The Perfect Vodka Pizza (And It’s Unbelievably Delicious)

What Is Vodka Pizza?

Vodka pizza is a really fun twist on your classic pizza pie. This vodka-infused sauce is known for its smooth, rich flavor that really enhances the overall taste of the pizza.

The alcohol in the vodka helps release flavors in the tomatoes that are fat-soluble, adding a depth that you wouldn’t get with a regular tomato sauce. Typically, the vodka sauce is a bit creamy, thanks to the addition of heavy cream, and it's a little bit tangy and sweet with a nice balance of flavors. It’s usually topped with mozzarella and perhaps a sprinkle of fresh herbs.

So, if you're up for a pizza night that’s a bit out of the ordinary, vodka pizza might just be the perfect dish to try.

Why You’ll Love This Vodka Pizza Recipe

If you're on the hunt for a new pizza favorite, let us introduce you to our Vodka Pizza Recipe – a game changer in the world of homemade pizzas! Here’s why you’ll fall head over heels for this scrumptious creation:

1. A Twist on Tradition: Swap out your usual tomato sauce for something a bit more adventurous. This creamy vodka sauce adds a rich, smooth and slightly tangy flavor that elevates your pizza to gourmet status. It's a delightful twist that will intrigue your taste buds!

2. Simple and Quick: You don't need to be a professional chef to whip up this delicious meal. The DeLallo Vodka Pizza recipe is straightforward and fuss-free, making it perfect for both beginners and seasoned cooks. Plus, it’s quick enough to fit into your busy schedule, ideal for a weeknight treat.

3. Customizable: Whether you’re a meat lover, a veggie enthusiast, or a cheese fanatic, this recipe serves as a fantastic base that’s begging to be customized. Add your favorite toppings to make it uniquely yours each and every time.

4. Perfect for Sharing: Impress your friends and family with this unique offering at your next get-together. The unexpected flavors and creamy texture are sure to win over any crowd, making it a perfect dish for social gatherings.

The Ingredients You Will Need To Make Vodka Pizza

Pizza Dough Kit: This kit includes superior type 00 flour—the perfect pizza-making flour—along with the yeast needed for the dough to rise.

Pork Fat: There isn’t much pork fat can’t do, and in this case, it adds a salty, savory flavor that really adds to the sweet, creamy tomato sauce. We love pancetta for this reason, but if you’d like an added smokiness, bacon just may be your pork fat of choice. If you’re looking for a vegetarian vodka sauce recipe, just skip the meat here.

Shallots: Chopped shallots are sautéed for a mellow sweet addition to the sauce. They are so fine and cooked through that they blend into the sauce completely without a chunky texture.

Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: Crushed red pepper flakes add a bit of zip and flavor without any real heat.

Tomatoes: The tomatoes here are vital to a great homemade vodka sauce. Our San Marzano Style Tomatoes are the perfect sauce tomatoes. With few seeds and firm tomato pieces, they are excellent for crushing and blending together into a sauce. San Marzano tomatoes are famously rich and bright, ready to stand up to the heavy cream in this recipe.

Vodka: The brand of vodka isn’t important, as it burns off in the process. The alcohol here is what matters most. Just ½ cup of vodka enhances the flavors of this sauce without imparting any alcohol taste. Don’t skip this step!

Heavy Cream: This silky ingredient is just what you need to tame that tangy tomato flavor.

Parmigiano-Reggiano and Mozzarella Cheese: Mozzarella is a low-moisture cheese with a creamy, fresh flavor that melts nicely. The lack of moisture also helps to prevent soggy pizzas. Parmesan is a hard, sharp cheese that adds a nutty flavor and depth of taste to pizza.

How To Make Vodka Pizza

Create the dough. Combine the flour and yeast in a large mixing bowl. Add in the water and stir with a fork. Once the dough starts to form, knead the dough by hand into a ball. Cover it with plastic and allow it to rise (until doubled). Check out a step-by-step for our DeLallo Pizza Dough Kit here.

Cook a flavorful topping. Cook the pancetta until fragrant and slightly caramelized. Remove from pan and set aside.

Make the sauce. In the same pan used to cook the pancetta, add the shallot and garlic until fragrant. Add the vodka and cook until reduced, about 2 to 3 minutes. Add the tomatoes and stir well to combine. Cook for 15 minutes then add the cream and continue to cook until thickened. Remove from heat and stir in the cheese.

Assemble and bake the pizza. Spread a thin layer of sauce on each crust then top with Mozzarella and pancetta. Bake for 10-15 minutes or until the crust is golden and the toppings are browned.

Top Tips

Make Ahead:

Pizza Dough - Dough can be kept for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. In fact, it’s preferred to allow the dough to proof 24 hours to develop its flavor and texture.To use the refrigerated dough: Allow it to sit out for about 15-20 minutes at room temperature. This softens it enough to stretch.

Vodka Sauce can be made in advance up to 5 days and stored in an air-tight container in the refrigerator. The pasta can be cooked ahead of time as well and stored separately in an air-tight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Serving:

Top the cooked pizza with more parmesan cheese and fresh basil.

Storage:

Fridge - To store leftovers, wrap in foil and refrigerate for up to 3 days.

Freezer - To freeze, store in a freezer-friendly container for up to 3 months.

Reheating:

To reheat, bake the pizza in an oven at 350˚F for about 10 minutes, or bake in a toaster oven to make it crispy again.

Substitutions and Additions

Switch up the sauces - If you don’t have crushed tomatoes in your pantry, use a jarred pizza sauce or marinara sauce.

Go green - Add a schmear of pesto sauce (or a drizzle!) to the top of your pizza for an extra kick of sweet, green flavor.

Make it meatless - Nix the pancetta and substitute it with tofu or Portabello mushrooms.

What To Serve With Vodka Pizza

Bright, Fresh Salad: A crisp salad with arugula, spinach, fresh mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, and a balsamic glaze not only adds a visual pop to your table but also offers a refreshing counterpoint to the creamy vodka sauce.

Garlic Bread: Who can say no to garlic bread? It’s the perfect side for any pizza, including vodka pizza. The crispy, buttery goodness of garlic bread is sure to be a hit. Consider adding a sprinkle of parmesan and some chopped parsley to elevate it even further.

Roasted Vegetables: Think asparagus, bell peppers, or zucchini lightly tossed in olive oil and roasted to perfection. They add a lovely char and a bit of smokiness that pairs wonderfully with the pizza.

Antipasto Platter: Create a small platter with a variety of olives, marinated artichoke hearts, slices of salami or prosciutto, and a few different cheeses. This not only gives guests a variety of flavors to enjoy but also adds an Italian touch that complements the pizza.

Steamed Mussels: If you’re looking to really wow your guests, steamed mussels in a garlic and white wine broth can be a stunning addition. The broth serves as a fantastic dip for pieces of crust from the pizza!

Italian Sausage: Offer some spicy or sweet Italian sausage on the side. You can serve it sliced and sautéed with onions and peppers for a hearty accompaniment.

Zesty Dipping Sauces: Offer a selection of dipping sauces like ranch, blue cheese, or even a spicy aioli to add some zing to each bite.

Vodka Pizza: FAQ

What does vodka pizza taste like?

• This vodka pizza is known for its rich and creamy tomato sauce that gets its unique flavor from a splash of vodka. The alcohol helps release flavors in the tomatoes that are alcohol-soluble, which means the sauce becomes more aromatic and flavorful. Typically, the vodka is cooked off during the preparation, so it doesn't leave any boozy aftertaste.

• Imagine biting into a slice where the sauce is both vibrant and smooth, often mixed with heavy cream and a good helping of cheese, making it decadently delicious. It's like your regular tomato-based pizza but amplified with a silky texture and a more robust tomato taste. Perfect for when you want something a little different from your usual pizza night!

Can I use jarred vodka sauce instead?

Yes, We have 2 jarred vodka sauce flavors to choose from: Creamy Vodka Sauce and Spicy Vodka Sauce.

Does the vodka burn off in vodka sauce?

Store in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Can I make homemade pizza crust instead?

Yes, you can. We recommend using our 00 Flour, a hard durum wheat finely ground and specially sifted to be superfine and powder-like. This is what gives authentic pizzeria-style pizza its flair. The fine grind and ideal gluten content of this superior flour is just why its key. From thinner crispy crusts to thicker, chewier crusts —all with that signature fresh-bread flavor.

Can I make Vodka Pizza ahead of time?

Yes. You can make the dough ahead of time. Once the dough has been mixed and needed, it can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. We recommend that you top the pizza immediately before you bake it in the oven.

The Perfect Vodka Pizza (And It’s Unbelievably Delicious)

• 1 (17.6-ounce) DeLallo Pizza Dough Kit* (Optional: DeLallo Gluten Free Pizza Dough Kit)
• 1 1/4 cups lukewarm water
• 2 tablespoons DeLallo Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• ½ pound pancetta, diced
• 1 Shallot, thinly sliced
• 4 medium garlic cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper
• 1 (28-ounce) can DeLallo San Marzano Style Crushed Tomatoes
• 1/2 cup vodka
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano, plus more for serving
• 1 pound fresh mozzarella torn into rough 3/4- to 1-inch chunks
• Fresh basil leaves

Directions

1. Combine flour mix and yeast packet in a large mixing bowl with 1 1/4 cups lukewarm water. Stir with a fork until dough begins to form.
2. Knead by hand for 3 minutes, or until dough is soft and smooth. Transfer to a clean, lightly oiled bowl and cover tightly with plastic wrap. Allow the dough to rise in a warm place until doubled, about 45 minutes. (After this step, you can refrigerate for use within 1-3 days.)
3. Preheat the oven to 450˚F. Divide dough into 2 equal pieces. Form pizza by hand on a lightly oiled baking pan or pizza stone.
4. Heat the olive oil in n a large skillet, add the pancetta and cook over medium-high heat until the fat is rendered and just beginning to brown, about 8 minutes. Remove from pan and set aside.
5. In the same pan, add the shallot and garlic and cook until fragrant, about 2 minutes.
6. Add the vodka and cook until reduced, about 2 to 3 minutes.
7. Add the tomatoes and stir well to combine well. Cook for 15 minutes, then add the cream and continue cooking until thickened, about 2 minutes.
8. Remove from heat and stir in the cheese.
9. Divide sauce between each crust. First, spread a thin layer of pizza sauce then top with cheese and pancetta.
10. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until crust is golden and toppings are browned. Serve topped with fresh basil.

You might also like...

Shop related products...

Shop related products...