Makes: 1 twelve-inch pizza
Servings: 4–6 slices
Prep time: 30 minutes
Rise time: 1½–2 hours
Cook time: 10–14 minutes
Difficulty: Intermediate
California-style pizza is known for its thin, crisp crust and fresh, unconventional toppings. This version features grilled chicken, avocado, goat cheese, arugula, and a light garlic-olive oil base.
Dough Ingredients
- 2¼ cups bread flour, 285 grams
- ¾ cup plus 2 tablespoons warm water, 210 grams
- 1 teaspoon instant yeast
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Garlic-Olive Oil Base
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 garlic clove, finely minced
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- Pinch of salt
- Pinch of black pepper
Toppings
- 1½ cups shredded low-moisture mozzarella
- 1 cup cooked grilled chicken, thinly sliced
- ½ cup roasted red peppers, drained and sliced
- ¼ small red onion, thinly sliced
- ⅓ cup crumbled goat cheese
- 1 ripe avocado, sliced
- 1 cup fresh arugula
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Crushed red pepper flakes, optional
Instructions
1. Make the dough
Combine the warm water, yeast, and sugar in a large bowl. Let the mixture rest for 5 minutes.
Add the bread flour, salt, and olive oil. Stir until a soft dough forms.
Knead the dough for 7–8 minutes by hand, or about 5 minutes using a stand mixer, until smooth and elastic.
2. Let the dough rise
Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl and cover it.
Let it rise at room temperature for 1–1½ hours, or until approximately doubled in size.
3. Prepare the garlic oil
Combine the olive oil, garlic, oregano, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl.
Let it sit for at least 10 minutes so the garlic can flavor the oil.
4. Preheat the oven
Place a pizza stone or steel in the oven.
Preheat the oven to 500°F for at least 45 minutes. When using a baking sheet, preheat the oven without the sheet.
5. Shape the crust
Place the risen dough on a lightly floured surface.
Press from the center outward, leaving a narrow border around the edge. Stretch the dough into a thin 12-inch circle.
Transfer it to a floured pizza peel, parchment paper, or lightly oiled baking sheet.
6. Assemble the pizza
Brush the dough evenly with the garlic-olive oil mixture.
Add the mozzarella, grilled chicken, roasted red peppers, red onion, and goat cheese.
Leave the avocado and arugula off the pizza until after baking.
7. Bake
Bake for 10–14 minutes, until:
- The crust is golden and crisp
- The mozzarella is melted
- The goat cheese is lightly browned
- The onions are softened
Rotate the pizza halfway through baking if needed.
8. Add the fresh toppings
Toss the arugula with the lemon juice, olive oil, and a small pinch of salt and pepper.
Arrange the sliced avocado over the hot pizza. Top with the dressed arugula and optional crushed red pepper flakes.
9. Slice and serve
Allow the pizza to rest for 2–3 minutes.
Cut into slices and serve immediately.
California Pizza Tips
- Add avocado only after baking so it stays fresh and creamy.
- Keep the toppings light to preserve the thin, crisp crust.
- Goat cheese can be replaced with feta or fresh mozzarella.
- Other popular California-style toppings include smoked salmon, artichokes, sun-dried tomatoes, barbecue chicken, shrimp, and fresh herbs.
- For a barbecue version, replace the garlic oil with barbecue sauce and add cilantro after baking.