Heirloom Tomato Pizza will make you feel as though the flavour of summer is contained in a single slice.
The rich, complex flavours and vivid colours of heirloom tomatoes—those special, age-old cultivars—are accentuated in this dish.
This pizza is the epitome of seasonal abundance, combining a crispy, golden crust with a medley of fresh, fragrant ingredients.
With its delicious trip through the freshest tastes of the season, Heirloom Tomato Pizza is sure to impress as a standout meal for a special occasion or as a simple midweek dinner.
How To Make Heirloom Tomato Pizza?
Preparation Times: 20 minutes (plus 1.5 hours for dough rising)
Cooking Times: 15 minutes
Course: Sauce
Cuisine: Italian
Yields: 2 medium pizzas (serves 4-6 people)
Equipment Needed
- Large mixing bowl
- Small mixing bowl
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rolling pin
- Pizza stone or baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Pizza peel (optional)
- Small saucepan
- Garlic press (optional)
Ingredients
- 2 1/4 tablespoons active dry yeast
- 1 1/2 cups warm water (110°F)
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for kneading)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- 1 cup crushed tomatoes
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 4-5 large heirloom tomatoes (in various colors), thinly sliced
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
- 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil leaves
- Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Balsamic glaze (optional)
Instructions
Step-1. Activating the yeast
Start by combining the active dry yeast, warm water, and sugar in a small mixing bowl. Stir gently to dissolve the yeast and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy. This step is crucial for a light and airy pizza crust.
Step-2. Preparing the dough
In a large mixing bowl, mix the flour with a pinch of sea salt. Create a well in the centre and pour in the activated yeast mixture and olive oil. Keep mixing all the ingredients until the dough begins to form. Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes, adding more flour, if necessary, until it becomes smooth and elastic.
Step-3. Letting the dough rise
Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
Step-4. Making the tomato sauce
While the dough rises, heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in the crushed tomatoes and dried oregano, allowing the sauce to simmer for about 10 minutes. Season with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, then set aside.
Step-5. Preheating the oven
Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If you’re using a pizza stone, place it in the oven as it heats.
Step-6. Assembling the pizza
Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out on a floured surface to your desired thickness. Transfer the rolled-out dough to a pizza stone or baking sheet. Spread the tomato sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges. Arrange the fresh mozzarella slices evenly over the sauce.
Step-7. Baking the pizza
Bake the pizza in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
Step-8. Finishing touches
Remove the pizza from the oven and immediately sprinkle with fresh basil leaves. For an extra burst of flavour, drizzle with balsamic glaze if desired.
Step-9. Serving the pizza
Slice the pizza and serve it hot. Enjoy the combination of fresh, tangy heirloom tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil.
Nutrition Facts Of Heirloom Tomato Pizza
Nutrition | Amounts |
---|---|
Calories | 280 |
Fat | 12g |
Cholesterol | 25mg |
Sodium | 450mg |
Carbohydrates | 32g |
Serving Suggestions
This Heirloom Tomato Pizza pairs beautifully with a light, crisp salad. A simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette complements the pizza’s flavours. If you’re in the mood for something more substantial, consider serving it with a side of roasted vegetables or a creamy tomato soup.
Tips and Variations
✤ If you’re short on time, you can use store-bought pizza dough, though homemade always tastes best.
✤ Try adding a variety of cheeses like ricotta, goat cheese, or fontina for a different flavour profile.
✤ Use a mix of heirloom tomatoes in different colours and shapes for a visually stunning pizza. The different flavours also add depth.
✤ While basil is a classic choice, you can also experiment with fresh thyme, rosemary, or even arugula as a topping.
✤ Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free pizza dough mix if you need a gluten-free alternative.
Special Note
You can add some other ingredients or spices according to your own taste to prepare the tomato sauce.
FAQS
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance. Just let it rise in the fridge instead of a warm place. Bring it to room temperature before rolling it out.
What if I don’t have a pizza stone?
No problem, you can use a regular baking sheet. Just preheat it in the oven for a crispier crust.
Can I freeze the dough?
Yes, after the dough has risen, divide it into portions and freeze them in airtight bags. Thaw in the fridge overnight before using.
Conclusion
Creating this Heirloom Tomato Pizza is not only a culinary adventure but also a celebration of fresh, seasonal ingredients.
From the vibrant heirloom tomatoes to the homemade dough, every step of this recipe is infused with love and care.
Whether you’re a pizza aficionado or a casual cook, this recipe offers something for everyone. I hope you enjoy making and sharing this pizza as much as I do.
Heirloom Tomato Pizza
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Small mixing bowl
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rolling Pin
- Pizza stone or baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Pizza peel (optional)
- Small saucepan
- Garlic press (optional)
Ingredients
- 2 1/4 tablespoons active dry yeast
- 1 1/2 cups warm water 110°F
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour plus extra for kneading
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- 1 cup crushed tomatoes
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 4-5 large heirloom tomatoes in various colors, thinly sliced
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella cheese sliced
- 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil leaves
- Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Balsamic glaze optional
Instructions
- Start by combining the active dry yeast, warm water, and sugar in a small mixing bowl. Stir gently to dissolve the yeast and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy. This step is crucial for a light and airy pizza crust.
- In a large mixing bowl, mix the flour with a pinch of sea salt. Create a well in the center and pour in the activated yeast mixture and olive oil. Keep mixing all the ingredients until the dough begins to form. Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes, adding more flour, if necessary, until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
- While the dough rises, heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in the crushed tomatoes and dried oregano, allowing the sauce to simmer for about 10 minutes. Season with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, then set aside.
- Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If you’re using a pizza stone, place it in the oven as it heats.
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out on a floured surface to your desired thickness. Transfer the rolled-out dough to a pizza stone or baking sheet. Spread the tomato sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges. Arrange the fresh mozzarella slices evenly over the sauce.
- Bake the pizza in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
- Remove the pizza from the oven and immediately sprinkle with fresh basil leaves. For an extra burst of flavor, drizzle with balsamic glaze if desired.
- Slice the pizza and serve it hot. Enjoy the combination of fresh, tangy heirloom tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil.
Notes
Welcome to Arora’s Sauce Recipe, where every drop tells a story of tradition, innovation, and a boundless love for culinary arts. My name is Brazen, and I am the founder and chief sauce creator at Arora’s Kitchen. Born into a family with a rich heritage of culinary arts, I grew up surrounded by the aromas of spices and the sounds of simmering pots, which ignited my passion for cooking from a young age.
Inspired by generations of culinary expertise, I embarked on a professional quest to capture these fleeting aromas and flavors in bottles of sauce that could bring a gourmet experience to every meal.
As the founder of Arora’s Sauce Recipe, my mission is to inspire your culinary adventures with the finest sauces. Whether you’re a professional chef or a home cook, our sauces are crafted to elevate your cooking with every spoonful.
Thank you for choosing Arora’s Sauce Recipe. Here’s to a journey filled with flavor, passion, and unforgettable meals.