Sep 09 2026
RestaurantsButterfaceMediterranean Pizza Recipe

Mediterranean Pizza Recipe

Inspired by Butterface
Time1h 30m
Serves4

Make Mediterranean Pizza Recipe in just 1h 30m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.

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Ingredients

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Dough

Method

Dough

  1. 1

    Bloom yeast

    In a small bowl combine warm water (about 105–110°F / 40–43°C), sugar and active dry yeast. Stir gently and let sit 5–10 minutes until foamy.

  2. 2

    Mix dough

    In a large bowl whisk together flour and salt. Make a well, add foamed yeast mixture and 1 tablespoon olive oil. Stir with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms.

  3. 3

    Knead

    Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead 6–8 minutes until smooth and elastic (or use a stand mixer with dough hook on medium-low for 4–5 minutes). If dough is sticky, add up to 2 tablespoons additional flour, a little at a time.

  4. 4

    First rise

    Lightly oil a clean bowl, place dough inside, cover with plastic wrap or a damp towel and let rise in a warm draft-free spot until doubled in size, about 1 to 1¼ hours.

  5. 5

    Shape

    Punch down dough, transfer to a lightly floured surface and shape into a 12-inch round. Let rest 10 minutes to relax gluten before topping.

Sauce

  1. 6

    Prepare sauce

    While dough rises, make the sauce. In a small saucepan heat 1 teaspoon olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook 30–45 seconds until fragrant (do not brown). Add crushed tomatoes, dried oregano, salt and black pepper. Simmer gently 8–10 minutes to thicken slightly, stirring occasionally. Taste and adjust seasoning. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

Toppings

  1. 7

    Preheat oven

    Place a pizza stone or inverted baking sheet on the middle rack of the oven. Preheat oven to 500°F (260°C) for at least 30 minutes so the stone/sheetr is very hot. If your oven does not reach 500°F, preheat to the highest temperature available.

  2. 8

    Prepare greens

    In a small bowl toss baby spinach or arugula with 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1/2 tablespoon lemon juice, a pinch of coarse sea salt and a little black pepper. Set aside to wilt slightly.

  3. 9

    Assemble pizza

    Lightly dust a pizza peel or an inverted baking sheet with flour or cornmeal. Transfer the rested dough and stretch or roll into a 12-inch round. Spread an even layer (about 3/4 cup) of prepared tomato sauce over the dough leaving a 1/2-inch border. Distribute torn or sliced fresh mozzarella evenly. Scatter roasted red pepper slices, red onion, and halved kalamata olives across the cheese. Crumble feta over the top. Sprinkle dried oregano and crushed red pepper flakes (if using).

  4. 10

    Bake

    Slide the pizza onto the preheated stone or baking sheet and bake 8–12 minutes, rotating halfway, until crust is golden and cheese is bubbly and lightly browned. Baking time will vary with oven temperature.

  5. 11

    Finish

    Remove pizza from oven. Immediately top with the dressed spinach/arugula and fresh basil leaves. Drizzle optional herb oil (see below) or the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil over the pizza. Sprinkle coarse sea salt and additional dried oregano if desired. Let rest 2–3 minutes, then slice and serve.

Optional: Herb Oil

  1. 12

    Make herb oil

    Whisk together 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, chopped fresh oregano or parsley and 1/2 teaspoon minced garlic. Let sit a few minutes to infuse. Drizzle over pizza after baking.

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