If you cherish the idea of savoring restaurant-quality pizza from the comfort of your own home, then this Homemade Frozen Pizzas with Salami, Olives, and Mushrooms Recipe is about to become your new best friend. Imagine golden, crispy pita bread loaded with layers of rich salami, briny olives, and meaty mushrooms, all melted together with a blend of mozzarella and Monterey Jack cheeses. These pizzas are not only incredibly affordable and easy to prepare but also brilliantly versatile — perfect for freezing ahead to enjoy whenever pizza night calls for a quick and satisfying bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the harmonious balance of flavors and textures these fresh ingredients bring. Each item plays a crucial role in building a pizza that’s bursting with vibrant color, bold tastes, and that perfect gooey cheese pull.
- Greek pita bread: Thick, round flatbreads create the perfect sturdy yet tender pizza base that crisps beautifully in the oven.
- Salami: Adds a smoky, slightly spicy richness that sings with every bite.
- Black olives: Bring a briny, savory burst that cuts through the richness of the cheese and meat.
- Green capsicum (bell pepper): Offers fresh, crunchy sweetness and a pop of vibrant green color.
- Red onion: Adds subtle sharpness and a slight crunch to balance the pizza’s layers.
- Mushrooms: Their earthy, meaty texture gives the pizza extra heartiness and depth.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Essential for that melty, stringy cheese goodness we all love on pizzas.
- Shredded Monterey Jack cheese: Adds creamy richness with a mild, buttery flavor that complements mozzarella perfectly.
- Extra virgin olive oil: Provides a silky richness and helps cook the garlic evenly for a fragrant sauce base.
- Garlic cloves: Infuses the tomato sauce with aromatic warmth and subtle spiciness.
- Crushed canned tomatoes: The hearty and tangy foundation of the sauce, offering vibrant color and bright flavor.
- Tomato paste: Concentrates the tomato flavor for a richer, deeper sauce.
- Water: Balances the sauce to the perfect consistency for spreading.
- Dried oregano: Classic pizza herb that delivers earthy, aromatic notes.
- Dried thyme: Rounds out the herbal profile with subtle sweetness.
- Red chilli flakes: Optional, but a great way to add just a hint of heat that wakes up the palate.
- Salt: Enhances all the natural flavors throughout the pizza.
- Black pepper: Adds a mild spicy kick to tie the flavor elements together.
How to Make Homemade Frozen Pizzas with Salami, Olives, and Mushrooms Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Sauce
Start by heating the extra virgin olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat, then add the minced garlic and cook just until fragrant, about 30 seconds to a minute. Stir in the crushed canned tomatoes, tomato paste, and water, mixing everything to combine. Season with dried oregano, thyme, red chilli flakes, salt, and black pepper. Let this simmer gently, uncovered, for around 20 minutes, stirring occasionally to let the flavors develop into a rich, aromatic sauce that will be the perfect canvas for your toppings.
Step 2: Preheat and Prep the Base
While your sauce simmers, arrange a baking tray inside your oven and preheat it to 220 degrees Celsius (425 degrees Fahrenheit). This ensures a hot surface for the pita breads to crisp up beautifully. Lay out the pita breads on a clean workspace and get ready to build your pizzas.
Step 3: Assemble the Pizzas
Spread a generous spoonful of the tomato sauce evenly over each pita bread as your base. Next, sprinkle a layer of the shredded mozzarella and Monterey Jack cheeses—this duo is key for that creamy melt. Then, scatter the chopped salami, sliced black olives, sliced green capsicum, red onion, and mushrooms over the cheese, distributing them so every slice will have a perfect bite of each. You’re creating flavor layers that burst with every mouthful.
Step 4: Bake the Pizzas
Transfer the assembled pitas to the hot baking tray in the oven. Bake for about 15 to 20 minutes until the edges of the pita are golden and crispy, and the cheese is melted and bubbling invitingly. Keep a close eye towards the end to prevent burning while achieving that fantastic crust and gooey topping we’re aiming for.
Step 5: Cool and Freeze
Let the cooked pizzas cool completely on a wire rack. To freeze, place parchment paper between each pizza to prevent sticking, then stack and wrap tightly in plastic wrap or foil before storing in an airtight container or freezer bag. This step makes enjoying this recipe later an absolute breeze.
How to Serve Homemade Frozen Pizzas with Salami, Olives, and Mushrooms Recipe
Garnishes
Top your freshly baked pizzas with a sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley leaves for a burst of color and freshness. A drizzle of good-quality extra virgin olive oil or a sprinkle of chili flakes can add an exciting finishing touch that heightens the flavor experience.
Side Dishes
Keep it simple and classic with a crisp green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette or roasted garlic asparagus for some verdant vegetables. For something heartier, a bowl of warm minestrone soup pairs beautifully with the robust flavors of the pizzas, creating a well-rounded meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve these personalized frozen pizza slices on rustic wooden boards or colorful ceramic plates for a casual, inviting vibe. Consider adding small bowls of dipping sauces like garlic aioli or spicy harissa on the side to add interactive fun and extra layers of flavor for your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftover slices, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Covering them well helps keep the pita base from getting too soggy, preserving crispness when reheated.
Freezing
For long-term storage, these homemade frozen pizzas freeze exceptionally well. Assemble and bake the pizzas first, cool completely, then freeze them stacked with parchment paper between each to avoid sticking. Wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil, they keep fresh for up to 2 months, ready for spontaneous pizza nights.
Reheating
Reheat your frozen pizza slices in a hot oven at around 200 degrees Celsius (390 degrees Fahrenheit) on a baking sheet, uncovered, for 10-15 minutes until the cheese melts again and the crust crisps up beautifully. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the pita base chewy and dull the flavors.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of bread instead of pita?
Absolutely! While Greek pita provides a fantastic balance of crispiness and thickness, you can substitute with naan, focaccia, or even pre-made flatbreads for different textures—just adjust baking times accordingly to avoid overcooking.
Is it possible to make these vegetarian?
Yes! Simply omit the salami and add more veggies like roasted zucchini, artichoke hearts, or cherry tomatoes for added flavor. The olives and mushrooms still contribute plenty of savory depth to satisfy even hungry appetites.
How spicy is this recipe?
The spice level is mild by default with just a teaspoon of chilli flakes, which you can increase or omit entirely based on your preference. The balance of aromatic herbs complements the subtle heat perfectly.
Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?
Definitely! The homemade tomato sauce keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 4 days, so making it ahead helps streamline your pizza prep on the day you want to bake and enjoy these tasty pies.
What cheese alternatives can I use?
While mozzarella and Monterey Jack are ideal for melt and flavor, feel free to use provolone, fontina, or even a blend including cheddar for a sharper bite. Just choose cheeses that melt well to maintain that luscious texture.
Final Thoughts
You really can’t go wrong with this Homemade Frozen Pizzas with Salami, Olives, and Mushrooms Recipe—it’s a joyous celebration of bold flavors and convenience wrapped in one delicious meal. Whether feeding a crowd or prepping for a busy week, these pizzas deliver satisfying comfort with every bite. I wholeheartedly encourage you to give this recipe a whirl. Your future self will thank you when you pull out a perfect, piping-hot pizza from the freezer anytime you want a slice of happiness.
Print
Homemade Frozen Pizzas with Salami, Olives, and Mushrooms Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 10 pizzas
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This recipe makes delicious homemade frozen pizzas using Greek pita bread as the base. Topped with a flavorful tomato sauce, a blend of mozzarella and Monterey Jack cheeses, and a mix of salami, vegetables, and herbs, these pizzas are easy to prepare and perfect for baking fresh or freezing for later. With a prep time of 20 minutes and cook time of 40 minutes, this budget-friendly recipe yields 10 pizzas, ideal for meal prepping or serving a crowd.
Ingredients
Base
- 10 Greek pita bread (thick round flatbreads, 25cm / 10″ diameter)
Meat and Vegetables
- 250 g / 8 oz salami, sliced and chopped
- 3/4 cup / 100 g sliced black olives, drained
- 1 large green capsicum / bell pepper, sliced
- 1 large red onion, chopped
- 15 medium mushrooms, sliced (~golf ball size)
Cheese
- 400 g / 14 oz / 4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 300 – 350 g / 10 – 12 oz / 3.5 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
Tomato Sauce
- 1/4 cup / 65 ml extra virgin olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 800 g / 28 oz crushed canned tomato
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1/2 cup / 125 ml water
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp red chilli flakes (adjust to taste)
- 3/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the Tomato Sauce: Heat the extra virgin olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in the crushed canned tomatoes, tomato paste, and water. Add the dried oregano, thyme, red chili flakes, salt, and black pepper. Simmer gently for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Assemble the Pizzas: Preheat your oven to 220°C (430°F). Place each Greek pita bread on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Spread a generous layer of the prepared tomato sauce evenly over each pita base. Distribute the chopped salami, sliced black olives, green capsicum, red onion, and mushrooms evenly over the sauce. Sprinkle a mix of shredded mozzarella and Monterey Jack cheeses generously over the toppings to cover them.
- Bake the Pizzas: Place the trays in the preheated oven and bake the pizzas for 15-20 minutes or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden. This ensures the pita bread is crisp and the toppings are heated through.
- Cool and Freeze: Allow the pizzas to cool completely on wire racks. Once cooled, wrap each pizza tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil or place them in airtight freezer bags. Label and freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheat Frozen Pizza: When ready to eat, preheat the oven to 200°C (390°F) and bake the frozen pizza on a baking sheet for 12-15 minutes or until heated thoroughly and cheese is melted. Enjoy your homemade frozen pizza with fresh toppings!
Notes
- Use thick Greek pita bread as it holds toppings well and crisps nicely in the oven.
- Adjust the red chili flakes according to your heat preference or omit for a milder flavor.
- You can substitute salami with pepperoni or any other cured sausage if desired.
- For a vegetarian option, omit the salami and add more vegetables.
- Make sure pizzas are completely cooled before freezing to prevent sogginess.
- Label frozen pizzas with date to keep track of freshness; consume within 3 months.
