Easy Pizza Gratinée
This Easy Pizza Gratinée is loaded with rich tomato sauce, savory meat or your favorite protein, fresh vegetables, olives, and a generous layer of melted cheese. Baked until golden and bubbly, it delivers a crispy crust, a gooey center, and an irresistible cheese pull.
My Cheese Secret: Use 60% mozzarella, 30% cheddar, and 10% Edam cheese. For the ultimate gratinée finish, divide the cheese into two layers: place half under the toppings and the other half on top!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- A crispy crust with a rich, cheesy center.
- A delicious blend of three cheeses for extra flavor and stretch.
- Easy to customize with minced meat, chicken, or tuna.
- A golden, bubbly cheese topping that makes every slice irresistible.
Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12–17 minutes
- Total Time: 27–32 minutes
- Servings: 2–4, depending on portion size
- Course: Main Course
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Ingredients
- 1 pizza dough
- 1/2 cup pizza tomato sauce
- 200 g cooked minced meat, chicken, or tuna
- 1 small onion, sliced
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- Olives, to taste
- 250 g shredded cheese
- Oregano, to taste
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Olive oil, as needed
The Three-Cheese Blend
- 60% mozzarella
- 30% cheddar
- 10% Edam
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 220°C (425°F). Lightly grease a baking tray with olive oil if needed.
Step 2: Prepare the Dough
Roll out the pizza dough on the baking tray. Spread the pizza tomato sauce evenly over the surface, leaving a small border around the edges.
Step 3: Add the First Cheese Layer
Sprinkle half of the shredded cheese blend over the tomato sauce. This first layer helps create a rich, cheesy base beneath the toppings.
Step 4: Add the Toppings
Spread the cooked minced meat, chicken, or tuna over the cheese. Add the sliced onion, bell pepper, and olives. Season with salt, black pepper, and oregano to taste.
Step 5: Add the Remaining Cheese
Cover the toppings with the remaining cheese blend, distributing it evenly for a generous, gooey topping and a satisfying cheese pull.
Step 6: Bake the Pizza
Bake for 12–15 minutes, until the crust is cooked and the cheese is melted and bubbling.
Step 7: Broil for the Gratinée Finish
For an extra golden finish, switch on the oven grill for the final 2 minutes. Watch carefully until the cheese is beautifully golden without burning.
Step 8: Serve
Remove the pizza from the oven and let it rest for 1–2 minutes before slicing. Serve hot while the cheese is still melted and stretchy.
Recipe Tips
- Use the three-cheese blend: Mozzarella provides stretch, cheddar adds a rich flavor, and Edam brings a mild, creamy taste.
- Layer the cheese: Placing half underneath the toppings and half on top gives the pizza a cheesier finish.
- Cook the filling first: Make sure the meat or chicken is fully cooked before adding it to the pizza.
- Avoid excess moisture: Too much sauce or wet toppings can make the crust soggy.
- Watch the grill: The cheese can turn golden very quickly during the final 2 minutes.
Variations
- Minced Meat Pizza: Use cooked, seasoned minced beef for a hearty topping.
- Chicken Pizza: Add cooked chicken seasoned with black pepper and oregano.
- Tuna Pizza: Use drained tuna for a seafood variation.
- Vegetarian Pizza: Replace the meat with mushrooms, extra bell peppers, and onions.
- Extra Cheesy Pizza: Add a little more mozzarella for an even stretchier cheese pull.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Pizza Gratinée hot with a fresh green salad, garlic bread, or your favorite dipping sauce. Add a light sprinkle of oregano just before serving for extra aroma.
Storage
Refrigerator
Store leftover pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating
Reheat slices in the oven or a skillet until the cheese melts and the crust becomes crisp again.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Pizza Gratinée?
Pizza Gratinée is a pizza finished with a generous layer of cheese that melts and browns under high heat, creating a bubbly, golden surface.
Why use three types of cheese?
Mozzarella gives the pizza its stretchy texture, cheddar adds a stronger cheesy flavor, and Edam contributes a mild, creamy finish.
How do I get the best cheese pull?
Use plenty of mozzarella in your cheese blend, layer the cheese both under and over the toppings, and serve the pizza immediately while hot.
Can I use store-bought pizza dough?
Yes. Store-bought dough is a convenient option and works well for this recipe.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Pizza Gratinée combines a crispy crust, flavorful toppings, and a special three-cheese blend for a delicious homemade pizza. The secret is layering the cheese and finishing the pizza under the grill for that irresistible golden, bubbly top.
Slice it while hot and enjoy every cheesy bite!
