Classic Anchovy Pizza Recipe with Olives

Salty, savory, and bursting with bold umami flavor, this Anchovy Pizza Recipe proves that just a few simple ingredients can create something unforgettable. Crisp pizza crust, melted fresh mozzarella cheese, briny olives, and anchovies all come together in one perfect bite. Inspired by a pizza we tried at a brasserie in Marseille, this easy-to-make homemade pizza is restaurant-quality without the fuss and makes the perfect addition to your next pizza night.

The first time Ian and I tried anchovy pizza, we actually ordered it by mistake while in Marseille. I’m not sure what we thought we had ordered, but when our pizza arrived covered in little anchovy fillets, we were both surprised and delighted by how tasty it was. Considering we’ve both worked in restaurant pizza kitchens, it was wild that we hadn’t tried it before. Since then, we’ve added briny Kalamata olives and a sprinkle of fiery red chili flakes, which perfectly highlight the salty anchovies and make these simple ingredients sing. We often find ourselves adding this pizza into rotation on pizza night or as the perfect pizza to pair with a Caesar salad.

If you’re not sure what other pizzas to serve alongside this anchovy pizza, we recommend our Authentic Margherita Pizza or Rustic Pear Pizza. Both pizza recipes pair beautifully with this classic umami-forward pizza.

Ingredients (and Easy Substitutions)

This anchovy pizza keeps things simple, relying on a few high-quality ingredients to deliver big flavors. Choose higher quality ingredients if you can, each one plays an important role in creating a pizza that tastes like it came straight from a local pizzeria in Marseille.

• Pizza dough: use your favorite homemade pizza dough recipe or store-bought dough works perfectly for a crisp, golden pizza crust. We prefer to use a a thinner napoli style crust like this one.
• Olive oil: for brushing the dough and adding a touch of richness.
• Simple Tomato Sauce: this Neapolitan style pizza sauce is made by combining hand-crushed San Marzano tomatoes and salt, this simple tomato sauce is extremely flavorful and easy to make. Store-bought pizza sauce can be used if you don’t want to make a homemade version from San Marzano tomatoes.
• Fresh mozzarella cheese: grated – melts beautifully into soft, bubbly pockets. Avoid any pre-shredded cheese as it doesn’t melt as nicely
• Kalamata olives: It’s worth choosing high-quality olives for this as they add briny flavor and balance the anchovies. Ensure the olives are pitted before you put them on the pizza.  Your favorite black olives make a good substitution. 
• Anchovy fillets: the star of the pizza; delivers bold umami flavor every anchovy pizza lover craves. Canned sardines or even a light sprinkling of anchovy paste can give a similar umami punch.
• Chili flakes: add a gentle heat that complements the salty toppings.

How to Make the Best Anchovy Pizza

Here’s how to make the best Anchovy Pizza Recipe at home in just a few easy steps.

Shape the crust – Preheat the oven to 500°F with a rack in the lower third. Working a lightly floured surface, stretch or roll your pizza dough to fit a 12-inch pan, then brush it lightly with olive oil. Starting in the center, use the back of a ladle or spoon to spread the pizza sauce outward in gentle circles, leaving half an inch bare for the crust. 

Add the toppings – Sprinkle the dough evenly with fresh mozzarella cheese, letting it cover most of the sauce. Arrange the anchovy fillets across the top, then scatter over the black olives and a pinch of chili flakes for heat.

Bake – Transfer the pizza to the oven and bake for 8–10 minutes, until the crust is golden brown and crisp and the cheese is bubbling. Allow pizza to cool for 2-3 minutes then serve. 

FAQ on How to make this Anchovy Pizza Recipe

What does anchovy pizza taste like?

This anchovy pizza recipe has a bold, savory bite with deep umami flavor. The salty fillets balance beautifully with simple tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella cheese, and a crispy pizza crust. Making it a must-try for anchovy pizza lovers.

How do I reduce the saltiness of anchovies on pizza?

If you find anchovies too salty, try rinsing them gently under cold water and patting them dry before using. You can also balance the flavor by adding toppings like black olives, roasted vegetables, or a sprinkle of fresh herbs, which soften the intensity without losing the signature anchovy taste.

What toppings pair well with anchovies?

Anchovies shine with toppings that highlight their briny, umami flavor. Kalamata olives, capers, roasted peppers, red chili flakes, and fresh basil all work beautifully. For something heartier, pair anchovies with caramelized onions or mushrooms. 

How do I store leftover anchovy pizza?

Let the pizza cool completely, then store slices in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Place a piece of parchment paper between layers to keep the crust from getting soggy. Reheat in a 375°F oven for 8–10 minutes until the crust crisps and the cheese melts again. A quick warm-up in a skillet works too.

Classic Anchovy Pizza Recipe with Olives

Salty, savory, and packed with bold umami flavor, this Anchovy Pizza Recipe is easy to make at home with just a few high-quality ingredients. Crisp pizza crust topped with fresh mozzarella, briny olives, and anchovies creates a restaurant-quality pizza. Simple, flavorful, and irresistible, it’s a must-try for any anchovy pizza lover.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 20 minutes mins

Course Pizza

Cuisine Italian

Servings 2

Calories 829 kcal

Ingredients

  

• 1 pizza dough large enough for one 12 inch pizza
• ½ tbsp olive oil
• ½ cup tomato sauce for pizza see notes for recipe
• 1.5 cups mozzarella grated
• ¼ cup kalamata olives pitted
• 10-12 anchovy fillets
• pinch chili flakes

Instructions

 

• Preheat: Set your oven to 500℉ and place a rack in the lower third.
• Shape Pizza Dough: Stretch or roll your pizza dough to fit a 12-inch pizza pan. Transfer the dough to the pan, then brush the surface with ½ tablespoon of olive oil.
• Sauce the Pizza: Using a ladle or flat bottomed measuring cup, cover the stretched pizza dough in sauce. Start in the middle of the pizza by pouring the sauce then using the bottom of the ladle work in a circular motion working outward to cover the dough in sauce, leaving ½ inch at the edges bare.
• Add Toppings: start by evenly covering the top of the pizza with mozzarella cheese. Yes, do the cheese first this will give a more impressive presentation at the end. Next evenly place the anchovies over the top of the pizza and finally sprinkle on the olives and chili flakes.
• Bake: Bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the crust is golden and crisp and the cheese is melty. Let the pizza rest for 1–2 minutes before slicing.

Notes

Note 1: Pour a can of whole San Marzano tomatoes (including the juices) into a small bowl. Using clean hands, gently crush the tomatoes into a loose, rustic sauce. Stir in the salt once everything is broken down. This will make enough sauce for 4 pizzas. For full instructions on how to make this sauce see the Neapolitan Pizza Sauce Recipe here.

Keyword Anchovy Pizza, Anchovy Pizza Recipe