or a show-stopping dish for a casual dinner. The smoky tomato sauce infuses the crust with warmth and spice, while the eggs add a rich, creamy texture to the pizza. The toppings of mozzarella, feta, and fresh parsley provide a perfect balance of richness, tang, and freshness, making each bite an experience.
The Key Ingredients of Shakshuka Pizza
The magic of this dish lies in its simple yet powerful ingredients. Olive oil, Anaheim peppers, and yellow onions form the foundation of the shakshuka sauce, providing a savory base with just the right amount of sweetness and heat. Garlic, cumin, and smoked paprika add layers of flavor, creating a deep, aromatic sauce that pairs beautifully with the other ingredients.
The tomato paste and canned diced tomatoes give the sauce its signature rich, tangy flavor. The salt and sugar balance the acidity of the tomatoes, allowing the other spices to shine. The pizza dough is lightly brushed with olive oil, allowing it to cook to a golden crisp on the grill before being topped with the shakshuka sauce, mozzarella, and sunny-side-up eggs.
The choice of mozzarella and feta as the cheeses is key. Mozzarella provides a gooey, melty texture, while feta offers a tangy, briny contrast that cuts through the richness of the cheese and eggs. Finally, a sprinkle of fresh parsley and flaky salt on top of the cooked pizza adds freshness and an extra burst of flavor.
Grilled Shakshuka Pizza: The Cooking Method
This recipe calls for grilling the pizza, which imparts a subtle smokiness and crispness to the crust that you can’t achieve in a regular oven. Grilling the dough gives it a perfect, slightly charred finish that complements the rich shakshuka sauce and melty cheese. The method of first grilling the dough on one side, then flipping it and adding toppings, ensures that the crust stays firm enough to hold the weight of the sauce, cheese, and eggs.
Cooking the pizza on the grill also allows the eggs to cook perfectly. The hot, closed environment of the grill helps the egg whites firm up while keeping the yolks sunny-side-up, providing the perfect balance of cooked whites and runny yolks. This technique results in a pizza that’s not only visually stunning but also packed with flavors from the spicy shakshuka sauce, melty cheese, and perfectly cooked eggs.
How to Serve Shakshuka Pizza
Shakshuka pizza is a versatile dish that can be served in many ways. For breakfast or brunch, it’s a filling and exciting alternative to traditional eggs and toast. The smoky, spiced sauce combined with the richness of the eggs makes it a hearty and satisfying meal that is both comforting and full of flavor.
For lunch or dinner, shakshuka pizza pairs wonderfully with a simple side salad. Consider serving it with a fresh green salad or a tomato cucumber salad to balance the richness of the pizza. If you’re feeling indulgent, serve it with a side of roasted vegetables or grilled meats to round out the meal. The vibrant flavors of the shakshuka sauce work beautifully with fresh greens, making this pizza an excellent dish for all types of gatherings.
Creative Variations of Shakshuka Pizza
While the classic shakshuka pizza recipe is already flavorful and fulfilling, there are endless ways to customize it to suit your tastes. For a spicier kick, you can add a dash of chili flakes or swap in hotter peppers for the Anaheim peppers. If you prefer a more smoky flavor, try adding a small amount of chipotle or smoked chili powder to the shakshuka sauce.
For those who enjoy a bit of crunch, you could add thinly sliced bell peppers or zucchini to the toppings, enhancing both the texture and flavor of the pizza. You could also experiment with different cheeses, such as goat cheese for a tangier flavor or a blend of cheeses for a richer taste.
Vegetarians can easily modify the recipe by adding vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or eggplant to the shakshuka sauce before adding it to the pizza. If you prefer a meatier version, adding sausage or bacon to the toppings will bring an additional savory depth to the dish.
Meal Prep and Leftovers
Shakshuka pizza is perfect for meal prep. If you have leftover pizza, it stores well in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. To reheat, simply place it on a baking sheet in a preheated oven at 375°F for 10-15 minutes or until warmed through. If you prefer, you can also reheat individual slices in a skillet for a crispy crust.
If you’re preparing the sauce in advance, you can make the shakshuka sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to three days. When you’re ready to make the pizza, all you need to do is grill the dough, add the sauce, and top with mozzarella, eggs, and feta.
Conclusion: Why You Should Try Shakshuka Pizza
Shakshuka pizza is a delightful fusion of two beloved dishes—pizza and shakshuka—that brings together the best of both worlds. The spicy, smoky shakshuka sauce, paired with sunny-side-up eggs, mozzarella, and feta, creates a flavorful pizza that’s perfect for any meal of the day. Whether you’re serving it for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner, this dish will undoubtedly impress.
Its versatility, depth of flavor, and beautiful presentation make it the perfect option for gatherings, weeknight meals, or a fun weekend brunch. So fire up the grill, gather your ingredients, and enjoy this unique, delicious twist on a classic favorite!