Anchovies on pizza—either you love them or you’ve never tried them. These tiny, salty fish pack a punch and can transform a simple pizza into a gourmet experience. But, what goes well with anchovies on pizza? In this guide, we’ll dive deep into the world of anchovy pizza, exploring the best toppings, flavor combinations, and recipes that highlight these little umami bombs. Ready to take your pizza game to the next level? Let’s get started!
What Goes Well with Anchovies on Pizza?
Why Pair Anchovies with Other Ingredients?
Anchovies are rich and salty, providing a strong umami flavor that can be quite intense on its own. Pairing them with the right ingredients can balance their saltiness and enhance the overall taste of your pizza. The key is to find toppings that complement and mellow the anchovies’ bold flavor without overpowering it.
Classic Toppings to Pair with Anchovies
Olives: Salty and Savory Match
Olives and anchovies are a classic combination. Both have a briny taste, but olives bring a different type of savory flavor that pairs well with the saltiness of anchovies. Black olives, in particular, add a nice contrast and balance.
Capers: A Burst of Flavor
Capers, with their tangy and salty taste, are another excellent match for anchovies. They add little bursts of flavor that complement the anchovies perfectly. Scatter a few capers over your pizza to enhance the overall taste.
Red Onions: Sweet and Sharp
Red onions add a touch of sweetness and a bit of crunch to your anchovy pizza. Their sharpness contrasts nicely with the salty anchovies, creating a well-rounded flavor profile. Thinly slice the onions for the best texture.
Unique Pairings with Anchovies
Goat Cheese: Creamy and Tangy Delight
Goat cheese’s creamy texture and tangy flavor pair wonderfully with anchovies. It adds a rich and luxurious element to your pizza, balancing the strong taste of the anchovies.
Artichokes: A Mediterranean Twist
Artichokes bring a slightly nutty and sweet flavor that pairs well with the saltiness of anchovies. This Mediterranean-inspired combination can elevate your pizza to a new level of deliciousness.
Spinach: Fresh and Earthy
Spinach adds a fresh, earthy flavor that complements the bold taste of anchovies. Plus, it brings a pop of color and a healthy touch to your pizza. Add spinach leaves towards the end of baking to retain their vibrant green color.
How to Make the Perfect Anchovy Pizza?
Tips for Creating Delicious Anchovy Pizzas
- Balance the Flavors: Combine salty, sweet, and savory ingredients to create a balanced pizza. Anchovies are salty, so pair them with ingredients that add sweetness or mild flavors.
- Use Quality Ingredients: Fresh, high-quality ingredients can make a big difference in the taste of your pizza. Choose the best anchovies, fresh vegetables, and good-quality cheese.
- Mind the Salt: Anchovies are inherently salty, so be mindful of the salt content in other ingredients. Opt for lower-sodium toppings to avoid an overly salty pizza.
Simple Anchovy Pizza Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 pizza dough
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 8-10 anchovy fillets
- 1/4 cup black olives, sliced
- 1/4 cup red onions, thinly sliced
- Fresh basil leaves (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C).
- Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface and transfer it to a pizza stone or baking sheet.
- Spread the tomato sauce evenly over the dough.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce.
- Arrange the anchovy fillets, black olives, and red onions on top.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly.
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving, if desired.
Table of Anchovy Pizza Pairings
| Ingredient | Flavor Profile | Best Uses |
|---|---|---|
| Olives | Salty, briny | Adds depth and contrast |
| Capers | Tangy, salty | Provides bursts of flavor |
| Red Onions | Sweet, sharp | Adds sweetness and crunch |
| Goat Cheese | Creamy, tangy | Balances saltiness, adds richness |
| Artichokes | Nutty, sweet | Elevates with Mediterranean flair |
| Spinach | Fresh, earthy | Adds freshness and color |
What Are Some Unexpected Pairings with Anchovies?
Pineapple: Sweet and Savory Surprise
Pineapple on pizza is already a topic of debate, but pairing it with anchovies can be a delightful surprise. The sweetness of pineapple offsets the saltiness of anchovies, creating a unique and balanced flavor.
Figs: A Touch of Elegance
Fresh figs add a touch of elegance and sweetness to your anchovy pizza. Their subtle sweetness and soft texture contrast nicely with the strong, salty anchovies, making for an unexpectedly delicious combination.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Intense Flavor Boost
Sun-dried tomatoes provide an intense, concentrated tomato flavor that complements the umami of anchovies. They add a chewy texture and a rich taste that enhances the overall flavor of the pizza.
Walnuts: Crunchy and Nutty
Walnuts add a crunchy texture and a nutty flavor that pairs surprisingly well with anchovies. This combination works especially well on gourmet pizzas, adding an element of sophistication and crunch.
How to Use Anchovy Pairings in Cooking?
Anchovy Pairings in Salads
Anchovies can add a burst of flavor to salads. Here are some ideas:
Classic Caesar Salad
Ingredients:
- 1 head romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup croutons
- 4-6 anchovy fillets, chopped
- Caesar dressing
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, toss the romaine lettuce with Parmesan cheese, croutons, and anchovy fillets.
- Drizzle with Caesar dressing and toss to combine.
- Serve immediately for a delicious and classic Caesar salad.
Anchovy and Artichoke Salad
Ingredients:
- 1 can artichoke hearts, drained and quartered
- 1/4 cup black olives, sliced
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 6-8 anchovy fillets, chopped
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, combine the artichoke hearts, black olives, red onion, and anchovy fillets.
- Drizzle with lemon juice and olive oil.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste and toss gently.
- Serve as a light and flavorful salad.
Anchovy Pairings in Pasta
Anchovies can elevate pasta dishes with their rich umami flavor.
Spaghetti with Anchovies and Capers
Ingredients:
- 1 lb spaghetti
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 8-10 anchovy fillets, chopped
- 2 tbsp capers, rinsed
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
- Grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions:
- Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Add the anchovy fillets and capers, cooking until the anchovies dissolve into the oil.
- Toss the cooked spaghetti into the skillet, mixing well to coat with the sauce.
- Stir in the chopped parsley and red pepper flakes, if using.
- Serve with grated Parmesan cheese.
Anchovy Pairings in Sandwiches
Anchovies can add a savory kick to sandwiches.
Anchovy and Tomato Sandwich
Ingredients:
- 2 slices of crusty bread
- 1 ripe tomato, sliced
- 4-6 anchovy fillets
- Fresh basil leaves
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
- Toast the bread slices until golden brown.
- Drizzle a little olive oil on each slice.
- Layer the tomato slices, anchovy fillets, and fresh basil leaves on one slice of bread.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Top with the other slice of bread, press gently, and enjoy a simple yet flavorful sandwich.
Table of Unexpected Anchovy Pairings
| Ingredient | Flavor Profile | Best Uses |
|---|---|---|
| Pineapple | Sweet, tangy | Adds sweetness, balances saltiness |
| Figs | Sweet, soft | Adds elegance, contrasts salty flavor |
| Sun-Dried Tomatoes | Intense, chewy | Enhances umami, adds rich taste |
| Walnuts | Crunchy, nutty | Adds texture and sophistication |
Conclusion
Anchovies on pizza might be a polarizing topic, but when paired with the right ingredients, they can create a symphony of flavors that delight the palate. From classic combinations like olives and capers to unexpected pairings like pineapple and figs, there’s a world of possibilities to explore. By understanding what goes well with anchovies on pizza, you can elevate your pizza-making skills and surprise your taste buds with new and exciting flavors. So, next time you’re making pizza, don’t shy away from those tiny, flavorful fish. Embrace the anchovy and discover your new favorite pizza topping combinations!
FAQs
What are the best cheese options to pair with anchovies on pizza?
Mozzarella, goat cheese, and Parmesan are excellent choices. They add creaminess and balance the saltiness of the anchovies.
Can I use anchovies in vegetarian dishes?
While anchovies themselves are not vegetarian, you can use them sparingly in dishes to add umami flavor. However, for strict vegetarians, consider using alternatives like miso or soy sauce.
What is the best way to store leftover anchovy pizza?
Store leftover pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or on the stovetop for the best texture.
Can I use anchovy paste instead of whole anchovies on pizza?
Yes, anchovy paste can be used as a substitute. Spread a thin layer on the pizza crust before adding other toppings for a similar flavor boost.
Are there any health benefits to eating anchovies?
Anchovies are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, protein, and essential vitamins and minerals. They can support heart health, reduce inflammation, and provide important nutrients.