If you want to change up pizza night, Fried Pizza is an easy option with gooey goodness that’s crispy on the outside and soft in the centre.
This isn’t a recipe for the faint-hearted. It isn’t light, and it’s fried, but it’s one of the most delicious pizzas you’ll ever taste.
It’s my nonna’s (grandmother’s) recipe, and she used to make it quite often for her children and grandchildren. I honestly don’t remember her ever making a baked pizza.
This is one of my family’s oldest recipes, and I’m very happy to share it with you. It’s my husband’s favourite pizza, and I still remember the first time he tried it.
My mum had made it for all of us, and he’d never heard of fried pizza before. I can tell you he enjoyed it so much that he went back for a second and even a third serving.
It’s also very easy to make, so give it a try, and you might find yourself making it again and again. Serve it with a cold beer and enjoy!
Why We Love Pizza Fritta
- Crispy edges with a soft, airy centre give a contrast you don’t usually get from a regular baked pizza.
- Great option for guests when they want something warm and freshly made without waiting too long.
- Perfect for sharing, especially when everyone can grab a slice straight from the plate.
Key Ingredients for Fried Pizza
Pizza Dough
Pizza dough gives the pizza its shape and bite, turning lightly crisp on the outside while staying soft inside once fried. I used my homemade pizza dough for this, but a good-quality store-bought one will work if needed.
Diced Tomatoes
Diced tomatoes give you that simple sauce with a slight tang. The flavour becomes deeper and more rounded. Good quality tinned tomatoes, like San Marzano, make a noticeable difference to the sauce.
Oregano
Oregano brings a slightly earthy flavour that works well with tomatoes. It gives the sauce that classic pizza taste.
Mozzarella or Bocconcini
Mozzarella melts into a soft, creamy layer over the pizza. Fresh mozzarella or bocconcini both work well, just make sure they’re well drained to avoid excess moisture.
Anchovies
Add a savoury, slightly salty kick that blends into the pizza as it cooks. Oil-packed anchovies tend to be softer and milder in flavour.
Find the complete list with measurements in the recipe card below.
How to Make Fried Pizza
Prepare the Dough
Step 1: Make the pizza dough and let it rest until smooth, soft, and slightly risen.
Step 2: Divide the dough into 5 balls and roll each dough ball into a circle about 5 mm thick.
Prepare the Pizza Sauce and Toppings
Step 1: To make the tomato sauce, heat 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil in a pan and sauté a clove of garlic. Add 1 tin of diced tomatoes and a pinch of salt, cover, and cook until the sauce thickens. Stir in the oregano and set aside.
Step 2: Slice the mozzarella and chop the anchovies.
Fry and Assemble
Step 1: Heat 8 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil in a non-stick frying pan and place one dough circle in the pan. When bubbles start to form on the surface, flip it over.
Step 2: Lower the heat to a minimum, then spread some tomato sauce over the surface and top with mozzarella and anchovies.
Step 3: Spoon some of the hot extra virgin olive oil over the top. When the cheese melts, the fried pizza is ready.
Step 4: Remove with a slotted spoon and serve warm.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, a good quality store-bought dough works well if you don’t want to make it from scratch. It should be soft and easy to stretch.
Fresh mozzarella or bocconcini both work well. Make sure they are well-drained to avoid excess moisture on the pizza.
No, anchovies can be left out if you prefer a milder flavour. The pizza will still work well with just tomato and cheese.
You can try simple toppings like salami, prosciutto, or olives. Keep the toppings light to help the dough cook properly and prevent the surface from becoming too heavy.
Keep the heat at medium and lower it after flipping the dough. If the heat is too high, the outside can burn before the inside cooks through. Adjust the heat as needed to get an even golden brown pizza crust.
Extra Help from the Kitchen
Let the Dough Balls Rest Before Rolling – After dividing the dough, cover them with a clean kitchen towel and let them rest for about 20 minutes. The dough relaxes and becomes easier to roll into even circles.
Pat the Dough Lightly Before Frying – Gently press the rolled dough with your fingers before placing it in the pan. This keeps large bubbles under control and gives a more even surface.
Use a Wide Pan for Better Control – Choose a pan wide enough to fit the dough comfortably without touching the edges. You’ll have more space to flip and add toppings without rushing.
Add Toppings Quickly After Flipping – Keep the toppings ready before frying and add them immediately after turning the dough. This keeps the base from overcooking while you work.
Work in Small Batches – Fry one pizza at a time and let the oil heat up again between batches. This keeps the cooking even from start to finish.
Variations and Twists
Finish with Fresh Basil – Scatter fresh basil over the pizza after cooking for a lighter herbal finish that works well with tomato and mozzarella.
Keep It Margherita Style – Use tomato sauce, mozzarella, and basil only for a more traditional version that keeps the flavours simple.
Top with Prosciutto – Add thin slices of prosciutto after cooking, letting the heat soften it slightly while keeping its delicate texture.
Skip the Tomato for a White Version – Leave out the tomato sauce and use mozzarella, garlic, and olive oil for a version with a softer, creamier flavour.
Layer Mortadella and Pistachios – Add slices of mortadella and a sprinkle of chopped pistachios for a richer topping with a bit of texture.
Storage and Shelf Life
Store leftover fried pizza in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days for the best texture, though it can be kept for up to 3 days. It can sit at room temperature briefly after cooking if serving soon.
If you have leftover dough, wrap it well or place it in an airtight container and keep it in the fridge for up to 1 day. Let it come back to room temperature before rolling.
Freezing isn’t recommended as the texture changes once thawed. If needed, thaw in the fridge overnight.
Reheat in a frying pan over low heat to bring back some crispness, and avoid using the microwave as it softens the base.
Favourite Pizza Recipes to Make at Home
- Tuna and Onion Pizza
- Pizza Ortolana
- Rocket Pizza with Prosciutto and Grana Cheese
- Pizza Sticks
- Pizzette
Fried Pizza Recipe (Pizza Fritta)
Equipment
Ingredients
- pizza dough* – I used my homemade dough recipe
For the Topping
- 400 ml – 14 oz tinned diced tomatoes
- 1 tbsp – 15 ml extra virgin olive oil
- 1 garlic clove
- 1 tbsp – 15 ml oregano
- salt – to taste
- bocconcini or mozzarella cheese – sliced
- anchovies – roughly chopped
- extra virgin olive oil – for frying
Instructions
Prepare the Dough
- Make the pizza dough and let it rest until smooth, soft, and slightly risen.
- Divide the dough into 5 balls and roll each dough ball into a circle about 5 mm thick.
Prepare the Sauce and Toppings
- To make the tomato sauce, heat 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil in a pan and sauté a clove of garlic. Add 1 tin of diced tomatoes and a pinch of salt, cover, and cook until the sauce thickens. Stir in the oregano and set aside.
- Slice the mozzarella and chop the anchovies.
Fry and Assemble
- Heat 8 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil in a non-stick frying pan and place one dough circle in the pan. When bubbles start to form on the surface, flip it over.
- Lower the heat to a minimum, then spread some tomato sauce over the surface and top with mozzarella and anchovies.
- Spoon some of the hot extra virgin olive oil over the top. When the cheese melts, the fried pizza is ready.
- Remove with a slotted spoon and serve warm.
Notes
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thanks
that looks good
Wowie-wow-wow!! I am not a big fry-girl, but this was simply amazing, Manu. I did not have the whole two hours to let the dough rise, but it still turned out great. All the men in my house (3 including my dearest hubby) just loved this, as did I. My teenage boys ate me out of mozzarella, which is when we knew we were finished. 🙂 Thank you for sharing your family recipe. We may never go back to oven-baked pizza again. . .
Hi Connie! THANK YOU soooo much for taking the time to write this message! I am so so happy you and your family enjoyed my nonna’s fried pizza! It is one of my favourite pizze ever too! <3
Wow! Fast Pizza without ever turning on the oven & waiting for it to heat up the kitchen! And they can be personalized. Love it!
Thank you for sharing your memories & recipe from your grandmother!
Thank you for your sweet words Cathy! I am really happy you like my fried pizza! It is really quick to make… you are 100% right! 🙂
Manu, I know my family would find these irresistible!!! YUM!!! I’ve never heard of fried pizza…but now I’ll never forget!
Manu that’s looks very delicious, I remember friend of mine like to make the fried pizza, but I didn’t try it, may be after your i will give it a chance.
Thanks Manu for sharing.
OMG this will have me wearing strechy pants all summer! This looks amazing!
Wow! You know folks cooked with the equipment and foods that they had. I enjoyed this post because it clearly shows the frugal ways that became cherished memories. Thanks for linking with the hearth n soul hop!
hey dear I am back again to say Thanks for sharing this post with hearth and soul hop
I think you had me at fried. That looks pretty awesome. I’ll bet it can be fried lightly, too.
this looks absolutely fantastic, i never considered cooking a pizza is way.
This looks yummy….you have a lovely blog…I am having a giveaway in my blog..Y dont you check and join that
http://yummytummy-aarthi.blogspot.com/2011/05/chocolate-recipe-and-chocolate.html
delicious looking frittata
Oh my goodness…this looks amazing! I can just imagine how wonderful that fried dough is….and I love the toppings.
My oh my Manu .. what have you created here ? I am here trying to loose some those extra calories I gained and then you tempt me with these gorgeous recipes!! 🙂
U are so creative .. your recipes are so different and unique.. love ur style my fren 🙂
I’ve never heard of fried pizza before, but I can imagine that the taste must be wonderful, something that I really should try! I love the toppings too! Mozzarella is my most favourite cheese :D)!
Manu, your fried pizza not only sounds but looks delicious, I will definitely try it. Thanks for the recipe and hope you are having a fantastic week 🙂
Omg.. this looks so freakin good! It makes me think of fried dough at the beach.. only in pizza form! Absolutely beautiful! I cannot wait until I am off of this diet and can make it!
Frying up the crust – what an interesting, and deliciously devine concept!! Oh my, I think my kids would want to adopt you!!
Honestly, this pizza is everything I love about Italian cuisine. Seriously! Your sauce is gorgeous… glistening red and whispering… take a bite, take a bite! Haha! I would eat this pizza with beer, wine, or just as is!
god that looks yummy for this weather!!!
Oh, that looks incredible!
Hi Manu! Hope you’d a great weekend! Your fried pizza is a must try! I love cheesy pizza!
Drop by my blog when you free, I’ve got some awards for you! ^.^
Ooh delicious! I’m up for this any time! 😀
Manu, your fried pizza looks so delightful and wow, I think it’s like love at first sight (or bite) for me! No wonder your husband fell for you, he knew he will never be hungry with good food like this ;-). Btw, your YBR entry is fabulous…I love the way your macarons look and are flavored!
Wow… I have never eaten or even heard of ‘fried pizza’, but I love it already… sounds perfect! I can just imagine the crunch from frying the base… Yummy! Never knew something like this existed, but hey – everything tastes better fried, right? 🙂 Thanks for sharing this, Manu!
Manu, you just never stop to amaze me with your cooking! Every recipe you post really makes me admire you more & more. I’m really glad I have your blog as one of my available resources when I feel like cooking non-Filipino recipes. 🙂
I’ll be trying your fried pizza with my girls during the summer! I’m sure we’ll all enjoy making and eating it!
love this the teens love pizza and this sounds so good thanks for sharing come see what I shared at http://shopannies.blogspot.com
I never had fried pizza before…. It’s going on my list of to try recipes!
This looks deliicous Manu!
mmm melty cheese yum!
Manu: fantastiche le pizzelle fritte!!! eh si’ che me le ricordo io… che bonta’. Le facevamo soprattutto d’estate. Le nostre erano un po’ piu’ piccoline: 2-3 morsi ciascuna.
Hi Manu! After following you for 2-3 months (I think?), I decided. I want to move in with you!!! I really envy your kids and your husband. But I guess we are lucky that you are sharing great recipes online. I know how hard it is to take step-by-step pictures (I truly understand and you know why), write up recipes, and post…with two kids! Thank you for sharing wonderful recipes all the time. It’s dinner time but as I am too sick to cook, we’re ordering in. I rather want to eat this pizza… (I just realized I do have an appetite haha).
This really sounds and looks divine!!! What a great idea, (maybe not for my buns), but ohh I would eat it in a second!!!! Thanks for sharing!!!
Wow! Sounds wonderful!
Say what!!! I have never heard of fried pizza….sounds incredible. I must try this! 🙂 Thanks for sharing.
Wow! I have never heard of fried pizza before and I think I’m in love!
This looks heavenly manu..thank you for sharing such a special family recipe
This is similar to roti in Malaysia and Singapore. Is there a big difference to the baked ones from a taste perspective and which do you prefer?
Did you hear that? Oh wait I think it’s Angels Singing! Have mercy! I so want to dive right into this! lol Yummy.
Che meraviglia Manu! Le ho mangiate anche io qualche volta, in formato mini… paradisiache!
Great………Great……..Great…..post manu. first thanks to ur grandmother and second u:)).
JUst mouthwatering recipe never see or eat before this type of pizza but i’m defiantly make this and i’m sure my family like too.
ok 1. will you come to Israel and cook for me because everything you post makes my mouth water. 2. fried pizza?!?!?! I didnt think there was a way to make pizza taste any better then it does, but you did it here with your grandmothers recipe!! I love having family recipes that you can pass down.
I never ate something like this.. I make “pizze fritte”, but they are little, and we stuffed them (after cooking) with cheeses, ham etc…
But this look amazing! Brava la nonna! 🙂
Oh mamma! I could dive into that head first!