If you’re looking for a pizza that’s rich, savory, and a little indulgent, Pizza Capricciosa is a perfect choice. Beloved throughout Italy, this traditional pizza combines a variety of bold ingredients on a thin, crisp crust—making every bite feel like a small celebration.
What Is Pizza Capricciosa?
The word “capricciosa” means “capricious” in Italian, and that’s exactly what this pizza is: playful and full of surprises. While variations exist across regions, the classic version typically includes tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, cooked ham, mushrooms, artichoke hearts, and black olives. Some versions also include hard-boiled eggs or anchovies for an extra kick of flavor.
The Base:
Pizza Capricciosa uses a traditional Italian thin crust, often made with ’00’ flour and left to rise slowly to develop a light, airy texture. It’s baked at a high temperature for a slightly charred, crispy edge and a soft, chewy center.
The Toppings:
What makes Capricciosa stand out is its unique mix of ingredients:
- Tomato sauce – smooth and slightly sweet, providing a flavorful base
- Mozzarella – melted to perfection, tying everything together
- Cooked ham – sliced or cubed, adding a salty, savory note
- Mushrooms – earthy and juicy, often thinly sliced
- Artichoke hearts – tangy and tender, balancing the richness
- Black olives – for a briny, Mediterranean touch
Each ingredient is carefully placed, often in sections rather than mixed, creating a visually appealing and balanced pizza.
How It’s Different:
Unlike the predictable combinations of Margherita or Pepperoni, Pizza Capricciosa is a bit unpredictable—hence the name. It’s ideal for those who like a variety of textures and flavors on their pizza. You can make a low-carb version of keto pizza dough.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve with a glass of red wine like Chianti or a crisp Italian lager. A side salad with arugula and balsamic dressing pairs perfectly to round out the meal.

Ingredients
- 1 pizza dough enough for a 12-inch pizza
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese shredded
- 1/4 cup Italian ham thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup artichokes quartered
- 1/4 cup mushrooms sliced
- 1/4 cup black olives sliced
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 475°F (245°C).
- Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface to your desired thickness.
- Spread the tomato sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese over the tomato sauce.
- Arrange the Italian ham, artichokes, mushrooms, and black olives evenly on top of the cheese.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes, until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
- Remove from oven, let cool slightly, then slice and serve.
This pizza was super tasty, my family loved it! The ham and artichokes are a great combo. Will make again for sure!
Not bad, but I think I prefer pepperoni over this. The olives kinda ruined it for me. 😕
I totally get that! Olives can be pretty hit or miss. Pepperoni is the classic choice for a reason! 🍕
👎 not great
I made this pizza last night and it turned out amazing! The crust was perfect and all the toppings worked well together. 5 stars!
I dunno, artichokes on pizza? Seems a bit weird. But if you liked it, cool.
That sounds delicious! I’m definitely going to try this recipe. Thanks for sharing!
Where’s the pepperoni? This ain’t pizza without it! 2/5 😡
Nah, this is a traditional recipe! You don’t need pepperoni for a good pizza. It’s all about the flavors! 😋
I get your point! Pepperoni is a classic. Maybe next time try adding it yourself? 😅
Made this after a long day at work, and it was the perfect comfort food. Thanks for sharing this recipe!
Amazing recipe! The combination of flavors is just perfect. My family loved it!
Looks good, but aren’t artichokes kinda weird on pizza? I guess to each their own.
I tried this recipe last night and it was a hit! So easy to make too. Thanks for sharing!
Not bad, but I think 1/2 cup sauce feels light for a 12-inch. I added a bit more sauce and it tasted more balanced.
I agree—1/2 cup for a 12-inch can feel a little stingy. I started adding a few spoonfuls too and it made the whole slice taste more cohesive.
Hmm… I used the same amount and it was fine? But maybe depends on how saucy your dough is and how thick you roll it. If you like it wetter, more sauce makes sense.
Followed the recipe exactly but my dough didn’t rise, it was like a cracker. 😩
This pizza is so good! I’ve never made my own dough before, but this was super easy. Definitely a keeper!
I don’t get why people like black olives on pizza… but I guess it’s not terrible. Would not change anything but i wouldn’t repeat it.
Yum! Love the combination of flavors. I used fresh mushrooms instead of canned, made a big difference! Definitely making again! 😋
Yum! My family loved it! I added some extra cheese because why not? More cheese = more happiness!
I don’t understand why there’s so much fuss about this recipe. It’s okay but nothing special. I prefer plain cheese pizza.
So easy and tasty! Will make it for my pizza night with friends. Can’t wait to impress them!
I think olives on pizza are a sin. Can we just do pepperoni? This recipe lost a star for me.
I followed the recipe but it didn’t taste that great. Maybe my oven’s not hot enough? Idk, but I won’t be making it again.
I don’t like artichokes. Could I substitute them for peppers? Let me know! But overall, looks good.
Can I use a pre-made crust instead? I’m not doing all that rolling out a dough stuff. Too lazy lol.
The dough was too thick for my taste, will try rolling it out thinner next time!
I totally get it! Thinner dough is way better! It’s all about the crust, right? 🍕
I dunno, isn’t pizza dough supposed to be thick? Maybe it’s just me.
Um, not sure if I did it right? My pizza got burnt. Guess I need to watch the oven closer next time.
Don’t worry, it happens to the best of us! Just keep an eye on it next time. Honestly, I usually set a timer to remind me.
Perfect for my Friday night pizza party! Will definitely make it again!
Pretty solid but I think 10 minutes was too short in my oven—mine needed closer to 15 to get that golden crust. Still delicious though, especially the cheese bubbling.
I didn’t have Italian ham, so I used turkey. Still delicious! 😋
The cheese was sooooo good! I love mozzarella. Definitely a keeper.
Never made pizza before, but this was easy to follow! Will be trying again!
Honestly, who puts artichokes on pizza? Yuck! Never making this.
Tasty and simple. I used fresh mushrooms and regular mozzarella, and it still worked great. Would make again for sure.
I tried this pizza but it turned out too soggy. Do I need to bake it longer or something?
This pizza is amazing! So easy to make and tastes fab!
Ok recipe, but isn’t it just better to throw some frozen pizza in the oven?
Nah, frozen pizza ain’t the same! Home-made tastes better, trust me! 😋
I get what you mean, but making it from scratch is kinda fun! Plus, you know exactly what’s in it. 🎉
This is just a fancy way to make a pizza, don’t know what all the fuss is about. 1 star.
I don’t get it either! Pizza’s just pizza, right? Why complicate it? 1 star seems fair.
Actually, this recipe has some unique ingredients! Artichokes and ham can make it special. 4 stars from me!
Pfft, pizza is pizza. You can just order one for less hassle.
This pizza is a game changer! The combination of flavors is divine. 5 stars!
Honestly, who puts artichokes on pizza? That just sounds gross. I’m sticking to pepperoni
I was skeptical at first because of the combo, but it was surprisingly good! Who knew ham and artichokes worked together?
That’s awesome! I totally agree, the flavors are great together. I’m glad you gave it a chance!
I dunno, ham and artichokes? Sounds weird. Is this really a thing? I think I’d just stick to pepperoni.
So good! My family loved it. I added extra cheese though, cause we love cheese! 10/10 would recommend.
Extra cheese? That’s the best way to go! 🍕 Glad your family enjoyed it!
Why bake at 475°F? Isn’t that too high? Mine burnt at 450…
Amazing pizza! My family loved it. Will make again for sure!
So simple and good. My kids helped make it and gobbled it up!
I usually don’t like artichokes, but this was surprisingly good. I’ll give it a 4.
Wow, I’m impressed! I also thought I wouldn’t like artichokes but this pizza is a game changer. Definitely making it again! 🍕
It’s okay, but I feel like it needed more sauce. Also, where’s the pepperoni? 🤔
Olives are gross. Why ruin a good pizza? Should have skipped them.
Great recipe! I added some pepperoni and it was even better!
I didn’t have artichokes, so I used pickles. It was not the same but still tasty!
It was okay, but honestly, where’s the pineapple? Pineapple on pizza is the best! This didn’t really do it for me.
This pizza is a lifesaver! I used leftover veggies from my fridge. Delicious!
Love this! So easy to make and looks like it came from a restaurant!
Looks good, but is it really that easy? I usually mess up dough.
Totally agree! This is my go-to recipe now. So simple and soooo tasty!
Not bad, but I think the recipe could use more spice.
I agree! A bit more spice would make it pop! Maybe add some red pepper flakes next time.
The recipe was easy to follow, but my crust turned out too thick. Not sure what went wrong. 3 stars.
3 stars? C’mon! It was good though I also had trouble with my crust once.
Maybe you rolled it out too thick? Try using less dough next time.
Pizza dough is too hard to make. Can I buy it premade? I’m not a chef, just want to eat! 😂
The taste was alright, but I think the artichokes are too weird for pizza? Not my thing.
This pizza was ok, but I think it needs more toppings. Maybe some peppers?
Easy and tasty. My kids devoured it. Would totally make again—5 stars!
Barely any instructions. Who rolls out pizza dough without telling how? Very disappointed.
Pizza is pizza! Does it really matter what’s on it? 🤷♂️
Pizza is def more than just pizza! You gotta appreciate the toppings, like artichokes!
1/4 cup black olives sounds way too little… I doubled it and it was perfect. Also, 475°F is intense—watch the crust.
475°F is no joke. My first bake the crust was a little too crispy, but the toppings were perfect. Next time I’ll pull it a minute earlier.
Totally agree—1/4 cup olives felt like a typo to me. Doubling made it actually taste like something. 🍕
This pizza is the best! I added some extra cheese and it was heavenly!
I messed up the baking time and burned the crust. Be careful, folks!
Yum! I could eat this every day! Best recipe I’ve tried! 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
I totally agree! This recipe is a game changer! 🍕 Can’t believe how easy it is to make!
Looks good, but I think the toppings are too much. Less is more, you know?
I followed it exactly and it turned out bland. Maybe I used low-flavor tomato sauce? Also my oven runs cool, so… yeah.
Nice and simple! But I found it a bit too salty with the ham and olives.
Pizza is pizza! Yum!
Absolutely agree! Pizza is always a winner. Can’t wait to try this recipe!
I dunno, toppings sound weird. Artichokes on pizza? Really? 🤔
Eh, it turned out kinda soggy. I guess I rolled the dough too thin?
It’s just okay. I expected more flavor. Maybe fresher ingredients next time?
A whole lotta toppings! Love it, but too much for my teenage son. He’s picky! 🙄
The recipe is simple but the baking time is too short. Mine was undercooked. Ugh.
I had the same issue! Mine was still doughy in the middle. Maybe it depends on the oven? Not sure, but longer time next time for sure!
Just bake it a bit longer then! It works fine for me. Or did you forget to check it? 🤔
Pizza!
Artichokes on pizza? Really? That’s weird.
Yum! Can’t wait to try it. 🍕
The crust was burnt and the cheese didn’t melt right. I blame my old oven. Do any of you have this issue?
Yum! I loved the artichokes, but my kids weren’t fans. Maybe they just need to grow up.
What’s Capricciosa? Sounds fancy. Can I just use regular ham? asking for a friend.
Okay, I’m not saying it’s authentic, but it was really good. Capricciosa vibes achieved 😄
Haha love that 😄 Capricciosa vibes are real! I bet the mix of ham + artichokes + olives makes it taste super close—even if it’s your own version.
Hmm, I thought capricciosa had more toppings? Where are the egg?
I think you might be confusing it with another pizza. Capricciosa usually doesn’t have eggs on it. It’s about the ham and veggies! 😄
I followed it mostly, but my dough didn’t roll out very nicely and got kinda thick in the middle. The toppings were good, just wish the instructions mentioned stretching/letting dough rest first.
That sounds frustrating—if the middle stayed thick, it’s usually the dough being cold or not getting stretched enough before topping. I’ve found letting it rest 10–20 minutes after rolling (or after taking it out of the fridge) helps it relax so it spreads evenly.
Huh, I think your dough might’ve been too wet. Also, 475°F is kinda low for a real crispy crust… I do 500–550 and it fixes the center staying thick. But your toppings lineup sounds legit!
Loved this pizza! The artichokes really add something special. Will make again!
This came out so good—crispy edges and the toppings stayed evenly spread. I used fresh mozzarella and it was extra melty.
I’m skeptical about the bake time—10 minutes didn’t really brown my crust at 475°F. Maybe my oven runs cold, but I had to keep it in longer.
This is okay but kinda bland, like I’ve eaten better pizzas. Also I didn’t have artichokes so I used pickles (don’t judge). It was… interesting.
Fair point about the blandness—next time I’d add some garlic/onion powder or dried oregano to the sauce. And honestly, pickles for artichokes sounds weird but kinda genius if you like tang!
Pickles instead of artichokes? I mean… I’ll judge a little 😅. Also 475°F for 10–15 min seems short—my crust gets better if it’s closer to 18. Still, appreciate you trying it.
10-15 minutes at 475°F feels too short. I had to keep baking like 20 minutes to get it bubbly and crisp. Otherwise great.
Not sure about the ham amount—felt a little salty with the olives. Might use less next time or use low-sodium ham. Flavor was decent anyway.
Hmm maybe your ham slices were extra salty or thicker than the recipe. Next time try 2-3 oz ham instead of 1/4 cup, and pat the olives a bit dry before adding.
Totally get that—black olives + ham can get salty fast. I usually go lighter on the olives or use low-sodium ham like you said. Glad the flavor was still decent though!
Absolutely delicious! Made this for dinner last night and my family loved it. The toppings are perfect!
This is so easy! I made it for my family and they all asked for seconds! Gonna be a regular dish!
I dunno, artichokes on pizza? Sounds kinda weird to me. But if they liked it, then good for you!
That’s awesome! Glad your family loved it! Pizza night just got better! 🍕
Yummy pizza night! I added spicy sausage instead of ham, delish!
How do u even cook a pizza without getting it all soggy? Mine turned out like mush! 😡
You gotta make sure your oven is really hot! 475°F is perfect. If it’s not hot enough, the crust won’t cook right and can get soggy. Also, don’t overload it with toppings!
Maybe try using less sauce? Sometimes that can make it mushy. I’ve had that problem too before. Good luck next time!
This pizza was sooo good! But why artichokes? Never had those before, but they were nice!
Tried this last night—super solid classic Capricciosa vibe. The combo of ham + artichokes + olives is spot on. I’d just bake closer to 15 minutes for a crispier crust.
This recipe is great! I didn’t have all the ingredients, so I threw on some pepperoni instead. Still good.
Sounds like a fun twist! I love that you made it your own. Pepperoni is a classic!
Pretty good but I think it needs more cheese than what the recipe calls for.
Capricciosa? More like ‘whatever you have in the fridge’ pizza 😅 But honestly, it worked. I used canned artichokes and regular button mushrooms and it came out tasty.
Loved it! But could anyone tell me if I can freeze it before baking? Thanks!
This came out way better than I expected. The combo of olives + artichokes is legit, and the cook time was spot on for my oven.
My pizza came out burnt. Followed the time but oven is tricky. 😒
Easy to make! I just tossed everything on there and it was still tasty!
Soo good! The whole family gobbled it up. Pizza night success!
Yummy! I added extra cheese and it was sooo good!
Extra cheese is the best! Makes it so creamy! I can’t wait to try this. 😋
I think adding extra cheese makes it too greasy, but to each their own. 🤷♂️
Pizza dough was too thick! Didn’t turn out like the pic. Maybe I did it wrong? 🤔
Dis is not pizza! Where’s da pepperoni?!
This pizza is amazing! The flavors come together so well. My family loved it! 🍕
I tried it but my dough didn’t brown in the middle. Maybe my oven runs cool. Still tasty though—definitely a “make again but tweak” situation.
I’m skeptical about artichokes on pizza… seems weird. Didn’t taste bad, tho.
I tried this recipe, but I didn’t like the artichokes. Could I use something else? Maybe peppers?
Made this last night and it actually feels like a real pizzeria pie. The artichokes + olives combo is the best part. Next time I might add a little oregano on top for extra aroma.
Yum! Just what I wanted for dinner. Will definitely make again. Maybe even add some peppers next time.
Yummy! 10/10 would eat again. The bubbly cheese part is the best—exactly how I like it.
I’m skeptical about baking only 10-15 minutes at 475°F. Seems too fast for a 12-inch crust unless your dough is super thin. Mine burned slightly at the edges.
Easy recipe! My kids loved it. Great for family night. Thanks!
Pretty good, but 10–15 minutes was a little short for my crust—it needed closer to 18. Still delicious though.
Not my favorite. The olives were a bit overpowering, and I’d reduce them or add more ham next time for balance.
Really good flavors, and the directions were easy. My dough came out a little thick though, so next time I’ll roll it thinner. Still, everyone went back for seconds.
Ok wow, artichokes + olives is a weird combo but it works. The flavors felt very Italian-pizzeria to me.
I mean… it’s kinda tasty but I think the artichokes get lost. Next time I’d add garlic or a sprinkle of oregano, because right now it feels a little bland to me. Also 10 minutes seems too short in my oven.
Totally agree—artichokes + olives sound odd on paper, but they really do give that pizzeria vibe. The salty briny olives with the earthy artichokes is such a good combo.