Pizza Crudaiola Recipe Guide

Pizza Crudaiola is a delightful Italian specialty, bursting with the fresh flavors of juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil all piled on top of a crispy, golden crust. This “raw” or “uncooked” pizza topping method keeps ingredients vibrant and is an excellent choice for a light yet satisfying pizza. From my own personal experience, the combination of textures and flavors is irresistible, making this pizza one of my favorites to prepare, especially in warmer months. Let me show you how I make Pizza Crudaiola, with all the details you’ll need to perfect this dish.

Notes on What to Expect

Pizza Crudaiola is meant to be enjoyed as soon as it’s assembled. The combination of warm, crispy dough with fresh, cool toppings creates a lovely contrast. The tomatoes will release a bit of juice, mingling with the olive oil to form a natural sauce. This pizza has a light, airy feel, so it’s perfect for sharing as an appetizer or enjoying as a fresh, summery meal.

Recipe Overview

• Cuisine: Italian
• Course: Main Dish
• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 25 minutes (plus dough rising time)
• Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
• Time to Stand: 10 minutes (to let the dough rest)
• Total Time: ~1 hour 45 minutes
• Ease of Cooking: Beginner-friendly
• Calories per Serving: ~280 kcal
• Cost of Ingredients: Moderate

Equipment Needed

• Large mixing bowl
• Clean kitchen towel
• Baking sheet or pizza stone
• Rolling pin
• Pastry brush
• Spoon for spreading sauce
• Sharp knife
• Cutting board
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Ingredients

For the Pizza Dough:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1 packet (7g) active dry yeast
• ¾ cup warm water (110°F)
• 1 tbsp olive oil

For the Topping:

• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup fresh mozzarella, torn into pieces
• ¼ cup fresh basil leaves
• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tsp sea salt
• Freshly ground black pepper to taste
• Optional: ¼ cup arugula for added flavor and color
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Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, dissolve the sugar in warm water, then add the yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it’s foamy.
2. Mix the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the activated yeast mixture and olive oil, stirring to form a dough.
3. Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic.
4. First Rise: Shape the dough into a ball and place it back into a greased bowl. Cover with a kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.

Step 2: Prepare the Topping

1. Slice the Tomatoes: While the dough rises, halve the cherry tomatoes and set them aside.
2. Prep the Mozzarella: Tear the mozzarella into bite-sized pieces. If it’s too wet, pat it dry with a paper towel to avoid excess moisture on the pizza.
3. Combine Ingredients: In a bowl, gently mix the tomatoes, mozzarella, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Set aside until the dough is ready.

Step 3: Shape and Bake the Pizza Base

1. Preheat the Oven: Place a pizza stone or baking sheet in the oven and preheat to 475°F (245°C) for a crispier crust.
2. Roll the Dough: Once risen, punch down the dough and let it rest for 10 minutes. Then, roll it out on a lightly floured surface to your desired thickness—around 12 inches for a classic, thin crust.
3. Bake the Base: Brush the dough lightly with olive oil to create a golden, crispy finish. Transfer it onto the hot pizza stone or baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the crust is golden and firm.

Step 4: Add the Fresh Toppings

1. Assemble: Once the crust is ready, remove it from the oven. Immediately top it with the tomato-mozzarella mixture and scatter the fresh basil leaves and arugula, if using.
2. Final Touch: Drizzle with a little more olive oil and add a final sprinkle of salt and pepper.

Variations, Tips & Dietary Substitutions

• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free pizza flour blend.
• Vegan Variation: Swap the mozzarella for vegan cheese or simply add more tomatoes and a dash of balsamic glaze for extra flavor.
• Add Protein: Try adding prosciutto slices or shredded cooked chicken for a heartier meal.
• Flavor Boost: Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat, or drizzle a bit of balsamic glaze for sweetness.
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Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 280 kcal
• Protein: 9g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fat: 10g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sodium: 550mg

Closing

I hope this guide has made creating Pizza Crudaiola feel like an achievable, fun project in your kitchen! Or maybe you’ve tried a version of it before? Please, be honest, and let me know in the comments below I’d love to hear your feedback and experiences from a real person like you, so don’t hesitate to leave your honest thoughts. Enjoy!