What Fish Can You Put On Pizza? The 7 Best Seafood Toppings

What Fish is Good On Pizza
original pizza
Basil bowl for pizza

Who says you have to stick to pepperoni and mushrooms? Not me. I’m here to tell you about a twist that’ll make your taste buds do a double-take: seafood on pizza for a change.

Let’s look at the best seafood toppings for a unique pizza experience.

Best Fish Types for Pizza

7. Anchovies

Anchovies Pizza Recipe

Their intense umami kick and subtle saltiness can transform a simple pizza into a gourmet experience.

When I scatter these tiny fish across a pizza, their flavor melds beautifully with the tomato base, creating a complex layer of taste that’s both bold and nuanced.

But the trick is in the balance; too many can overpower, so I use them sparingly.

Best Recipe: Pizza Puttanesca

Ingredients:
  • 1 pizza dough (homemade or store-bought)
  • ¾ cup tomato sauce
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 tin of anchovies, drained and chopped
  • ¼ cup capers, rinsed and drained
  • ½ cup pitted black olives, sliced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Red pepper flakes (optional, for added heat)

Instructions:
  1. Preheat your oven to its highest setting, typically around 475°F (245°C) if possible.
  2. On a floured surface, roll out your pizza dough to your preferred thickness.
  3. Transfer the rolled-out dough to a pizza stone or a lightly oiled baking sheet.
  4. Spread the tomato sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border for the crust.
  5. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce.
  6. Distribute the chopped anchovies, capers, and sliced olives evenly over the cheese.
  7. Season with dried oregano and red pepper flakes if desired.
  8. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
  9. Allow to cool for a few minutes before slicing. Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves if desired.
The Pizza Puttanesca combines the bold flavors of anchovies with the tanginess of capers and the richness of olives, creating a symphony of tastes that’s both satisfying and sophisticated.

6. Tuna

How to Make Tuna Pizza

Tuna on pizza offers a mild, distinct flavor, ideal for those seeking a break from traditional toppings. Its meaty texture contrasts with the soft dough and cheese, making Tuna and Red Onion Pizza a noteworthy choice.

It’s making it a standout choice for those seeking something different from the usual pizza fare.

Best Recipe: Tuna and Red Onion Pizza

Ingredients:
  • 1 pizza dough (homemade or store-bought)
  • ¾ cup tomato sauce
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 can of high-quality tuna in olive oil, drained
  • 1 medium red onion, thinly sliced
  • 2 tablespoons capers, rinsed and drained
  • A handful of fresh arugula for garnish
  • Extra virgin olive oil for drizzling
Instructions:
  1. Oven should be preheated to the highest temperature, aiming for 475°F (245°C) if achievable.
  2. Dough is rolled out on a floured surface to the desired thickness.
  3. Dough is then transferred to a pizza stone or a baking sheet brushed lightly with oil.
  4. Tomato sauce is spread evenly across the dough, leaving space at the edges for crust.
  5. Mozzarella is sprinkled over the sauce, followed by an even distribution of tuna and red onion slices.
  6. Capers are scattered atop the other ingredients.
  7. Pizza is baked in the preheated oven for about 12-15 minutes, until the crust turns golden and cheese bubbles with a slight brown tint.
  8. After baking, pizza is allowed to rest for a few minutes, then garnished with fresh arugula and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil before serving.
The smoky notes of the salmon with the creamy cheese base create a harmonious blend that’s hard to resist.

5. Salmon

How to Cook Salmon Pizza

Salmon on pizza, particularly when smoked, introduces a luxurious, rich flavor that’s both refined and comforting.

The combination of smoked salmon’s smokiness with creamy cheese creates an irresistible dish. Smoked Salmon and Cream Cheese Pizza, garnished with fresh dill and lemon, highlights these flavors.

Best Recipe: Smoked Salmon and Cream Cheese Pizza

Ingredients:
  • 1 pizza dough (homemade or store-bought)
  • 1 cup cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 4 ounces smoked salmon, thinly sliced
  • 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 tablespoon capers, rinsed and drained
  • Fresh dill and lemon wedges for garnish
Instructions:
  1. Oven’s temperature is set to the highest, with 475°F (245°C) as the target.
  2. On a floured workspace, dough is rolled to the preferred thickness.
  3. Prepared dough is then placed on a pizza stone or a lightly greased baking tray.
  4. Cream cheese is spread gently over the dough, leaving room at the edges.
  5. Mozzarella cheese is sprinkled on top of the cream cheese.
  6. Slices of smoked salmon and red onion are arranged over the cheese layer.
  7. Capers are sprinkled over the toppings.
  8. Pizza is cooked in the hot oven for 10-12 minutes, until edges are crispy and cheese is melted.
  9. Before slicing, pizza is garnished with fresh dill and served with lemon wedges on the side.
The addition of red onion and capers cuts through the richness, while fresh dill and a squeeze of lemon juice bring a zesty finish that elevates the dish to new heights.

4. Sardines

Is Pizza with Sardines Good

Sardines introduce a bold, oceanic flavor to pizza, offering a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids and a delightful texture contrast.

The distinct taste is a perfect match for the tangy tomato sauce and the creamy mozzarella, creating a pizza that’s both nutritious and full of character.

Best Recipe: Sardine and Tomato Pizza

Ingredients:
  • 1 pizza dough (homemade or store-bought)
  • ¾ cup tomato sauce
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 can sardines in olive oil, drained and broken into chunks
  • ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 2 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
  • A handful of fresh basil leaves for garnish
  • Chili flakes (optional, for a spicy kick)
Instructions:
  1. Oven is preheated to its maximum temperature, ideally around 475°F (245°C).
  2. Pizza dough is rolled out on a floured surface to the desired thickness.
  3. Rolled dough is then placed onto a pizza stone or a baking sheet with a light coating of oil.
  4. Tomato sauce is spread evenly across the dough, leaving a margin for the crust.
  5. Shredded mozzarella is scattered over the sauce, followed by the sardine chunks and cherry tomato halves.
  6. Garlic slices are distributed over the top, adding depth to the flavor profile.
  7. For those who enjoy a bit of heat, chili flakes can be sprinkled on now.
  8. Pizza is baked in the preheated oven for approximately 12-15 minutes, until the crust is golden and the cheese has melted and bubbled.
  9. Fresh basil leaves are used as a garnish before serving, adding a burst of color and freshness.
The proper selection of flour can also make a difference. When it comes to Sardine and Tomato Pizza, the flour I recommend is Tipo 00.

3. Mackerel

Mackerel Pizza Recipe

Mackerel introduces a bold, rich flavor to pizza, with its oily texture and distinctive taste setting it apart from milder fish options.

Mackerel and Tomato Pizza combines the fish’s hearty texture with cherry tomatoes and olives, garnished with basil for a fresh touch.

Known for its health benefits and hearty consistency, mackerel stands up well to the baking process, retaining its flavor and adding a nutritious punch to every slice.

Best Recipe: Mackerel and Tomato Pizza

Ingredients:
  • 1 pizza dough (homemade or store-bought)
  • ¾ cup tomato sauce, seasoned to taste
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 can of mackerel fillets in olive oil, drained and flaked
  • ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • ¼ cup black olives, pitted and sliced
  • Fresh basil leaves for garnish
  • Chili flakes (optional, for added heat)
Instructions:
  1. Preheat the oven to its maximum temperature, ideally reaching 475°F (245°C).
  2. Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface to your desired thickness.
  3. Place the rolled dough onto a pizza stone or a lightly oiled baking sheet.
  4. Spread the seasoned tomato sauce over the dough, leaving a margin for the crust.
  5. Even sprinkle the shredded mozzarella over the sauce.
  6. Distribute the flaked mackerel, cherry tomato halves, and sliced olives over the cheese.
  7. If desired, sprinkle chili flakes for an extra kick of spice.
  8. Bake the pizza in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly.
  9. After removing the pizza from the oven, let it cool for a couple of minutes, then garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.
The fresh basil adds a burst of freshness, and the optional chili flakes give a spicy edge that complements the rich flavors of the fish.

2. Shrimp

Best Recipe For Shrimp Pizza

Shrimp brings a delicate, sweet flavor to pizza, offering a light yet satisfying seafood option.

Garlic Shrimp Pizza, topped with Parmesan and served with lemon, exemplifies the perfect blend of flavors for seafood and pizza lovers.

Among all unusual toppings, this one is my favorite.

Best Recipe: Garlic Shrimp Pizza

Ingredients:
  • 1 pizza dough (homemade or store-bought)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • ½ pound cooked shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
  • Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions:
  1. Preheat your oven to its highest setting, aiming for 475°F (245°C) if possible.
  2. Stretch the pizza dough on a floured surface to your desired shape and thickness.
  3. Transfer the dough to a pizza stone or a baking sheet brushed with a little olive oil.
  4. In a small bowl, mix the olive oil with minced garlic and spread this mixture over the pizza base.
  5. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the garlic oil.
  6. Arrange the cooked shrimp evenly across the pizza.
  7. Top with grated Parmesan cheese and bake in the preheated oven for about 12-15 minutes, until the crust is golden and crispy.
  8. Once baked, sprinkle the fresh parsley over the pizza and serve with lemon wedges on the side.
The Parmesan adds a nutty, salty layer that complements the sweet shrimp, while the parsley and lemon wedges bring a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors. This is the best example of how proper selection of cheese can make a difference.

1. Crab

Crab meat adds a touch of luxury to pizza, with its sweet, delicate flavor and flaky texture.

It’s an unconventional choice that lends an air of sophistication to the humble pizza, perfect for those looking to impress with their culinary creations.

Best Recipe: Crab and Asparagus Pizza

Ingredients:
  • 1 pizza dough (homemade or store-bought)
  • ¾ cup Alfredo sauce
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • ½ cup lump crab meat, carefully picked over for shells
  • ½ cup asparagus tips, blanched
  • ¼ cup red bell pepper, thinly sliced
  • 1 tablespoon chives, chopped
  • Lemon zest for garnish
Instructions:
  1. An oven is preheated to the highest temperature, with 475°F (245°C) as the target.
  2. The dough is rolled out to the preferred thickness on a floured work surface.
  3. Prepared dough is then placed on a pizza stone or a baking tray with a slight coating of oil.
  4. Alfredo sauce is spread evenly over the dough, leaving a small border for the crust.
  5. Mozzarella cheese is sprinkled on top of the Alfredo sauce.
  6. Crab meat, asparagus tips, and red bell pepper slices are arranged over the cheese.
  7. Pizza is baked in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes until the crust turns golden and the cheese is bubbling.
  8. After baking, the pizza is sprinkled with chopped chives and lemon zest before serving.
The addition of red bell pepper adds a slight crunch and sweetness, while the chives and lemon zest bring a fresh, aromatic finish to this luxurious pizza.

FAQs

Can you eat mozzarella with fish?
You can, but it is not a common or traditional combination in Italian cuisine. Some people may find the cheese too heavy or overpowering for the delicate flavor of fish.
Do Italians put shrimp on pizza?
Italians do not usually put shrimp on pizza, as seafood on pizza is not very popular in Italy. However, there are some exceptions, such as pizza ai frutti di mare, which may include shrimp along with other types of seafood.
Is 4 slices of pizza too much?
It depends on the size of the pizza and your appetite. A small pizza has 6 slices, so 4 slices would be two-thirds of a pizza. A medium pizza has 8 slices, so 4 slices would be half a pizza. A large pizza has 12 slices, so 4 slices would be a third of a pizza. Generally, 4 slices of pizza is enough for one person, but it may be too much or too little depending on the factors mentioned above.
What is the salty fish on pizza?
The most common salty fish on pizza is anchovy, which is a small, oily fish that is cured in salt and oil. Anchovies add a strong, salty flavor to pizza, and are often paired with cheese, tomato sauce, and olives. Some people love anchovies on pizza, while others hate them.

Final Thoughts

Seafood on pizza? It’s not as crazy as it sounds. It’s like taking a dive into the ocean and bringing back a treasure to top our favorite food.

This isn’t just about eating, it’s about exploring new flavors.

Each seafood topping brings its twist, making our pizza even cooler. So why stick to the usual when we can have a taste of the sea?