Pizza is a family favorite. In fact, research even supports this. According to Britannica, one in eight US citizens eat pizza on any given day.
So, why shouldn’t more of us be on the lookout for unique pizza substitutions?
Now, many people like to switch out the standard pizza dough for tortilla wraps. Some will push the boat out for extra out-of-the-box toppings. Others will just go all out and create something they regret eating for dinner.
But if you want to make a pizza that hits the spot and isn’t the standard pepperoni and cheese, then this post is a must-read. Keep reading on to learn three unique substitutions.
Crust Alternative – Hash Brown
Are you fan of crispy pizza crust? Then swap out traditional dough for a hash brown base. This’ll be right up your street.
It’s pretty simple. Instead of stretching out pizza dough, you use shredded or grated potatoes. This’ll create a thin and crispy base. Once cooked, the potatoes develop those golden, crunchy edges – and that make it difficult to stop at just once slice.
The trick here is getting as much moisture out of the potatoes as possible. Do so before cooking. Too much moisture would leave you with a soft base. And that base will struggle to support the toppings.
And if you’re really looking to step outside the box? Remember potatoes aren’t your only option. For a much more unconventional take, this flank steak Margherita pizza recipe uses flank steak as the base. This creates a protein-packed alternative to traditional pizza dough.
Base Sauce Alternative – Fig Jam
Fig jam probably isn’t the first thing you reach for when making pizza. But don’t knock it until you’ve tried it!
Its sweet. Its fruity. The flavor works surprisingly well with salty and savory ingredients. You don’t need much, either. Spread a thin layer over your crust and build the rest of the pizza around it.
Fig jam pairs especially well with stronger cheeses. Think goat cheese, blue cheese, smoked varieties… Add some prosciutto or crispy bacon, too. With this, you’ve got a combination that hits several different flavor notes in every bite.
It’s also a good option. Even more so if you enjoy experimenting with sweet-and-savory recipes. Start with a thin layer. The goal is to complement the other ingredients, not turn your pizza into dessert.
Cheese Alternative – Smoked Gouda
Mozzarella has earned its place on pizza. This doesn’t mean you can’t play around with other cheeses.
Smoked Gouda is a great alternative – particularly if you want to add a little more character to your pizza. It melts nicely. It brings a subtle smoky flavor. This will completely change the personality of a familiar recipe!
Because Gouda has a stronger flavor than mozzarella, don’t pile it on. Combine it with roasted vegetables, caramelized onions, chicken, or even a few spicy toppings. Your pizza will have more depth as a result.
For the best results, though, consider combining Gouda with a milder cheese. Don’t use it exclusively.
To conclude, pizza is a meal you can afford to have some fun with. This means trying new and exciting substitutions isn’t just acceptable – it’s encouraged. The three options in this post are definitely worth trying.
