La Reine from PizzaExpress features a crispy thin crust topped with savory tomato sauce, melted mozzarella cheese, flavorful slices of ham, and earthy black olives, delivering a classic Italian-inspired pizza with a harmonious blend of rich and tangy flavors.
Equipments
- Pizza stone or baking steel
- Pizza peel
- Rolling pin
- Mixing bowl
- Dough scraper
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Ladle or spoon (for sauce)
- Cheese grater
- Oven (preferably with high temperature or pizza mode)
- Cooling rack
Ingredients
- 1 ball pizza dough (about 250g)
- 1/3 cup tomato sauce
- 3/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 oz sliced ham
- 1/4 cup black olives (pitted and sliced)
- Flour (for dusting)
- Olive oil (optional, for brushing)
- Salt (for seasoning tomato sauce, if homemade)
Using a fresh ball of pizza dough weighing approximately 250g ensures the perfect thin and crispy crust characteristic of La Reine from PizzaExpress. Tomato sauce should be seasoned with a pinch of salt if homemade to balance the savory and tangy flavors. Mozzarella cheese must be shredded finely for even melting, while ham slices and pitted black olives add essential texture and taste. Dusting your work surface with flour prevents the dough from sticking during rolling, and brushing olive oil on the crust can enhance browning and flavor. Your kitchen setup with a pizza stone or baking steel and a high-temperature oven will help replicate that authentic pizzeria crispiness. La Reine from PizzaExpress copycat menu invites you to recreate this iconic pizza experience at home, blending classic ingredients with easy-to-follow preparation.
Instructions
- Preheat oven with pizza stone or baking steel inside to highest temperature (ideally 250–280°C/480–535°F).
- Dust work surface and rolling pin with flour.
- Stretch or roll out pizza dough to desired thinness.
- Transfer dough to a floured pizza peel.
- Spread tomato sauce evenly over dough with ladle or spoon.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over sauce.
- Layer sliced ham evenly across pizza.
- Scatter sliced black olives on top.
- (Optional) Brush crust lightly with olive oil.
- Slide pizza onto preheated stone or steel in oven.
- Bake until crust is golden and cheese melts/bubbles (about 6–10 minutes).
- Remove pizza with peel and cool on rack for 1–2 minutes.
- Transfer to cutting board, slice with chef’s knife, and serve.
Substitution
La Reine from PizzaExpress copycat can be easily adapted in your kitchen with simple ingredient swaps. Use any quality cooked deli ham if Italian-style ham is unavailable and substitute black olives with Kalamata or green olives to suit your taste. Mozzarella cheese can be replaced with a mix of mozzarella and provolone for a slightly different flavor profile. If you don't have a pizza stone or baking steel, baking the pizza directly on an oven rack or a preheated heavy-duty baking sheet can help achieve a crisp crust. Your homemade tomato sauce benefits from balancing acidity with a pinch of sugar if it tastes too tart.
Tips
Make sure your oven is fully preheated with the pizza stone or steel inside to achieve a crispy thin crust. Dust your work surface and rolling pin generously with flour to prevent the dough from sticking while rolling it out. When transferring the dough to the pizza peel, use ample flour to help it slide easily onto the hot stone or steel without tearing. After baking, allow your pizza to cool briefly on a rack to prevent a soggy crust before slicing and serving.
Nutritions
La Reine pizza provides a balanced mix of macronutrients from its crispy thin crust, tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, ham, and black olives. The 250g dough offers carbohydrates for energy, while 3/4 cup of shredded mozzarella adds a good source of protein and calcium. Ham contributes additional protein and essential vitamins such as B12, while black olives supply healthy monounsaturated fats and antioxidants. By enjoying this pizza, you get a flavorful meal that combines essential nutrients with satisfying taste.
Storage
Store leftover La Reine pizza in an airtight container or wrap it tightly with aluminum foil to maintain its crispiness and prevent moisture buildup. Refrigerate for up to 3 days and reheat in a preheated oven at 180degC (350degF) on a pizza stone or baking steel to restore the crispy thin crust. Your pizza will retain its savory flavors and texture better than reheating in a microwave.
Variation or Alternatives
You can swap the ham for prosciutto or spicy pepperoni to add a different protein punch. Try incorporating caramelized onions or roasted red peppers for a touch of sweetness and additional depth of flavor. If you prefer a vegetarian option, replacing ham with grilled mushrooms or artichoke hearts works well. For a crispier crust, consider par-baking the dough for 2-3 minutes before adding toppings.
Allergies
La Reine from PizzaExpress contains common allergens such as wheat in the pizza dough and dairy in the mozzarella cheese, which may trigger reactions in individuals with gluten or lactose intolerance. The ham can also pose a risk for those with pork allergies or sensitivities. It's important to check ingredient sources and processing if You have specific food allergies or dietary restrictions.
Why this recipe?
La Reine from PizzaExpress is famed for its perfect blend of classic Italian flavors with a modern twist, featuring premium ingredients like spicy pepperoni, olives, and tangy tomato sauce on a thin, crispy base. Your palate enjoys a balanced mix of smoky, salty, and savory tastes that make each bite memorable. Replicating the La Reine pizza at home allows you to customize fresh toppings and create an authentic Italian dining experience tailored to your preferences. Mastering this recipe gives you the satisfaction of homemade quality combined with the renowned PizzaExpress flavor profile.