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Pizza with Fontina, Potatoes, and Tapenade

This sophisticated potato and fontina pizza offers a delicious twist on traditional vegetarian toppings. The combination of thinly sliced potatoes and melted Fontina d'Aosta creates a creamy, indulgent base, while the punchy black olive tapenade and roasted red peppers provide a vibrant contrast of flavours. Finishing the crust with a homemade garlic-infused oil and fresh rosemary ensures every bite is incredibly fragrant and satisfyingly crisp.

Perfect for a weekend treat or an impressive dinner for friends, this homemade pizza brings the authentic taste of an Italian trattoria to your kitchen. Using a hot baking tray or pizza stone achieves a professional golden crust that supports the hearty layers of cheese and vegetables. Serve it alongside a fresh green salad for a balanced, restaurant-quality meal that everyone will enjoy.

Continue reading below

Ingredients for Pizza with Fontina, Potatoes, and Tapenade

  • 60ml warm water (41°C to 46°C)

  • 1 1/110g package active dry yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons )

  • 90ml extra-virgin olive oil, divided

  • 475ml strong flour

  • 1 teaspoon salt

  • 120ml cold water

  • 1 large garlic clove, finely chopped

  • 4 baby Yukon Gold potatoes

  • Cornmeal (for sprinkling)

  • 40g freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese

  • 170g (170g) coarsely grated Italian Fontina cheese (such as Fontina d'Aosta)

  • 1 roasted red pepper in brine from jar, diced (80ml )

  • 45ml purchased black olive tapenade*

  • 2 teaspoons finely chopped fresh rosemary

  • Dried crushed red pepper

How to make Pizza with Fontina, Potatoes, and Tapenade

Stir warm water and yeast in small bowl. Let stand 5 minutes to dissolve. Stir in 2 tablespoons oil.

Mix flour and 1 teaspoon salt in processor. With machine running, add yeast mixture, then 120ml cold water; process until dough forms ball on top of blade. Process 45 seconds. Transfer dough to lightly floured surface. Knead until smooth, 1 to 2 minutes. Pour 1 tablespoon oil into medium bowl. Add dough to bowl; turn to coat. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in warm draft-free area until doubled in volume, about 1 hour 15 minutes.

Meanwhile, heat remaining 3 tablespoons oil and garlic in small saucepan over low heat until mixture begins to bubble, 1 to 2 minutes. Set garlic oil aside.

Place potatoes in medium saucepan. Add enough cold water to cover. Sprinkle with salt. Cover and bring to boil over high heat. Reduce heat to medium and boil with lid slightly ajar until almost tender, about 12 minutes. Drain; let stand until cool. Place pizza stone or baking sheet (if using rimmed sheet, turn upside down) in oven. Preheat oven to 232°C. Transfer dough to work surface. Roll, pat, and stretch dough to 12- to 14-inch round. Sprinkle pizza peel or another baking sheet (if using rimmed sheet, turn upside down) with cornmeal. Transfer dough round to prepared peel. Cover with plastic and let rest 10 minutes.

Using thin knife, cut potatoes into 1/8-inch-thick slices. Sprinkle dough with Parmigiano-Reggiano and Fontina, leaving 1-inch plain border around edge. Arrange potato slices over cheese, then brush potatoes with garlic oil. Sprinkle roasted red peppers over pizza. Spoon heaping 1/4-teaspoon dollops tapenade over. Brush dough border with garlic oil.

Slide pizza from peel to pizza stone or baking sheet in oven. Bake until bottom of crust is golden brown and cheese is melted, 15 to 20 minutes. Using peel, transfer pizza to cutting board. Drizzle any remaining garlic oil over pizza. Sprinkle with chopped rosemary, crushed red pepper, and salt. Cut into wedges and serve.

A thick paste or spread made from brine-cured olives, capers, anchovies, and seasonings; available at some supermarkets and at specialty foods stores and Italian markets.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Article history

The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

  • 16 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
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