Cuban-style Pizza Margherita

Ingredients

While the original Italian Margherita pizza is known for its simplicity and classic combination of flavors, our Cuban-style Pizza Margherita incorporates Cuban ingredients and spices to add a touch of Latin flair. We infuse the pizza with Cuban spices, use local cheeses, and top it off with fresh tropical ingredients to create a truly unique and delicious fusion dish. We alse have the original recipe for Pizza Margherita, so you can check it out.

• 1 pizza dough (store-bought or homemade) 1 pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 cup (235ml) tomato sauce 1 cup (235ml) tomato sauce
• 2 cups (200g) shredded Cuban cheese blend (such as Queso Blanco and Queso de Bola) 2 cups (200g) shredded Cuban cheese blend (such as Queso Blanco and Queso de Bola)
• 1/2 cup (75g) sliced ham 1/2 cup (75g) sliced ham
• 1/2 cup (75g) sliced pickles 1/2 cup (75g) sliced pickles
• 1/4 cup (40g) sliced red onions 1/4 cup (40g) sliced red onions
• 1/4 cup (15g) chopped fresh cilantro 1/4 cup (15g) chopped fresh cilantro
• 1 teaspoon Cuban seasoning blend 1 teaspoon Cuban seasoning blend
• Olive oil, for drizzling Olive oil, for drizzling

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 320 kcal / 1340 KJ
• Fat: 12g (6g saturated)
• Carbohydrates: 38g (4g sugars)
• Protein: 14g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat your oven to 220°C (425°F).
2. 2.
   Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface to your desired thickness.
3. 3.
   Transfer the rolled-out dough to a baking sheet or pizza stone.
4. 4.
   Spread the tomato sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
5. 5.
   Sprinkle the Cuban cheese blend over the sauce.
6. 6.
   Arrange the sliced ham, pickles, and red onions on top of the cheese.
7. 7.
   Sprinkle the Cuban seasoning blend and chopped cilantro over the toppings.
8. 8.
   Drizzle a little olive oil over the pizza.
9. 9.
   Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
10. 10.
    Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing.
11. 11.
    Serve hot and enjoy the Cuban twist on this classic pizza!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Pizza dough — If using store-bought dough, make sure to follow the package instructions for proofing or baking. If making homemade dough, allow it to rise until doubled in size before rolling it out.
• Cuban cheese blend — If you can't find a pre-packaged Cuban cheese blend, you can substitute it with a combination of mild white cheeses such as Mozzarella and Monterey Jack.
• Cuban seasoning blend — You can make your own Cuban seasoning blend by combining equal parts garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, oregano, and paprika.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra kick of flavor, drizzle some Cuban-style mojo sauce over the pizza before serving.
• Experiment with different toppings such as sliced roasted pork or grilled pineapple to add more Cuban flavors.
• If you prefer a crispier crust, pre-bake the pizza dough for a few minutes before adding the toppings.
• Serve the pizza with a side of black bean and corn salad for a complete Cuban meal.
• Leftover pizza can be reheated in a preheated oven or toaster oven for a few minutes until warmed through.

Serving advice

Serve the Cuban-style Pizza Margherita hot, straight from the oven. Cut it into slices and serve as a main course or as part of a Cuban-themed party spread. Garnish with additional fresh cilantro for a pop of color and freshness.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, sprinkle some extra Cuban seasoning blend and chopped cilantro on top of the pizza just before serving. The vibrant colors of the toppings will make the pizza visually appealing and inviting.