Pizza is a universally loved food, and olive pizza takes it up a notch with the addition of zesty olives. This easy homemade pizza recipe with olives is perfect for parties, game days, or weeknight dinners.
Tips for Making the Best Olive Pizza
- Let the dough come to room temperature before rolling it out for an easier time handling it.
- Use a pizza stone when possible for the crispiest crust. Preheat it in the oven.
- Scatter the olives and feta over the pizza instead of clumping them for ideal bites in each slice.
- Add any other favorite pizza toppings like onion, tomato, or pepperoni.
- Customize the olive selection by using a mix of black, green, and kalamata olives.
- Try using olive oil instead of traditional pizza sauce for a delicious flavor infusion.
Olive Pizza Pairings
Olive pizza matches nicely with a variety of beverages. The briny olives stand up well to bold reds, while the herbs and crust complement lighter whites.
Red Wine: Sangiovese, Montepulciano, Nero d’Avola
White Wine: Pinot Grigio, Gavi, Soave, and Vermentino
Beer: Amber Ale, Pale Ale, IPA, Wheat Beer
Other Drinks: Prosecco, Mineral Water with Lime, Iced Tea
Using Leftover Olive Pizza
Homemade pizza rarely goes to waste. But if you do have leftovers, olive pizza makes for delicious next day meals. Reheat your slices and enjoy them as is or get creative with these ideas:
- Olive pizza, omelette, or breakfast sandwich
- Pizza panini with fresh mozzarella
- Salad topped with chopped pizza and Italian dressing
- Olive pizza pasta bake with tomato sauce and parmesan
- Olive pizza soup with chicken broth, kale, and beans
Leftover olive pizza is also great cold for on-the-go lunches. Add some greens, veggies, and balsamic for a tasty pizza salad.
FAQ About Making Olive Pizza
What type of olives work best on pizza?
Kalamata and green olives are the most popular, but any brined or oil-cured olives can be used. Mix colors and varieties for a visually appealing pizza.
What pizza crust goes well with olives?
A thin, crisp crust balances nicely with the juicy olives. Neapolitan, flatbread, or thin crust all complement olives.
Should the olives be chopped up for pizza?
Chopping makes the olives easier to eat, but sliced olives make a pretty presentation. Pick any size that suits your preferences.
Is feta a good cheese for olive pizza?
Yes! Feta pairs very well with olives. Other good cheeses include mozzarella, parmesan, provolone, goat cheese, and ricotta.
What herbs go well with olive pizza?
Oregano and basil are classics. Also try parsley, rosemary, thyme, and marjoram.
Olive Pizza Recipe - A Delicious Homemade Pizza With Olives
Equipment
- Pizza stone or baking sheet
- Rolling Pin
- Pizza cutter or knife
Ingredients
- 1 pound of pizza dough, store-bought or homemade
- 3 tablespoons of olive oil, divided
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1⁄4 cup chopped kalamata olives
- 1⁄4 cup chopped green olives
- 1⁄4 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
Step 1 - Prepare the Pizza dough.
- If making homemade dough, prepare it ahead of time to allow it to rise. If using store-bought dough, remove it from the fridge 1-2 hours before baking.The dough should be at room temperature before rolling out for the best results.
Step 2 - Roll Out the dough.
- Place the dough on a lightly floured work surface. Use a rolling pin to roll it into a 12-inch circle, turning and flouring as needed to prevent sticking. Transfer the flattened dough to a pizza stone or baking sheet.
Step 3 - Add Toppings
- Use your fingertips to press the dough into an even circle. Brush the top with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Spread the minced garlic evenly over the oil, then top with the chopped olives.Distribute the toppings all the way to the edge for a beautifully dressed olive pizza.Sprinkle the feta cheese and oregano evenly over the olives. Season with salt and pepper.
Step 4 - Bake the Olive Pizza
- Bake at 500°F for 10–12 minutes until the crust is golden brown. Remove from the oven and brush the crust edge with the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil.Garnish the olive pizza with chopped fresh basil before slicing and serving. Enjoy!
Notes
- Olive selection is flexible - use a mix of black and green olives.
- Make sure to drizzle olive oil on the crust edge for flavor and color.
- Homemade dough is best, but store-bought dough works too. Let it come to room temperature before shaping.
- Scatter olives and cheese instead of clumping them for distribution in each bite.
Hi, I’m Julie, the passionate foodie and founder of Juliesfamilykitchen.com. I created this blog out of a drive to prove someone wrong, and then I realized how much I truly enjoy cooking and trying new recipes. In my free time, when I’m not running around after my kids or spending quality time with my partner, you can usually find me in the kitchen experimenting with new dishes.