why make this recipe
Cacio e Pepe Pizza combines the classic flavors of a traditional Italian dish with the delightful fun of pizza. This recipe is a great choice for anyone looking to enjoy a simple yet delicious meal. With no-knead dough, you save time and effort, making it easy to impress your family and friends with minimal fuss. Plus, the rich combination of cheeses and pepper creates a flavor explosion that is hard to resist.
how to make Cacio e Pepe Pizza
Ingredients:
- 1/3 batch No Knead Pizza Dough (Essential for a rustic crust)
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil (Extra virgin recommended)
- 1 cup Mozzarella Cheese (Grated for an extra cheesy pizza)
- 1 cup Pecorino Cheese (Grated for easy melting)
- 2 teaspoons Black Pepper (Freshly cracked for optimal flavor)
Directions:
Preparation
- Start by preheating your oven to 475°F (245°C).
- Prepare your no-knead pizza dough and let it rise if it hasn’t already.
- Lightly oil a baking sheet or pizza stone with 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
- Stretch the dough into a round shape on the oiled surface. Aim for a thin crust.
- Drizzle the remaining olive oil on the stretched dough.
- Evenly sprinkle the mozzarella cheese over the dough.
- Add the grated Pecorino cheese on top of the mozzarella.
- Sprinkle the freshly cracked black pepper generously over the cheeses.
- Place your pizza in the oven and bake for 10-15 minutes until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly.
how to serve Cacio e Pepe Pizza
Once your Cacio e Pepe Pizza is cooked to perfection, remove it from the oven. Allow it to cool for a minute before slicing it into wedges. Serve hot, and you can add extra black pepper or cheese on top for an added kick. Pair it with a simple salad or enjoy it on its own.
how to store Cacio e Pepe Pizza
If you have leftover pizza, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should stay fresh for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to make it crispy again.
tips to make Cacio e Pepe Pizza
- Use fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best flavor.
- Let the dough rest longer if you have the time; this can improve its texture.
- Feel free to adjust the amount of black pepper according to your taste—more pepper gives it a stronger kick.
variation
You can easily add other toppings to your Cacio e Pepe Pizza. Consider adding cooked prosciutto, arugula, or cherry tomatoes for extra flavor and texture.
FAQs
Q: Can I use store-bought pizza dough instead of no-knead dough?
A: Yes, store-bought dough can save time, but no-knead dough gives a rustic texture.
Q: How can I make the pizza spicier?
A: Add crushed red pepper flakes along with the black pepper for a spicy kick.
Q: Can I use different cheeses?
A: Yes, you can experiment with other cheeses like parmesan or gouda, but keep the Pecorino for that distinct flavor.
Cacio e Pepe Pizza
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Cacio e Pepe Pizza combines classic Italian flavors with the fun of pizza, featuring a no-knead dough for a rustic crust and a rich mix of cheeses and black pepper.
Ingredients
- 1/3 batch No Knead Pizza Dough
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil (extra virgin recommended)
- 1 cup Mozzarella Cheese (grated)
- 1 cup Pecorino Cheese (grated)
- 2 teaspoons Black Pepper (freshly cracked)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C).
- Prepare your no-knead pizza dough and let it rise if it hasn’t already.
- Lightly oil a baking sheet or pizza stone with 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
- Stretch the dough into a round shape on the oiled surface, aiming for a thin crust.
- Drizzle the remaining olive oil on the stretched dough.
- Evenly sprinkle the mozzarella cheese over the dough.
- Add the grated Pecorino cheese on top of the mozzarella.
- Sprinkle the freshly cracked black pepper generously over the cheeses.
- Place your pizza in the oven and bake for 10-15 minutes until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly.
Notes
Allow the pizza to cool for a minute before slicing. Serve hot, optionally adding more black pepper or cheese on top.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian