Smoked Salmon Pizza
Inspired by Alaska's world-famous wild salmon, this elegant pizza transforms the classic bagel-and-lox combination into a crispy, shareable flatbread. Cream cheese, silky smoked salmon, briny capers, and fresh dill create a taste of the Last Frontier.
Equipment Needed
Instructions
Make the dough: Dissolve yeast and sugar in warm water. Let stand 5-10 minutes until foamy. Combine flour and salt, add yeast mixture and olive oil. Knead 8-10 minutes until smooth. Cover and let rise 1 hour.
Prepare cream cheese base: In a bowl, beat softened cream cheese with sour cream, lemon juice, garlic powder, and white pepper until smooth and spreadable. Set aside at room temperature.
Preheat oven: Place a pizza stone on the lowest rack and preheat to 475°F (245°C) for at least 30 minutes. The stone must be fully heated for a crispy crust.
Shape the crust: Punch down dough and divide in half. Roll or stretch each portion into a thin 12-inch oval or round. Transfer to a cornmeal-dusted pizza peel.
Par-bake the crust: Brush dough lightly with olive oil. Slide onto the hot stone and bake for 5-6 minutes until just starting to set and lightly golden. Remove from oven.
Add cheese layer: Sprinkle mozzarella evenly over the par-baked crust. Return to oven for 3-4 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly. Remove from oven.
Add cream cheese: Dollop the cream cheese mixture over the hot pizza and spread gently, leaving some cheese visible. The heat will soften it but not cook it.
Top with salmon: Arrange smoked salmon slices over the warm pizza. The residual heat will gently warm the salmon without cooking it, preserving its silky texture.
Finish and serve: Scatter capers, red onion rings, and fresh dill over the top. Squeeze a little fresh lemon juice over everything. Slice and serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side.
💡 Pro Tips & Variations
- Use wild Alaskan salmon: Look for wild-caught, cold-smoked salmon from Alaska. It has a cleaner flavor and firmer texture than farmed varieties.
- Salmon quality matters: This is a simple pizza where the star ingredient shines. Invest in quality smoked salmon for the best results.
- Add roe for luxury: Top with a spoonful of salmon roe just before serving for an extra-special Alaskan touch.
- Make it a flatbread: Use naan or pita bread for a quick weeknight version that comes together in 15 minutes.
- Chive variation: Substitute or add fresh chives to the dill for a different but equally delicious flavor profile.
- Serve with champagne: This elegant pizza pairs beautifully with sparkling wine or a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc.