Pizza with Smoked Salmon and Dill
Highlighted under: Everyday World Food Inspiration
I love making this Pizza with Smoked Salmon and Dill because it combines fresh flavors and is surprisingly easy to prepare. The first time I made it, I was amazed at how the smoky salmon paired perfectly with the creamy cheese and vibrant dill. It’s a dish that feels gourmet yet is accessible for any home cook. Perfect for brunch or a light dinner, this pizza will elevate your pizza night to something special with just a few simple ingredients.
When I first experimented with this pizza, I knew I wanted to highlight the smoked salmon's unique flavor. The trick I discovered was to layer the ingredients carefully; it allows the cream cheese to become a base for the salmon while ensuring every bite is packed with flavor.
Another tip I found useful is to use a pre-made pizza dough that crisps up beautifully. It saves time and gives you that perfect thin crust without the hassle of making dough from scratch. This pizza has quickly become a favorite in my home!
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Deliciously unique combination of flavors that impresses.
- Quick and easy to make, perfect for busy weeknights.
- A beautiful presentation that's perfect for any occasion.
Key Techniques for Perfect Pizza
To achieve that ideal crispy crust, it's essential to preheat your oven to the right temperature. A high heat of 220°C (425°F) is necessary as it helps create steam in the dough while baking, leading to a light and airy texture. If your pizza stone is preheated alongside your oven, make sure to slide the pizza onto it swiftly to ensure that immediate heat is delivered to the crust.
If you're using a baking tray, ensure it’s lined with baking paper to prevent sticking, and consider lightly oiling it for extra protection. For an even browner crust, I recommend placing the tray on the lower rack of the oven, allowing more direct heat at the base of the pizza.
Ingredient Choices and Substitutions
The cream cheese plays a pivotal role in balancing the savory smokiness of the salmon with a creamy texture. If you're looking to lighten the recipe or add a tangy twist, you might consider using Greek yogurt or ricotta cheese instead. Both can offer a similar creaminess while adding unique flavors. Just ensure they’re at room temperature before spreading for an even layer.
For the smoked salmon, it's worth choosing high-quality fish, as it significantly impacts the final taste of your pizza. If preferred, you could swap it with other seafood like smoked mackerel or even thinly sliced prosciutto for a different flavor profile. Keep in mind that different toppings will change the overall taste, so choose according to your palate.
Ingredients
Gather the following ingredients to make this delightful pizza:
Ingredients
- 1 pre-made pizza dough
- 200g cream cheese, softened
- 150g smoked salmon, sliced
- 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
- Fresh dill, for garnish
- Capers, for topping
- Olive oil, for drizzling
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s move on to the cooking steps!
Instructions
Follow these steps for a perfect Pizza with Smoked Salmon and Dill:
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 220°C (425°F). This ensures that the pizza crust gets that deliciously crisp texture.
Prepare the Dough
Roll out the pre-made pizza dough on a lightly floured surface to your desired thickness and place it on a baking tray lined with baking paper.
Spread Cream Cheese
Spread the softened cream cheese evenly over the pizza base, making sure to cover it well for creaminess in every bite.
Top with Salmon and Onion
Arrange the sliced smoked salmon and red onion evenly over the cream cheese. Be creative with your layout!
Bake the Pizza
Place the pizza in the preheated oven and bake for about 10 minutes or until the edges of the crust are golden and crispy.
Garnish and Serve
Once baked, remove from the oven, garnish with fresh dill and capers, drizzle with a bit of olive oil, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Slice and enjoy!
Enjoy your homemade pizza! It's perfect served warm but can also be enjoyed at room temperature.
Pro Tips
- To give your pizza an extra kick, try adding a squeeze of lemon juice before serving to enhance the flavors.
Serving Suggestions
This Pizza with Smoked Salmon and Dill pairs wonderfully with a simple side salad for a balanced meal. A fresh arugula salad drizzled with lemon vinaigrette complements the richness of the pizza beautifully. For an added crunch, consider topping your salad with some toasted pine nuts or sunflower seeds.
If you're preparing this dish for a brunch gathering, consider adding a light sparkling wine or a cocktail with citrus notes for a refreshing drink pairing. The brightness of lemon or even a splash of prosecco can enhance the overall experience.
Storage and Reheating Tips
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. When it's time to enjoy them again, reheat the pizza in an oven or a toaster oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 5-7 minutes. This will help restore the crispiness of the crust, unlike the microwave which can make it soggy.
Alternatively, if you want to prepare this pizza ahead of time, you can assemble it and freeze it before baking. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. When ready to eat, bake it directly from the freezer at the same temperature for about 15 minutes longer, or until it’s golden and bubbly.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use homemade pizza dough?
Absolutely! Homemade dough can add a personal touch to your pizza.
→ Is smoked salmon safe to eat raw?
Yes, smoked salmon is cured and can be consumed without additional cooking.
→ Can I make this pizza ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the pizza ahead of time and bake it just before serving.
→ What can I substitute for dill?
Fresh chives or parsley can be good substitutes if you don’t have dill on hand.
Pizza with Smoked Salmon and Dill
I love making this Pizza with Smoked Salmon and Dill because it combines fresh flavors and is surprisingly easy to prepare. The first time I made it, I was amazed at how the smoky salmon paired perfectly with the creamy cheese and vibrant dill. It’s a dish that feels gourmet yet is accessible for any home cook. Perfect for brunch or a light dinner, this pizza will elevate your pizza night to something special with just a few simple ingredients.
Created by: Pippa Lawson
Recipe Type: Everyday World Food Inspiration
Skill Level: Beginner
Final Quantity: 4 servings
What You'll Need
Ingredients
- 1 pre-made pizza dough
- 200g cream cheese, softened
- 150g smoked salmon, sliced
- 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
- Fresh dill, for garnish
- Capers, for topping
- Olive oil, for drizzling
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How-To Steps
Preheat your oven to 220°C (425°F). This ensures that the pizza crust gets that deliciously crisp texture.
Roll out the pre-made pizza dough on a lightly floured surface to your desired thickness and place it on a baking tray lined with baking paper.
Spread the softened cream cheese evenly over the pizza base, making sure to cover it well for creaminess in every bite.
Arrange the sliced smoked salmon and red onion evenly over the cream cheese. Be creative with your layout!
Place the pizza in the preheated oven and bake for about 10 minutes or until the edges of the crust are golden and crispy.
Once baked, remove from the oven, garnish with fresh dill and capers, drizzle with a bit of olive oil, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Slice and enjoy!
Extra Tips
- To give your pizza an extra kick, try adding a squeeze of lemon juice before serving to enhance the flavors.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Total Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 660mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 28g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 2g
- Protein: 16g