California Pizza with Smoked Salmon and Dill

🧂 Ingredients

• 1 lb Pizza dough(Store-bought or homemade, at room temperature for easier handling.)
• 6 oz Smoked salmon(High-quality, thinly sliced.)
• 1/2 cup Crème fraîche(Full-fat is recommended for best flavor and texture.)
• 1/4 medium Red onion(Very thinly sliced into half-moons or rings.)
• 2 tbsp Capers(Drained and rinsed to remove excess salt.)
• 2 tbsp Fresh dill(Chopped, for garnish.)
• 1 tbsp Olive oil(For brushing the crust.)
• to taste Black pepper(Freshly ground.)

👨‍🍳 Instructions

1. 1

   Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). If using a pizza stone or steel, place it in the oven while it preheats.

   ⏱️ 15 minutes
2. 2

   On a lightly floured surface, gently stretch or roll out the pizza dough into your desired shape, aiming for a thin crust about 12-14 inches in diameter. Transfer the dough to a pizza peel dusted with cornmeal or parchment paper.

   ⏱️ 5 minutes
3. 3

   Lightly brush the edges of the pizza dough with olive oil. This will help them crisp up and turn golden brown. Prick the center of the dough a few times with a fork to prevent large bubbles from forming.

   ⏱️ 2 minutes
4. 4

   Carefully slide the pizza onto the preheated pizza stone/steel or directly onto the oven rack. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the crust is lightly golden and beginning to puff up. The dough should be set but not fully browned.

   ⏱️ 8-10 minutes
5. 5

   Remove the partially baked crust from the oven. Spread the crème fraîche evenly over the surface, leaving a small border for the crust. Season lightly with black pepper.

   ⏱️ 3 minutes
6. 6

   Arrange the thinly sliced red onion and drained capers over the crème fraîche. Then, artfully drape the slices of smoked salmon on top of the pizza.

   ⏱️ 3 minutes
7. 7

   Return the pizza to the oven and bake for another 4-5 minutes, just until the crème fraîche is warm and the salmon is heated through. Be careful not to overcook the salmon, as it can become dry.

   ⏱️ 4-5 minutes
8. 8

   Remove the pizza from the oven. Garnish generously with fresh chopped dill. Slice and serve immediately.

   ⏱️ 2 minutes

💡 Pro Tips

• ✓For a crispier crust, preheat a pizza stone or baking steel in the oven.
• ✓Ensure the red onion is sliced paper-thin for a delicate flavor and texture.
• ✓Add the smoked salmon and fresh dill *after* baking to preserve their delicate flavors and textures. The residual heat from the pizza is sufficient.
• ✓This pizza is best enjoyed fresh, right out of the oven.

🔄 Variations

• Substitute crème fraîche with a thin layer of mascarpone cheese or a light cream cheese spread.
• Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice over the finished pizza for brightness.
• For a vegetarian option, omit the salmon and add thinly sliced avocado after baking.
• Experiment with other gourmet toppings like thinly sliced figs, prosciutto, or a drizzle of balsamic glaze.

🥗 Nutrition

Per serving