Anchovies are a divisive topping in the world of pizza. These small, salty fish pack a punch of flavor that can elevate a pizza into a gourmet experience or turn it into something too intense for some palates. While not everyone appreciates their bold taste, those who do find anchovies to be an essential component in crafting a deeply savory and complex pizza. The key to enjoying anchovies on pizza lies in pairing them with the right toppings. In this article, we will explore a variety of toppings that complement anchovies, helping to balance their strong flavor and create a well-rounded pizza.
See Also: What Wines Go with Pizza?
Understanding the Flavor Profile of Anchovies
Before diving into topping combinations, it’s important to understand what anchovies bring to the table. Anchovies are known for their umami flavor, which is often described as savory, meaty, and slightly salty. This umami richness is what makes anchovies so potent in small quantities. They also have a slightly fishy taste, which can be off-putting to some but is cherished by others for its depth and complexity.
Anchovies are typically cured in salt, which intensifies their flavor and gives them a briny quality. When used as a pizza topping, they can easily dominate the overall taste of the dish, which is why it’s crucial to pair them with ingredients that can balance or complement their boldness.
Classic Toppings That Pair Well with Anchovies
1. Tomato Sauce
The classic tomato sauce is a natural companion to anchovies. The acidity and sweetness of the tomatoes help to balance the saltiness of the anchovies, creating a harmonious flavor profile.
Why Tomato Sauce Works:
Acidity: Cuts through the richness of the anchovies.
Sweetness: Balances the saltiness.
Mildness: Provides a neutral base that allows the anchovies to shine without overwhelming the palate.
2. Mozzarella Cheese
Mozzarella cheese is another traditional topping that pairs well with anchovies. Its mild, creamy flavor acts as a counterbalance to the strong taste of the anchovies, mellowing the overall flavor of the pizza.
Why Mozzarella Cheese Works:
Creaminess: Softens the briny flavor of the anchovies.
Neutral Taste: Doesn’t compete with the anchovies, allowing them to stand out.
Melting Quality: Provides a smooth, gooey texture that contrasts with the anchovies’ firmness.
3. Olives
Olives, particularly black or Kalamata olives, are a classic pairing with anchovies. Their briny, slightly bitter flavor complements the saltiness of the anchovies, creating a Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile.
Why Olives Work:
Briny Flavor: Enhances the savory quality of the anchovies.
Bitterness: Adds complexity and depth to the pizza.
Firm Texture: Provides a textural contrast to the softness of the cheese and anchovies.
4. Capers
Capers are small, pickled flower buds that bring a burst of tangy, briny flavor to any dish. When paired with anchovies, capers amplify the umami richness while adding a sharp, piquant note that cuts through the saltiness.
Why Capers Work:
Tanginess: Adds a zesty note that balances the anchovies.
Briny Flavor: Complements the salty nature of the anchovies.
Small Size: Distributes flavor evenly across the pizza without overpowering any single bite.
5. Garlic
Garlic, whether roasted or raw, is a robust flavor that pairs beautifully with anchovies. Its pungent, aromatic quality adds depth to the pizza and enhances the umami notes of the anchovies.
Why Garlic Works:
Pungency: Adds a bold flavor that stands up to the anchovies.
Aromatic Quality: Enhances the overall flavor profile of the pizza.
Versatility: Can be used in various forms (sliced, minced, or roasted) to achieve different flavor intensities.
Less Common but Complementary Toppings
1. Caramelized Onions
Caramelized onions bring a sweet, mellow flavor that contrasts with the salty intensity of anchovies. The natural sweetness of the onions helps to soften the briny flavor, making the pizza more approachable for those who might find anchovies too strong on their own.
Why Caramelized Onions Work:
Sweetness: Balances the saltiness of the anchovies.
Mellow Flavor: Adds depth without overpowering the other ingredients.
Soft Texture: Complements the firmness of the anchovies.
2. Artichokes
Artichokes, particularly when marinated, add a subtle, earthy flavor to the pizza. Their slightly tangy taste works well with anchovies, adding complexity without competing for attention.
Why Artichokes Work:
Earthy Flavor: Adds a nuanced taste that complements the anchovies.
Tanginess: Balances the richness of the other ingredients.
Chunky Texture: Provides a hearty bite that contrasts with the softer toppings.
3. Spinach
Fresh spinach adds a bright, slightly bitter note to the pizza. Its delicate flavor contrasts with the boldness of the anchovies, providing a refreshing counterpoint that lightens the overall taste.
Why Spinach Works:
Bitterness: Adds complexity to the flavor profile.
Freshness: Provides a light, refreshing contrast to the rich, salty anchovies.
Vibrant Color: Enhances the visual appeal of the pizza.
4. Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Sun-dried tomatoes have an intense, concentrated flavor that pairs well with anchovies. Their sweetness and slight chewiness add both flavor and texture, making them an excellent topping choice.
Why Sun-Dried Tomatoes Work:
Intense Sweetness: Balances the saltiness of the anchovies.
Chewy Texture: Adds a different texture that contrasts with the other toppings.
Concentrated Flavor: Adds depth and richness to the pizza.
5. Peppers
Roasted or fresh peppers, particularly red or yellow bell peppers, add a sweet, slightly smoky flavor that complements the anchovies. The mild heat and sweetness of the peppers create a well-rounded flavor profile.
Why Peppers Work:
Sweetness: Balances the saltiness of the anchovies.
Slight Smokiness: Adds depth and a subtle complexity.
Crunchy Texture: Provides a satisfying contrast to the softer toppings.
Unconventional Toppings That Pair Surprisingly Well
1. Pineapple
While pineapple is a controversial pizza topping in general, it can work surprisingly well with anchovies. The sweetness and juiciness of the pineapple provide a refreshing contrast to the salty, briny flavor of the anchovies, creating a unique and unexpected flavor combination.
Why Pineapple Works:
Sweetness: Balances the intense saltiness of the anchovies.
Juiciness: Adds a refreshing burst of flavor with each bite.
Tropical Flavor: Introduces an unconventional but delightful contrast.
2. Blue Cheese
Blue cheese, with its strong, pungent flavor, is another bold topping that can stand up to anchovies. The creaminess of the cheese helps to mellow the saltiness of the anchovies, while the tangy, sharp taste of the blue cheese adds another layer of complexity.
Why Blue Cheese Works:
Pungency: Matches the intensity of the anchovies.
Creaminess: Softens the overall flavor profile.
Sharp Flavor: Adds a distinct, tangy note that complements the anchovies.
3. Figs
Figs, whether fresh or dried, bring a natural sweetness that contrasts beautifully with the salty anchovies. The subtle flavor of figs allows the anchovies to remain the star of the show while adding a touch of sweetness that rounds out the flavor.
Why Figs Work:
Natural Sweetness: Balances the saltiness of the anchovies.
Subtle Flavor: Doesn’t overpower the other ingredients.
Soft Texture: Adds a different texture that complements the pizza.
4. Eggplant
Grilled or roasted eggplant adds a smoky, earthy flavor to the pizza that pairs well with the anchovies. The mild bitterness of the eggplant enhances the umami notes of the anchovies, creating a deeply savory pizza.
Why Eggplant Works:
Smokiness: Adds depth to the flavor profile.
Earthiness: Complements the umami richness of the anchovies.
Firm Texture: Provides a hearty bite that contrasts with the other toppings.
5. Potatoes
Thinly sliced potatoes may seem like an unconventional topping, but they work well with anchovies by adding a starchy, neutral base that balances the intense flavor of the fish. When seasoned and baked until crispy, potatoes can add both flavor and texture to the pizza.
Why Potatoes Work:
Neutral Flavor: Balances the strong taste of the anchovies.
Starchiness: Provides a comforting, hearty element to the pizza.
Crispy Texture: Adds a satisfying crunch that contrasts with the other ingredients.
Tips for Creating the Perfect Anchovy Pizza
1. Use Anchovies Sparingly
Anchovies are incredibly flavorful, so a little goes a long way. Use them sparingly to avoid overwhelming the other toppings and to maintain a balanced flavor profile.
2. Pair with Milder Cheeses
While mozzarella is a classic choice, other mild cheeses like ricotta or burrata can also work well with anchovies. These cheeses add creaminess without competing with the strong flavor of the anchovies.
3. Balance with Fresh Ingredients
Fresh ingredients like herbs, arugula, or cherry tomatoes can help to lighten the overall flavor of the pizza and provide a refreshing contrast to the salty anchovies.
4. Experiment with Different Crusts
A thin, crispy crust can help to balance the richness of the anchovies, while a thicker, chewy crust can provide a satisfying contrast in texture. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different types of crusts to find what works best for you.
5. Consider the Cooking Method
Anchovies can be added to the pizza before baking or after, depending on your preference. Baking the anchovies will mellow their flavor slightly, while adding them after baking will keep their intensity intact. Experiment with both methods to see which you prefer.
Conclusion
Anchovies are a powerful topping that can elevate a pizza to new heights when paired with the right ingredients. From classic combinations like tomato sauce, mozzarella, and olives to more unconventional pairings like figs, pineapple, and blue cheese, the possibilities are endless. The key to a successful anchovy pizza lies in balancing the bold flavor of the anchovies with complementary toppings that enhance rather than compete with their taste. Whether you’re a long-time fan of anchovies or just starting to explore their potential, these topping combinations are sure to inspire your next pizza creation.
