Mediterranean Goat Cheese Pizza Recipe

This Mediterranean Goat Cheese Pizza is a delicious blend of tangy goat cheese, savory ham, and the perfect trio of cheeses for a pizza that's bursting with flavor. The goat cheese adds a creamy texture that contrasts beautifully with the cheddar and Parmesan, while optional toppings like mushrooms, olives, or red onions give it a Mediterranean flair. Brushing the crust with olive oil gives it a golden, crispy finish, making every bite satisfying.

For a little extra zing, drizzle some balsamic glaze over the top before serving, balancing the richness of the cheeses with a touch of sweetness. This pizza is perfect for those nights when you want something easy to make but packed with bold, Mediterranean flavors!

Ingredients for Mediterranean Goat Cheese Pizza Recipe

• Pizza Dough: The perfect base for a crispy, golden crust that holds all the delicious toppings, use store-bought or homemade.
• Pizza Sauce (tomato-based): Adds a rich, tangy flavor as the foundation of the pizza.
• Goat Cheese: Creamy and tangy, it softens beautifully, adding a unique flavor to the pizza.
• Deli Ham: Savory and slightly sweet, ham adds a hearty, meaty layer to the pizza.
• Cheddar Cheese: Adds a sharp, rich flavor and melts perfectly to create a gooey texture.
• Parmesan Cheese: Nutty and salty, it provides a delicious finish to the pizza.
• Olive Oil: Brushed on the crust for added crispiness and a golden-brown finish.
• Optional Toppings (mushrooms, olives, red onion, or bell peppers): Fresh, flavorful vegetables that add extra texture and taste to the pizza.

How to Make Mediterranean Goat Cheese Pizza Recipe

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 475°F (245°C). If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven to preheat as well.
2. Prepare the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pizza dough to a 12-inch circle. Move the dough onto a piece of parchment paper if you’re using a baking sheet, or directly onto the preheated pizza stone.
3. Layer Sauce and Toppings: Evenly spread the pizza sauce over the dough, leaving a small border for the crust. Scatter half the goat cheese over the sauce. Arrange the deli ham slices over the cheese, adding any optional toppings as desired. Sprinkle with the cheddar cheese, the rest of the goat cheese, and top off with grated Parmesan.
4. Oil the Crust: Brush the crust's edge lightly with olive oil for added crunch and a golden finish.
5. Bake: Slide the pizza (on parchment if using a sheet) into the oven. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the toppings look invitingly toasted.
6. Cool and Serve: Let the pizza cool for a few minutes after baking. This makes it easier to cut and helps the toppings set. Slice into 8 pieces and serve warm.

NOTES:

• Goat cheese doesn’t melt the same way mozzarella does but will get delightfully soft. Distribute it in crumbles or small dollops for the best texture.
• Consider balancing goat cheese’s tanginess with a drizzle of balsamic glaze right before serving for an extra layer of flavor.
• Adjust the amount of goat cheese based on your preference for a stronger or milder goat cheese presence on your pizza.

Perfect Side Dishes to Serve with Pizza

• Simple Green Salad
• Easy Mango Salsa
• Mediterranean Corn and Black Bean Salad
• Tomato Cucumber Avocado Salad

The Ultimate Guide to Reheating Pizza Perfectly

To reheat leftover pizza and keep the crust crispy while ensuring the toppings stay delicious, here are the best methods:

1. Oven Method (Best for Crispiness)

• Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Place the pizza slices on a baking sheet or directly on the oven rack for extra crispness.
• Heat for 8-10 minutes, or until the crust is crispy and the cheese is melted.
• Tip: If you’re worried about the pizza drying out, you can cover it loosely with foil.

2. Skillet/Stovetop Method (Quick and Crispy)

• Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
• Place the pizza slice in the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes to crisp the bottom.
• Add a few drops of water to the skillet (away from the pizza) and cover with a lid to steam and melt the cheese.
• Cook for another 1-2 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and toppings are heated through.

3. Air Fryer Method (Fast and Convenient)

• Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
• Place the pizza slices in the air fryer basket.
• Heat for 3-4 minutes, or until the pizza is hot and the crust is crispy.

4. Microwave Method (Fastest, but Least Crispy)

• Place the pizza slice on a microwave-safe plate.
• Place a small cup of water in the microwave to help prevent the crust from becoming too chewy.
• Microwave for 30-45 seconds or until heated through.

For the best results, the oven and skillet methods are ideal for keeping the pizza crisp while reheating it evenly!

Recipe Variations

• Goat Cheese and Fig Pizza: Add sliced fresh figs or fig jam on top of the goat cheese for a sweet and savory contrast. Finish with a drizzle of balsamic glaze for a rich, tangy bite.
• Goat Cheese and Sundried Tomato Pizza: Replace the ham with sundried tomatoes for a tangy, chewy texture that pairs beautifully with the goat cheese. Add fresh spinach or arugula after baking for a fresh finish.
• Goat Cheese and Spinach Pizza: Add a layer of sautéed spinach under the goat cheese for a healthy, earthy flavor. Top with pine nuts for a nutty crunch, and finish with a sprinkle of lemon zest for brightness.
• Goat Cheese and Artichoke Pizza: Replace the ham with artichoke hearts, adding a Mediterranean flair. Pair the artichokes with olives and finish with a sprinkle of oregano and a drizzle of olive oil.
• Goat Cheese and Roasted Vegetable Pizza: Load the pizza with roasted bell peppers, zucchini, and eggplant before adding the goat cheese. The roasted veggies add a sweet, smoky flavor that complements the tangy cheese.