Caviar Pizza: Ingredients, Recipe, and Variations

Caviar pizza is a gourmet dish that brings together two luxurious ingredients: caviar and pizza. Caviar refers to the salt-cured fish eggs from sturgeon and other fish species, prized as a delicacy for their delicate flavor and texture. When paired with pizza, the salty, briny notes of caviar make for an indulgent topping that adds a touch of elegance.

The global caviar market is estimated to be worth over $1.5 billion, with prices averaging $50 per ounce but ranging anywhere from $10 to $100 per ounce depending on quality. Beluga caviar is the most expensive type, with prices from $200 to $500 per ounce. While caviar carries a reputation for being an extravagant ingredient, a little bit can go a long way to elevate simple dishes like pizza.

What is Caviar Pizza?

Caviar pizza features caviar as a topping, either on its own or combined with ingredients like crème fraîche, hard cheeses, smoked salmon, truffles, and herbs. The saltiness of the caviar pairs well with the richness of pizza dough and cheese. Caviar pizza is a relatively new dish, but it has quickly become popular on the menus of upscale pizzerias and Italian restaurants.

Caviar is a good source of protein, vitamins, and minerals, including omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin B12, and iron. However, since it is used sparingly as a topping, caviar pizza derives more nutritional value from its dough, cheese, and other toppings. Ultimately, this dish is valued more for its luxurious taste and texture rather than its health benefits.

How to Make Caviar Pizza at Home

Making caviar pizza at home is easier than you might think. With just a few quality ingredients and careful preparation, you can make restaurant-worthy caviar pizza to impress your family and friends.

Ingredients Needed for Caviar Pizza

• Pizza dough (fresh or store-bought)
• Marinara or alfredo pizza sauce
• Mozzarella cheese
• Caviar (any type)
• Crème fraîche
• Minced red onion
• Capers
• Italian parsley
• Lemon wedges

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Caviar Pizza

1. Prepare the pizza dough: If using fresh dough, shape into a 12-inch round and bake in a 500°F oven for 8 minutes. If using store-bought dough, follow package instructions.
2. Spread sauce and sprinkle cheese: Top the partially baked crust with marinara or alfredo sauce, spreading it evenly across the surface. Sprinkle with mozzarella.
3. Add caviar and garnishes: Top the pizza with dollops of crème fraîche, then caviar. Garnish with red onion, capers, and parsley.
4. Bake the pizza: Return the pizza to the oven and bake for 5 to 8 more minutes until the cheese is melted and the edges are golden brown.
5. Slice and serve: Slice the caviar pizza and serve immediately with lemon wedges for squeezing over just before eating. Enjoy this decadent pizza in small portions.

Tips for Making the Best Caviar Pizza

Making excellent caviar pizza is all about balance. Follow these tips for success:

1. Choosing the Right Type of Caviar

The type of caviar can significantly impact flavor. Beluga caviar is ideal for pizza with its buttery, nutty notes. Sturgeon caviar lends a mild brininess. Salmon roe and trout roe are budget-friendly alternatives with their own unique flavors.

2. Preparing the Dough

Caviar pizza demands an ultra-thin, crispy crust that can support the weight of the toppings without getting soggy. Stretch and flatten the dough as thin as possible without compromising structure and bake until crisp. This prevents the dough from overpowering the caviar.

3. Balancing Flavors

Too much richness overwhelms the palate. Counterbalance indulgent ingredients like caviar and crème fraîche with acidic garnishes like red onion, capers, parsley, and lemon. Let the salty brininess of the caviar come through.

4. Serving Suggestions

Caviar pizza is best enjoyed fresh out of the oven in small portions, like a single slice. Provide lemon wedges for squeezing over each bite and champagne for pairing. For parties, cut into petite squares for passing around.

Variations of Caviar Pizza

While traditional caviar pizza features ingredients like crème fraîche, onion, and capers, the possibilities don’t stop there. Some tasty variations include:

1. Smoked Salmon and Caviar Pizza

Combine indulgent caviar and smoked salmon on a white pizza with crème fraîche, dill, and lemon zest.

2. Truffle and Caviar Pizza

Shavings of black truffle make an ultra-luxurious pairing for caviar atop a pizza with fontina cheese and chives.

3. Lobster and Caviar Pizza

Chunks of tender lobster meat are excellent alongside briny caviar, especially when topped with tarragon and lime juice.

4. Vegan “Caviar” (Seaweed Roe) Pizza

For plant-based caviar pizza, use seaweed caviar atop vegan cheese pizza with artichoke hearts and arugula.

Where Can You Find the Best Caviar Pizzas in Restaurants?

While caviar pizza has humble home-cooking origins, you can now find gourmet versions on the menus of upscale Italian eateries and pizzerias, especially in major cities like New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles. Top restaurants for caviar pizza include:

• Roberta’s (Brooklyn, NY) – wood-fired black truffle pizza with caviar
• SPQR (San Francisco, CA) – burrata caviar pizza
• Formento’s (Chicago, IL) – crab louie caviar pizza
• Terroni (Los Angeles, CA) – salmon and caviar pizza
• Il Mulino (NYC, Vegas, Miami) – caviar and lobster pizza

Call ahead to reserve caviar pizza, as it is often a special or seasonal menu item made in limited quantities.

Pairing Drinks with Your Caviar Pizza

While caviar pizza tastes indulgent on its own, you can elevate the experience even further with wine and champagne pairings:

• Sparkling wines like Champagne, Cava, and Prosecco cut through the richness while complementing the salty roe.
• White wines like Chablis, Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, and Vinho Verde balance the briny flavors.
• Light reds like Pinot Noir work with richer caviar pizza variations.
• Craft beer with citrusy hops helps reset the palate between bites.

For the ultimate caviar pizza experience, splurge on a top-shelf bottle and make it a true occasion. But even modest wines will suit the purpose.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is caviar pizza expensive?

Yes, due to the high cost of caviar, caviar pizza is one of the most expensive pizza varieties. At upscale restaurants, a caviar pizza can cost $50 to over $100 depending on the caviar type. Making it at home reduces the cost, but still ranges from $15 to $30 for the specialty ingredients.

What kind of caviar is used on pizza?

Typically red caviar, like salmon roe or other more affordable fish roe, is used. Occasionally black caviar like Ossetra may be used at luxury restaurants. Beluga caviar is rarely, if ever, used due to its extremely high price.

Does the caviar get cooked on the pizza?

No. To preserve the delicate flavor and texture, caviar is added as a topping after the pizza has finished baking. The heat from the cooked pizza base lightly warms it without fully cooking it.

What goes well with caviar pizza?

Caviar pizza goes well with crispy, acidic flavors to balance the rich creaminess. Bubbly champagne, citrusy vodka cocktails, or tart white wines complement it beautifully. Avoid heavy flavors like cheese, tomato sauce or meats.

Is caviar pizza an appetizer or entree?

Traditionally caviar pizza is served as an upscale appetizer or pre-dinner snack. The indulgent flavors make it ideal to start off an elegant dinner. Given the high cost, it is rarely served as a main course. Individual sized ones can work well as a first course.

Caviar pizza is the ultimate lavish appetizer that transforms the humble pizza into a luxurious gourmet delicacy. With its decadent mouthfeel, elegant presentation and exquisite flavors, caviar pizza is perfect for special occasions or exclusive dining experiences. Approached with quality ingredients and careful preparation, it can be an impressive highlight of any upscale meal.