California Pizza with Smoked Salmon and Dill
A gourmet pizza inspired by Wolfgang Puck's innovative creations, featuring a delicate balance of smoked salmon, tangy crème fraîche, sharp red onion, and briny capers, finished with fresh dill. This recipe offers a lighter, more sophisticated take on traditional pizza.
🧂 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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- 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.