Homemade Ham and Olive Pizza

This homemade ham and olive pizza is a thin-crust delight topped with savory ham, sliced black olives, and bubbling melted cheese. It offers a satisfying balance of salty, cheesy, and tangy flavors with a crispy base that’s perfect for any pizza night.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This pizza brings together bold Mediterranean ingredients with classic comfort. The saltiness of ham, the briny flavor of black olives, and the richness of gooey cheese create a perfectly balanced bite. The dough can be homemade or store-bought, making it an approachable recipe for any level of experience. Whether baked in the oven or on a pizza stone, it delivers restaurant-quality results at home.

ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
‑ Pizza dough (homemade or store-bought)
‑ Tomato pizza sauce
‑ Sliced ham (thin-cut)
‑ Black olives (sliced)
‑ Shredded mozzarella cheese
‑ Olive oil
‑ Dried oregano
‑ Garlic powder (optional)
‑ Fresh basil or parsley (optional for garnish)

directions

1. Preheat the oven to 475°F (245°C) and place a pizza stone or baking sheet inside.
2. Roll out the pizza dough on a lightly floured surface to your desired thickness. Transfer to parchment paper.
3. Brush the dough lightly with olive oil. Spread a thin layer of pizza sauce evenly over the base.
4. Sprinkle with shredded mozzarella, then top with sliced ham and black olives.
5. Add a pinch of dried oregano and optional garlic powder.
6. Transfer the pizza (on parchment) to the hot stone or baking sheet. Bake for 10–12 minutes or until the crust is golden and cheese is bubbling.
7. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields 1 large pizza (about 8 slices), serving 3–4 people. Preparation time is approximately 15 minutes, with a baking time of 10–12 minutes.

Variations

‑ Add sliced mushrooms, red onions, or bell peppers for extra vegetables.
‑ Use goat cheese or provolone for a different cheese profile.
‑ Swap tomato sauce for pesto or white garlic sauce.
‑ Add a drizzle of chili oil for a spicy finish.
‑ Make it a calzone by folding the dough over and sealing the edges.

storage/reheating

Store leftover pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a hot oven or toaster oven at 375°F (190°C) for 5–7 minutes to restore crispness. Avoid microwaving if you prefer a crisp crust. Cooked pizza can also be frozen and reheated directly from frozen.

FAQs

Can I use pre-baked crust instead of raw dough?

Yes, pre-baked crusts are a quick and easy alternative. Just reduce the baking time slightly.

What kind of ham is best?

Thinly sliced deli ham, prosciutto, or cooked country ham all work well.

Can I use green olives instead of black?

Yes, though green olives have a more intense, tangier flavor.

How do I keep the crust from getting soggy?

Preheat the baking surface and avoid overloading with sauce or toppings.

Can I make this pizza ahead of time?

You can assemble the pizza up to 4 hours in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator before baking.

Can I grill this pizza instead of baking?

Yes, grill on medium-high heat for 5–7 minutes with the lid closed, rotating halfway.

Is this pizza freezer-friendly?

Yes, you can freeze the unbaked assembled pizza or freeze leftovers after baking.

What’s a good cheese alternative to mozzarella?

Try provolone, fontina, or a pizza cheese blend for variation.

How do I make the crust crispier?

Use a pizza stone and bake on the lower rack at a high temperature.

Can I use no-cook sauce?

Yes, use a simple crushed tomato sauce with olive oil and herbs for a fresh taste.

Conclusion

This ham and olive pizza is a flavorful, easy-to-make dish that brings a delicious twist to traditional pizza. With crisp crust, melty cheese, and bold toppings, it’s a dependable favorite for casual dinners or entertaining guests.

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