If you’re looking for a fresh take on pizza night, this Tuna Pizza Recipe is an absolute game-changer. Imagine perfectly baked pizza dough layered with tangy tomato sauce, gooey mozzarella, and savory flakes of tuna that bring a delightful seafood twist. Add in the zing of red onions and the briny pop of black olives, and you’ve got a pizza that’s bursting with flavor and texture. It’s a quick and satisfying meal that will please both seafood lovers and pizza fans alike, making your dinner effortlessly delicious with a Mediterranean flair.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Everything about this Tuna Pizza Recipe is simple, starting with a handful of essentials that each play a key role. From the crispy crust to the melty cheese and tender tuna, every ingredient adds layers of taste and color that make the pizza pop both on your plate and in your mouth.
- Pizza dough: Whether store-bought or homemade, it forms the perfect base for all your flavorful toppings.
- Pizza sauce or crushed tomatoes: Adds a juicy, tangy foundation that keeps every bite vibrant.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully and brings that classic gooey texture.
- Canned tuna in olive oil: Drained and flaked, it delivers a savory and tender seafood punch.
- Red onion: Thinly sliced for a sharp, slightly sweet crunch that balances richness.
- Black olives: Sliced to add a salty, briny contrast.
- Dried oregano: Sprinkled for a touch of herbal earthiness that ties it all together.
- Olive oil: Drizzled lightly to enhance moisture and add richness.
- Salt and pepper: To season perfectly.
- Fresh parsley or arugula (optional): Offers a burst of green freshness at the end.
How to Make Tuna Pizza Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Dough
Begin by preheating your oven to a sizzling 475°F (245°C) and place a pizza stone or baking sheet inside—this helps create that golden, crisp crust we all crave. Roll out your pizza dough on a floured surface to your desired thickness, whether you like it thin and crispy or a bit thicker for a chewy bite. Carefully transfer the rolled dough onto a piece of parchment paper for easy handling.
Step 2: Add the Sauce and Cheese
Spread half a cup of pizza sauce evenly over your dough, making sure to leave a small border around the edges. Next, sprinkle 1 ½ cups of shredded mozzarella cheese generously on top, creating that melty, gooey layer that’s irresistible once baked.
Step 3: Top with Tuna and Veggies
Now for the star of the show: flaked tuna. Drain a 5-ounce can of tuna in olive oil and sprinkle it evenly over your cheesy base. Layer on the thinly sliced ¼ red onion and ¼ cup of black olives, adding beautiful pops of color and flavor. Then, sprinkle a teaspoon of dried oregano over the top for that classic Italian aroma, and season with salt and pepper to your taste.
Step 4: Final Drizzle and Bake
Drizzle a tablespoon of olive oil lightly over the entire pizza to keep the crust moist and infuse it with richness. Transfer the parchment paper with the pizza onto the hot stone or baking sheet in your oven. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the crust turns golden and the cheese starts bubbling beautifully.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Remove the pizza from the oven and let it rest for a minute or two before garnishing with fresh parsley or peppery arugula for an extra burst of freshness. Slice it up and prepare to dig in while it’s still warm and inviting.
How to Serve Tuna Pizza Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh herbs like parsley or arugula as a final touch brightens up the Tuna Pizza Recipe visually and flavor-wise. These greens add a peppery or slightly bitter contrast, which complements the rich tuna and cheese perfectly.
Side Dishes
This pizza pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad tossed in a lemony vinaigrette or even a simple bowl of olives to echo the pizza’s briny notes. For something heartier, roasted vegetables make a warm and satisfying side that won’t overshadow the flavors we’re highlighting.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, cut your tuna pizza into smaller squares and serve as appetizers at a gathering. You could also try replacing tomato sauce with a creamy garlic white sauce for an indulgent variety. If you want to jazz it up, mix your tuna with a little chili flakes or fresh lemon juice before topping for an added zing that will surprise your taste buds.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftover tuna pizza, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Make sure it has cooled to room temperature before refrigerating to keep the crust from becoming soggy.
Freezing
While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze leftover pizza slices by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then placing them in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to one month and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
For a quick and tasty reheat, place your pizza slice on a baking sheet and pop it into a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 8–10 minutes. This method keeps the crust crisp and melts the cheese nicely—microwaving can make it chewy and limp.
FAQs
Can I use fresh tuna instead of canned tuna?
Absolutely! Fresh tuna can be seared lightly and flaked over your pizza if you prefer. Just make sure it’s fully cooked before adding since the pizza baking time might not be enough to cook raw fish thoroughly.
Is this Tuna Pizza Recipe suitable for picky eaters?
Many picky eaters enjoy this pizza because of the familiar cheese and tomato base. You can customize toppings by reducing the onion amount or skipping olives if needed, making it a versatile dish.
Can I substitute mozzarella cheese with another type?
Yes, you can swap mozzarella for provolone, fontina, or even a mild cheddar for a different but delicious twist. Just choose a cheese that melts well.
How do I make the pizza crust crispier?
Using a pizza stone or preheated baking sheet helps crisp up the crust. Also, rolling the dough a little thinner and avoiding overloading with sauce or toppings prevents sogginess.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Definitely! Simply use a gluten-free pizza dough as a base. Most toppings in the Tuna Pizza Recipe are naturally gluten-free, just be sure to check your sauce and dough ingredients.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Tuna Pizza Recipe enough for anyone craving something different and delicious for their next meal. It’s easy to prepare, packed with flavor, and perfect for sharing or enjoying solo with a good movie. Grab those simple ingredients and give it a try—you might just discover a new favorite that turns pizza night upside down in the best way!
Print
Tuna Pizza Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
- Diet: Pescatarian
Description
Tuna pizza is a simple yet flavorful twist on classic pizza, topped with savory tuna, melty cheese, red onions, and olives. It’s a quick and satisfying meal that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or a unique pizza night option.
Ingredients
Pizza Base
- 1 prepared pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
Sauce and Cheese
- ½ cup pizza sauce or crushed tomatoes
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Toppings
- 1 (5 oz) can tuna in olive oil, drained and flaked
- ¼ red onion, thinly sliced
- ¼ cup black olives, sliced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
Finishing Touches
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley or arugula for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C) and place a pizza stone or baking sheet inside to heat thoroughly, ensuring an evenly cooked crust.
- Prepare the Dough: Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface to your desired thickness, then carefully transfer it onto a piece of parchment paper for easy handling.
- Add Sauce and Cheese: Spread the pizza sauce evenly over the dough base to provide a flavorful foundation, then sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
- Add Toppings: Distribute the flaked tuna, thinly sliced red onions, and sliced black olives evenly over the cheese. Sprinkle dried oregano and season with salt and pepper to enhance the flavor profile.
- Drizzle Olive Oil: Lightly drizzle olive oil over the assembled pizza to add richness and help the toppings meld together during baking.
- Bake the Pizza: Transfer the pizza on the parchment paper to the preheated stone or baking sheet in the oven. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbling and melted.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the pizza from the oven and garnish with fresh parsley or arugula if desired for a fresh, peppery finish. Slice into portions and serve hot.
Notes
- For extra flavor, mix the tuna with a squeeze of lemon juice or a pinch of chili flakes before adding it to the pizza.
- You can substitute the tomato sauce with a white garlic sauce for a creamier pizza base.
