Best Shakshuka Breakfast Pizza Recipe – Easy Brunch Fusion Guide

What Is Shakshuka Breakfast Pizza?

A Shakshuka Breakfast Pizza blends two beloved dishes into one unforgettable experience. On one hand, you have shakshuka — a saucy medley of tomatoes, peppers, onions, garlic, and spices, traditionally prepared with eggs gently simmered on top. On the other, you have pizza — a globally adored canvas that welcomes endless creativity.

Put them together and you get a deeply flavorful fusion: a pizza crust acting as the vessel for a thick, fragrant shakshuka sauce, topped with perfectly baked eggs, herbs, and cheese. The result is visually stunning, incredibly aromatic, and surprisingly easy.

This dish has become increasingly popular in modern brunch culture thanks to how customizable and impressive it is. Whether you bake it on a pizza stone, a sheet pan, or even flatbread, the combination always delivers.

Why You’ll Love This Shakshuka Breakfast Pizza Recipe

This recipe stands out because it blends comfort, creativity, and bold flavors into a single beautiful brunch centerpiece. Here are the core reasons people absolutely love it:

✔ Bold Flavor, Delicious Layers

You get a combination of:

  • Crispy, slightly blistered pizza crust
  • Jammy, spiced shakshuka sauce
  • Velvety egg yolks
  • Tangy feta or melty mozzarella
  • Fresh herbs for brightness

Every layer brings contrast and depth, creating a balanced bite every time.

✔ Perfect for Any Occasion

A Shakshuka Breakfast Pizza works beautifully for:

  • Weekend brunches
  • Family breakfasts
  • Casual gatherings
  • Breakfast-for-dinner nights
  • Lazy Sunday cooking

Ingredient Breakdown for Shakshuka Breakfast Pizza Recipe

1. Pizza Base Options

Your base determines the crust texture. Consider these choices:

Pizza Dough (Traditional Base)

  • Store-bought dough works perfectly.
  • Homemade dough adds extra character.
  • A thinner crust offers a crisp finish.
  • A thicker crust better supports heavy toppings like eggs and sauce.

Flatbread or Naan (Quickest Option)

Great for:

  • Mini personal pizzas
  • Fast brunch setups
  • People who love a slightly chewy base

Naan crisp edges beautifully and holds shakshuka sauce better than thin tortillas.

Cauliflower or Gluten-Free Crust

Choose this if you want:

  • A lighter base option
  • A crisp, rustic texture that pairs beautifully with rich sauce
  • Something easy to handle for guests with dietary restrictions

2. Shakshuka Sauce Essentials

This sauce is the heart of the entire recipe, so make it flavorful, fragrant, and thick enough to sit on the crust without making it soggy.

Tomatoes

Use any of the following:

  • Canned whole tomatoes
  • Crushed or diced tomatoes
  • Fresh tomatoes when in season
  • Tomato passata for a smoother consistency

Aromatics

A classic shakshuka base includes:

  • Onions
  • Bell peppers
  • Garlic

These create sweetness, depth, and a savory backbone.

Spices

The spices transform the sauce from bland to magical:

  • Cumin
  • Paprika
  • Chili flakes or harissa
  • Black pepper
  • Optional: Aleppo pepper

Texture Tips

For the perfect sauce:

  • Simmer long enough to thicken
  • Avoid watery consistency
  • Aim for a jammy, spoonable texture
  • Taste as you go — layers of flavor matter here

3. Cheeses, Eggs & Toppings

These ingredients turn the pizza into a visually stunning brunch creation.

Cheese Options

  • Feta: salty and tangy
  • Mozzarella: melty and mild
  • Goat cheese: creamy and tangy
  • Halloumi: slightly chewy and savory
  • Mixed cheeses: best of both worlds

Eggs

  • Large eggs are ideal
  • Crack directly onto the pizza
  • Leave space between eggs
  • Bake until whites set and yolks remain soft

Optional Toppings

  • Merguez sausage
  • Chorizo
  • Roasted eggplant
  • Spinach or kale
  • Roasted mushrooms
  • Fresh herbs such as cilantro or parsley

Tools & Equipment You’ll Need

Having the right equipment makes the process smoother and the crust crispier.

Essential Tools

  • Large skillet or sauté pan for the shakshuka sauce
  • Cutting board + sharp knife
  • Measuring spoons and bowls
  • Oven-safe pan or sheet tray
Shakshuka Breakfast Pizza Recipe topped with eggs, herbs, and vibrant tomato-pepper sauce

Step-by-Step: How to Make the Perfect Shakshuka Breakfast Pizza Recipe

This is where everything comes together — dough, sauce, toppings, and technique.

1. Prep the Dough & Oven

  • Let dough sit at room temperature
  • Preheat oven to very high heat
  • Place pizza stone or steel inside early
  • Lightly flour the work area
  • Stretch dough gently with fingertips

2. Make the Shakshuka Sauce

  1. Heat oil in a skillet
  2. Add onions and peppers; cook until soft
  3. Add garlic and bloom spices
  4. Add tomatoes and simmer
  5. Reduce to a thick, spoonable consistency
  6. Stir in herbs or small spoonfuls of feta if desired

3. Assemble the Pizza

  • Stretch dough
  • Brush edges lightly with oil
  • Spread a thin layer of shakshuka sauce
  • Add cheese
  • Build shallow wells for eggs

4. Bake with Eggs

You can add eggs:

Halfway through (crisper whites, runny yolks)

Before baking (runniest yolks, softer whites)

Serving Suggestions & Pairings

A Shakshuka Breakfast Pizza Recipe becomes even more impressive when paired with simple sides and thoughtful accompaniments. Here are the best serving strategies:

How to Serve It

  • Slice into classic pizza wedges
  • Serve square-cut pieces for brunch buffets
  • Offer mini personal pizzas if made on naan
  • Add a drizzle of olive oil or a sprinkle of za’atar

Best Sides for a Complete Spread

Consider offering these alongside your star dish:

Light, Fresh Options

  • Crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette
  • Fresh citrus platter
  • Cucumber and herb salad
  • Marinated olives

Carby Comfort Sides

  • Warm pita
  • Sesame bagels
  • Garlic flatbread strips

These sides complement the bold flavors without overshadowing the main attraction.

Drink Pairings

Your pizza pairs well with:

  • Fresh mint tea
  • Strong-brewed coffee
  • Iced chai
  • Sparkling water with citrus
  • Non-alcoholic spritzers

For festive brunches:

  • Sparkling beverages
  • Light fruity mocktails

Make-Ahead, Storage & Reheating Tips

Planning can make this Shakshuka Breakfast Pizza Recipe even easier, especially for gatherings.

Make-Ahead Steps

Make the Sauce Early

The shakshuka sauce stores beautifully and develops even deeper flavor overnight. Prepare it:

  • 1–3 days ahead
  • Store in an airtight container
  • Rewarm gently before spreading
Dough Prep

You can:

  • Prepare homemade dough a day before
  • Use refrigerated store-bought dough
  • Keep naan or flatbreads ready to go
Prep Toppings in Advance

Chop herbs, crumble cheese, and crack eggs into small bowls right before assembly.

Storing Leftovers

Your pizza slices will keep well when:

  • Fully cooled
  • Placed in a sealed airtight container
  • Stored with parchment between slices

This keeps the crust from becoming too soft.

Best Reheating Methods

To restore crispness:

  • Oven: bake slices at high heat for a few minutes
  • Air fryer: re-crisps beautifully
  • Stovetop skillet: warm on medium heat with a lid
Shakshuka Breakfast Pizza Recipe topped with eggs, herbs, and vibrant tomato-pepper sauce

Troubleshooting Common Problems

Even with a simple recipe, small tweaks can make a big difference.

Soggy Crust

This happens when:

  • Sauce is too watery
  • You spread too much sauce
  • Oven is not fully preheated

Fix it:
Simmer the sauce until thick, use a high oven temp, and keep sauce layers thin.

Overcooked Eggs

Eggs can firm up quickly in high heat.
To fix:

  • Add eggs halfway through
  • Watch closely during last minutes of baking
  • Pull out pizza while yolks appear glossy

Underseasoned Sauce

Shakshuka sauce relies heavily on bold spice layers.
If flavor seems flat:

  • Add a pinch of salt
  • Add paprika or cumin
  • Sprinkle Aleppo pepper or chili flakes
  • Finish with a drizzle of olive oil

Toppings Sliding Off

This usually means the sauce layer is too thick.
Solution:

  • Spread a thin, even layer
  • Don’t overload cheese
  • Add eggs gently into wells

FAQs (People Also Ask)

Here are the most common questions readers search for when exploring a Shakshuka Breakfast Pizza Recipe:

What is shakshuka breakfast pizza?

It’s a fusion dish combining classic shakshuka sauce — tomatoes, peppers, garlic, and spices — with a pizza base topped with eggs and herbs.

Can I use store-bought pizza dough?

Absolutely. Store-bought dough works perfectly and saves time.
You can also use naan or flatbread for a quicker version.

Can I prepare shakshuka pizza ahead?

Yes — make the sauce in advance and assemble the pizza right before baking.

How do I keep egg yolks runny?

Add eggs during the last half of baking.
Remove the pizza when the whites are set, and yolks look glossy.

What can I serve with this pizza?

Popular sides include fresh salads, fruit platters, warm flatbread, and light brunch beverages.

Conclusion

This Shakshuka Breakfast Pizza Recipe brings together the vibrant flavors of North African and Middle Eastern cuisine with the universal joy of pizza — creating a dish that’s bold, warm, and unforgettable. The thick, fragrant shakshuka sauce, perfectly baked eggs, melty cheese, and crisp crust blend into a celebration of textures and aromas that work beautifully for brunch, dinner, or festive gatherings.

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Shakshuka Breakfast Pizza Recipe topped with eggs, herbs, and vibrant tomato-pepper sauce

Best Shakshuka Breakfast Pizza Recipe


  • Author: Velma
  • Total Time: PT30M
  • Yield: 1 pizza 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This Shakshuka Breakfast Pizza combines the bold, saucy flavors of classic Middle Eastern shakshuka with the crispy, chewy goodness of a homemade (or store-bought) pizza crust.


Ingredients

Scale

For the Shakshuka Sauce

  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) crushed tomatoes
  • 1 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • ½ tsp chili flakes (optional)
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper

For the Pizza

  • 1 prepared pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
  • 11 ½ cups shredded mozzarella or Monterey Jack
  • ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
  • 34 large eggs
  • Olive oil for brushing the crust

Optional Toppings

  • Fresh parsley or cilantro
  • Sliced olives
  • Red pepper flakes
  • Green onions
  • Za’atar seasoning

Instructions

1. Make the Shakshuka Sauce

  1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add onion and red pepper; cook 5–6 minutes until softened.
  3. Add garlic and cook 1 minute.
  4. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, paprika, cumin, chili flakes, salt, and pepper.
  5. Simmer 10–12 minutes until thickened.
  6. Taste and adjust seasoning. Let cool slightly.

2. Prepare the Pizza Base

  1. Preheat oven to 475°F (245°C) or the highest safe temperature for your oven.
  2. Roll or stretch the pizza dough into a 12-inch circle.
  3. Transfer to a pizza stone or baking sheet.
  4. Brush edges with olive oil.

3. Assemble

  1. Spread a generous layer of shakshuka sauce over the dough.
  2. Sprinkle mozzarella evenly over the sauce.
  3. Add feta crumbles.
  4. Create 3–4 small wells in the cheese.
  5. Crack an egg into each well.

4. Bake

  1. Bake 12–15 minutes, or until crust is golden, eggs are set to your liking, and cheese is melted.
  2. For runny yolks, check at the 11–12 minute mark.
  3. For firmer yolks, bake slightly longer.

5. Serve

  • Garnish with parsley or cilantro.
  • Add olives, red pepper flakes, or a sprinkle of za’atar.
  • Serve immediately.

Notes

  • You can par-bake the crust for 4–5 minutes before assembling to prevent sogginess.
  • For extra spice, add harissa paste to the tomato mixture.
  • Sub in goat cheese instead of feta for a creamier finish.
  • Prep Time: PT15M
  • Cook Time: PT15M
  • Category: Breakfast
  • Method: Baked
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/4 of pizza
  • Calories: 380 Kcal
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 640mg
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 7g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 36g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 18g
  • Cholesterol: 155mg

Leave a Comment

Recipe rating