If you love a unique and flavorful twist on classic pizza, then this Tuna Pizza Recipe is an absolute must-try. Combining the rich, savory taste of tender tuna with melty mozzarella, tangy tomato sauce, and bright pops of red onion and black olives, this pizza brings a delightful balance of textures and flavors. Perfectly crispy crust and aromatic herbs complete the experience, making it a standout meal that’s easy to whip up for a weeknight dinner or casual get-together.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these simple, accessible ingredients is the first step to achieving your perfect Tuna Pizza Recipe. Each component plays a crucial role, from the chewy pizza dough base to the flavorful toppings that bring amazing depth and color.
- Pizza dough: Use store-bought for convenience or homemade for that personal touch and a chewy, crispy base.
- Tuna (canned, drained and flaked): Adds a rich, savory protein that pairs beautifully with the other toppings.
- Olive oil: Provides a silky richness and helps distribute flavors evenly.
- Pizza sauce or tomato sauce: Creates a tangy, flavorful foundation that complements the cheese and tuna.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts perfectly, adding gooey texture and mild flavor.
- Red onion, thinly sliced: Offers a pleasant crunch and sharp bite to contrast the creamy cheese and tuna.
- Black olives, sliced: Bring a briny, salty punch that lifts the entire dish.
- Dried oregano: Adds a classic herbaceous note to the topping blend.
- Garlic powder: Infuses a subtle garlic warmth for increased depth.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential for balancing and enhancing all the flavors.
- Fresh basil (optional): A fragrant fresh garnish that brightens each slice.
How to Make Tuna Pizza Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by heating your oven to 475°F (245°C). This high temperature is key for a perfectly crisp crust and melty cheese. If you’re using store-bought dough, check the package instructions—they often give great tips for preheating or prepping the oven.
Step 2: Prepare the Pizza Base
Roll out your pizza dough on a floured surface to your desired thickness—thin and crispy or a little thicker and chewier, it’s totally up to you. Then transfer the dough to a baking sheet or pizza stone. For those who love crunchy crust, pre-bake the dough for 5 to 7 minutes before piling on the toppings. This step seals the crust and avoids sogginess from the sauce.
Step 3: Add the Sauce
Next, spread your pizza sauce evenly across the dough, leaving a small border around the edges. This sauce layer adds moisture and a tangy depth that blends beautifully with the tuna and cheese.
Step 4: Top with Tuna and Other Ingredients
Drizzle your olive oil over the flaked tuna, tossing gently to coat it. Then distribute the tuna evenly over the sauce. Add the thin slices of red onion and black olives on top for bold flavor contrasts. Sprinkle the dried oregano, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper over everything for a final burst of seasoning that ties it all together.
Step 5: Add Cheese
Generously sprinkle shredded mozzarella over the pizza to cover every inch. The cheese creates that irresistible golden, bubbly blanket that makes this Tuna Pizza Recipe so comforting and appetizing.
Step 6: Bake the Pizza
Place your assembled pizza in the preheated oven and bake for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the crust is crisp and golden, and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Keep an eye on it to avoid burning, but trust me, that glorious cheese pull is worth the wait.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Once your Tuna Pizza is out of the oven, sprinkle fresh basil leaves on top if you have them. They bring a lovely fresh aroma and a splash of color that takes the pizza from delicious to irresistible. Slice it up, serve hot, and watch everyone dig in happily.
How to Serve Tuna Pizza Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh basil is a stunning garnish, adding brightness and a touch of herbaceous aroma that balances the pizza’s richer flavors. For some extra zing, try a light drizzle of good-quality olive oil or finish with a pinch of red pepper flakes for those who like a little heat.
Side Dishes
A fresh green salad with a simple lemon vinaigrette pairs wonderfully with Tuna Pizza Recipe, cutting through the richness and offering crisp freshness. Alternatively, roasted vegetables or a light coleslaw can complement the pizza’s texture and flavor perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to jazz things up? Serve individual slices on rustic wooden boards with small bowls of extra olives and chili flakes on the side. Or create personal mini pizzas using the same toppings for a fun, interactive meal that’s perfect for casual gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Tuna Pizza keeps well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. The crust will soften a bit, but the flavors remain deliciously intact—just reheat gently to preserve the toppings.
Freezing
You can freeze leftover pizza slices by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe bag. Frozen pizza is best enjoyed within 1 month to maintain the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
For reheating, pop slices in a hot oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 8-10 minutes or until crispy and heated through. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the crust crisp and cheese perfectly melty.
FAQs
Can I use fresh tuna instead of canned tuna?
While fresh tuna can be used, it requires cooking first and a different preparation style. Canned tuna is convenient and perfectly suited for this pizza, offering tender texture and consistent flavor.
What type of pizza dough works best for this recipe?
Store-bought or homemade dough both work wonderfully. Choose a dough you love—thin crust or thicker—and just adjust baking times accordingly for perfect results.
Is it possible to make this pizza vegetarian?
Definitely! Simply omit the tuna and add extra veggies like mushrooms, artichokes, or bell peppers to keep it delicious and satisfying.
Can I use other cheeses instead of mozzarella?
Mozzarella melts best and offers a mild flavor, but feel free to experiment with provolone, fontina, or even a blend for a different twist.
How can I make the crust crispier?
Pre-baking the rolled-out dough for 5-7 minutes before adding toppings helps dramatically. Baking on a pizza stone also promotes a crispy base by evenly distributing heat.
Final Thoughts
Your next pizza night just found its new hero with this Tuna Pizza Recipe. It’s full of vibrant flavors and textures that surprise and delight with every bite. Give it a try—you might just find yourself reaching for this recipe again and again to share with friends and family!
Print
Tuna Pizza Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2 to 3 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
A delicious and easy-to-make Tuna Pizza featuring a crispy crust, savory tomato sauce, tender flaked tuna, tangy olives, red onions, and melted mozzarella cheese. This savory pizza is perfect for a quick weeknight meal or casual gathering, offering a unique twist on classic flavors with the addition of dried oregano and garlic powder for extra depth.
Ingredients
Pizza Base
- 1 pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
Toppings
- 1 can (5 oz) tuna in oil or water, drained and flaked
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce or tomato sauce
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup black olives, sliced
- 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Garnish
- Fresh basil (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If you’re using store-bought pizza dough, follow the instructions on the package for the best results, ensuring the oven is fully heated before baking.
- Prepare the Pizza Base: Roll out your pizza dough on a floured surface to your desired thickness, ensuring it is even for consistent cooking. Transfer the rolled dough to a baking sheet or pizza stone. For a crisper crust, pre-bake the dough for 5-7 minutes before adding toppings.
- Add the Sauce: Spread the pizza sauce or tomato sauce evenly over the rolled-out pizza dough, leaving a small border around the edges to form the crust.
- Top with Tuna and Ingredients: Drizzle the olive oil over the flaked tuna to keep it moist, then scatter it evenly over the sauce. Add the thinly sliced red onion and black olives on top. Sprinkle the dried oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper evenly over the pizza to enhance the flavors.
- Add Cheese: Evenly sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the entire pizza to ensure a bubbly, melted topping once baked.
- Bake the Pizza: Place the pizza in the preheated oven and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly and melted. Watch closely towards the end to prevent burning.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the pizza from the oven and garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired. Slice the pizza and serve hot for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- For a crispier crust, pre-bake the dough for 5-7 minutes before adding toppings.
- You can substitute black olives with green olives or capers for a different flavor profile.
- Use tuna packed in oil for richer flavor, or water-packed tuna for a lighter option.
- Fresh garlic can be used instead of garlic powder for stronger taste.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and reheat in the oven for best results.
