Welcome, fellow pizza enthusiasts, to the world of Matzo Pizza! Whether you’re a fan of thin and crispy crusts, or you prefer a thick and doughy base, this matzo-based masterpiece is sure to have you reaching for seconds.
In this blog post, we’re thrilled to share with you our ultimate matzo pizza recipe. Whether you’re observing Passover or simply in search of a new pizza experience, this recipe is designed to impress.
So, let’s roll up our sleeves and embark on this tasty journey together!
Ingredients For Matzo Pizza Recipe
As we dive into our matzo pizza recipe, let’s first ensure we’ve gathered all the necessary ingredients to bring our creation to life. Here’s what you’ll need and some tips on choosing the best:
1. Whole Canned Tomatoes – San Marzano tomatoes are preferred for their sweet flavor and rich texture.
2. Matzos – Look for matzos that are light and crisp, ensuring that your pizza base will hold up to the toppings without getting soggy.
3. Grated Mozzarella Cheese – Choose a cheese that melts well. A low-moisture mozzarella will give you that delightful, stretchy pull without watering down the matzo.
4. Grated Parmesan Cheese – A sprinkle of high-quality parmesan adds a punch of umami and a salty tang that pairs beautifully with the mellow mozzarella.
5. Selection of Toppings – Here’s where you can get creative. Whether you’re a fan of olives, peppers, onions, mushrooms, or pepperoni, pick fresh, high-quality toppings to elevate your pizza.
6. Kosher Salt – A pinch of kosher salt will enhance the flavors of your pizza; because of its flaky texture and ability to distribute evenly, it’s a staple for seasoning.
7. Extra-Virgin Olive Oil – A drizzle of good olive oil can work wonders. It introduces a fruity, peppery note that complements the rich cheese and acidic tomatoes.
8. Fresh Basil Leaves – The aroma of fresh basil is the final flourish your matzo pizza needs.
Equipment You’ll Need
To make a perfect matzo pizza, having the right equipment on hand will make the process smooth and enjoyable. Here’s the gear you’ll need to create your at-home pizzeria:
1. Fine-mesh Strainer – Essential for draining your tomatoes to avoid a soggy pizza base.
2. Oven – A must-have for baking your pizza to cheesy perfection.
3. Foil-lined Baking Sheet – It not only provides a flat surface for your matzos to bake on but also makes cleanup a breeze.
4. Cheese Grater – For freshly grated mozzarella and parmesan, the finer the grate, the better the melt.
5. Wide, Stiff Spatula – This will help in transferring your pizza while keeping it intact.
6. Large Nonstick or Cast Iron Skillet – Used for crisping the bottom of your pizza, so every bite has that essential crunch.
7. Cutting Board – You’ll need a sturdy surface to cut your pizzas on before serving.
How To Make Matzo Pizza?
Creating the perfect matzo pizza is easy and fun. Here’s a step-by-step guide to crafting your homemade culinary delight:
Step 1: Prepare The Oven and Baking Sheet
Begin by preheating your oven to 500°F (260°C). Line a baking sheet with foil for easy cleanup and set aside.
Step 2: Drain The Tomatoes
Pour your whole canned tomatoes into a fine-mesh strainer. Using your fingers, gently break them into 1/2-inch rough chunks and let them drain in the sink to remove excess liquid.
Step 3: Assemble The Matzo Base
Lay out your matzo pieces on the prepared baking sheet. Spread half of the grated mozzarella cheese evenly over each piece.
Step 4: First Bake
Slide the baking sheet into the oven and bake until the cheese is just melted about 3 minutes.
Step 5: Add Toppings
Take the matzo out of the oven and carefully spoon the drained tomato chunks onto the cheesy bases.
Add your favorite toppings and the remaining mozzarella. Season with kosher salt to taste.
Step 6: Second Bake
Place your matzo pizzas back into the oven and bake until everything is hot, bubbly, and irresistible roughly 10 more minutes.
Step 7: Garnish and Crisp
Remove your pizzas from the oven and sprinkle them with the grated parmesan cheese.
Heat 2 teaspoons of extra-virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Then, using a wide, stiff spatula, transfer the pizzas to the skillet and cook until the bottoms are crisped to your liking.
Step 8: Serve
Transfer the pizzas to a cutting board. Cut into desired servings, drizzle with a little more olive oil, and garnish with fresh basil leaves, if you like.
Serve hot and enjoy your crunchy, cheesy matzo pizza!
How Can You Customize Your Matzo Pizza To Suit Any Taste?
The versatility of the matzo pizza recipe means you can tailor it to suit any preference or dietary requirement with ease.
1. Tweak The Sauce
Swap out the tomato sauce for pesto for a nutty, garlicky flavor, or use a rich, creamy béchamel sauce for a white pizza.
You can even spice it up with some arrabbiata sauce for those who prefer a kick.
2. Go Wild With Cheese
Beyond mozzarella and parmesan, there’s a whole world of cheese to explore. Try goat cheese for a creamy tang or smoked gouda for a touch of sophistication.
Moreover, mixing cheeses can create a more complex flavor profile.
3. Veggies Galore
Add color and freshness with a variety of vegetables.
Roasted red peppers, sun-dried tomatoes, artichoke hearts, or caramelized onions all offer deep, rich flavors. For a crunch, sprinkle on some arugula or spinach leaves after baking.
4. Meat Lover’s Delight
For the carnivores, a selection of meats can turn a simple matzo pizza into a hearty feast. Consider adding pepperoni, cooked sausage, prosciutto, or even some barbecued chicken.
5. Unique Toppings
Don’t shy away from non-traditional toppings. Figs, pears, or apples can sweeten things up, while olives, capers, or anchovies can bring salty, briny notes to the pizza.
6. Finish Strong
After baking, finishing touches like a drizzle of high-quality olive oil, a squeeze of lemon, or a dusting of fresh Parmesan cheese can elevate the pizza from good to great.
Remember, the most important tip when customizing your matzo pizza is to balance your flavors and textures. Happy topping!
Top Tips For The Perfect Matzo Pizza
Achieving matzo pizza perfection is both an art and a science. Here are some top tips to elevate your pizza game to professional levels.
1. Opt for even cheese distribution
2. Preheat the skillet before crisping
3. Use a variety of fresh herbs
4. Monitor oven temperatures closely
5. Experiment with different matzo brands
6. Maintain a thin toppings layer
7. Chill dough for easier handling if needed
8. Drizzle olive oil for flavor enhancement after baking
9. Serve immediately for the best texture
Conclusion
In conclusion, with this comprehensive guide, from selecting ingredients to the final garnish, you’ve learned to create a matzo pizza recipe that is guaranteed to impress.
Whether you opt for classic toppings or explore unique combinations, the possibilities are endless. Gather your friends and family and share the joy of cooking together with this simple yet delicious customizable dish.
So, heat up your oven and let the matzo pizza adventure begin!
Matzo Pizza
Ingredients
- 4 pieces of matzo
- 1 can (28 ounces) of whole peeled tomatoes
- 2 cups of grated mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1/2 cup of grated parmesan cheese
- 2 teaspoons of extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling
- Fresh basil leaves (optional)
- Kosher salt to taste
- Your choice of additional toppings (sliced pepperoni, sautéed vegetables, anchovies, etc.)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 500°F (260°C). Line a baking sheet with foil and set aside.
- Pour canned tomatoes into a fine-mesh strainer. Break them into rough chunks with your fingers and let them drain to remove excess liquid.
- Arrange the matzo pieces on the prepared baking sheet. Evenly distribute half of the grated mozzarella on each matzo piece.
- Place the baking sheet in the oven, and bake until the cheese melts, about 3 minutes.
- Remove the tray from the oven. Spoon the drained tomato chunks onto the melted cheese base, then add your chosen toppings and the rest of the mozzarella cheese. Season with kosher salt.
- Return the baking sheet to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes, until the toppings are hot and the cheese is bubbly.
- While the pizzas are baking, heat 2 teaspoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Take the pizzas out of the oven and sprinkle with parmesan cheese. Then, using a wide spatula, transfer each pizza to the skillet and cook until the bottoms are crisped to your preference.
- Move the pizzas to a cutting board, cut them into servings, drizzle with a little more olive oil, and, if you wish, add fresh basil leaves on top.
- Serve immediately and enjoy your homemade matzo pizzas!