The Salty Seafood That Actually Works Wonders As A Pizza Topping
There's no need to convince anyone that pizza is a timeless shareable provision that's as versatile as it is widely enjoyed. Although an old-fashioned pepperoni pizza or a sophisticated Margherita pie are excellent options when you're craving a slice (or three), ingredient combos for pizza toppings are virtually limitless, so why not think outside the box? The next time you're feeling adventurous
Boasting a quintessential salmon flavor marked by rich, buttery top notes punctuated by salt-tinted, wood-smoked undercurrents reminiscent of a crackling campfire, smoked salmon brings a bold taste to the epicenter of a pizza. Its multi-dimensional flavor profile adds depth to creamy, rich cheeses and pairs well with many other common pizza fixings. Not only does it upgrade the flavor of a pizza, but its soft, tender quality is the perfect textural contrast to its crunchy crust. Although it's often packaged in slices, it can easily be torn into small, bite-sized pieces perfect for decorating a pizza. Not to mention that smoked salmon is teeming with healthy fats and many other essential vitamins and nutrients, giving your pizza a nourishing trim.
Be careful not to confuse smoked salmon with lox, as the former is prepared via cold or hot smoking while the latter is prepared strictly through salt-curing. Although lox can make a great pizza topping, it has a brinier, saltier flavor than smoked salmon.
Building the perfect smoked salmon pizza
Adding smoked salmon to a pizza recipe is great in theory, but now you need to put it into practice. Luckily, there are plenty of complementary ingredients to pair with a smoked salmon-studded pizza — just make sure to use your broiler to achieve a restaurant-quality pizza worthy of a smoked salmon crown.
As much as we love red sauce on a pizza, it tends to have a tangy, herb-kissed flavor that might taste overwhelming when paired with a bold topping like smoked salmon. Instead, opt for a rich white sauce or cream cheese base, which both have a one-dimensional flavor that won't overshadow the star of the show (smoked salmon). Pockets of mild-mannered cheese like ricotta or mozzarella are also excellent backdrops for the fish. If you do want a more complex cheese, opt for goat cheese, the tangy earthy taste of which mingles well with the smoky taste of the salmon.
Red onions can bring a pungent, peppery kick that meshes with the fatty cheeses and adds a bit of spice to the smoldering essence of the fish. For a touch of refreshing, briny goodness, turn to a jar of capers. If you're craving something spicy, fresh jalapeños or a drizzle of hot honey can do the trick. Don't be afraid to mix and match until you find a smoked salmon pizza combo that makes your taste buds (and dinner guests) sing. Although it's just one of many unexpectedly delicious pizza toppings, smoked salmon is one of the best.