Rocket pizza

1 h Dinner
Rocket pizza

Classic Italian pizzas are all about simplicity, and our rocket pizza follows that same path. It is made with homemade pizza dough, topped with smooth passata and mozzarella, then baked until the edges are golden and the top is melted. Once out of the oven, we layer on some juicy cherry tomatoes and plenty of fresh rocket.

Ingredients

25 g Fresh yeast
250 ml Water, lukewarm
5 g Sugar
400 g Flour
4 tbsp Olive oil
1 tsp Salt
Butter
400 g Tomato passata
400 g Cherry tomatoes
150 g Grated mozzarella
75 g Rocket
Salt
Black pepper

Instructions

  • Dissolve the yeast in lukewarm water with sugar.
  • Place flour, olive oil, and salt in a mixing bowl, pour in the yeast mixture, and knead until you have a smooth dough.
  • Cover the dough and let it rise in a warm place for about 45 minutes.
  • Preheat the oven to 200 °C (conventional oven) or 180 °C (fan-assisted oven).
  • Divide the dough into four portions and roll each one out to a thin circle on a lightly floured surface.
  • Line four greased pizza trays or one large baking sheet with the dough, shaping a small rim around the edge.
  • Spread strained passata over the bases and sprinkle with mozzarella.
  • Bake in the oven for 15-20 minutes.
  • Wash and pat dry the rocket and halve the cherry tomatoes. Once the pizzas are out of the oven, top them with rocket and halved cherry tomatoes. Season with salt and black pepper, then serve.

Recipe tips

It’s often the small details that make the biggest impact in the kitchen, so we’re sharing the tips we rely on when cooking and creating recipes

With only rocket and cherry tomatoes on top, there is nowhere for tired vegetables to hide. Therefore, choose rocket leaves that look crisp, feel firm, and have a deep green colour, avoiding any signs of yellowing. Cherry tomatoes should feel plump and glossy, with smooth skins and no wrinkles.

Straining the tomato passata helps control moisture on the pizza base. Passata often holds more liquid than needed, which can soak into the dough and leave the centre soft. Straining helps the base keep its structure and stops the toppings from sliding.

This pizza works best when the dough is rolled out with a rolling pin. Pressing it thin by hand often leaves thicker patches that bake unevenly. Roll from the centre towards the edges on a floured surface, turning the dough regularly, until it is about 3 mm thick.

A pizza stone holds and transfers heat very effectively, helping the base turn ultra-crispy. Leave the stone in the oven while it preheats so it is properly hot before baking. If you do not have a pizza stone, you can also achieve a great result by preheating a thick baking tray and sliding the pizza onto the hot surface.

FAQ: Questions about rocket pizza

Unsure about the best way to make rocket pizza at home? If you are new to the recipe or simply looking to improve your routine, the answers below cover the most common questions.

What is rocket pizza?

Rocket pizza is a classic Italian pizza where the base is baked with tomato passata and mozzarella, then topped with fresh rocket and cherry tomatoes after baking. This is common in Italian pizza-making and keeps the toppings fresh and defined.

Can I use dried yeast instead of fresh yeast in the dough?

Yes, you can use dried yeast instead of fresh yeast in this pizza dough. Use about 7 g of dried yeast in place of 25 g of fresh yeast. If you are using active dried yeast, dissolve it in lukewarm water with a little sugar and give it a short rest until it shows signs of activity. If you are using instant dried yeast, you can add it directly to the flour, as it begins to activate as soon as the dough is kneaded.

Can I make the pizza dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the pizza dough ahead of time, and it actually benefits from that extra time. A slow rise makes the dough airier and easier to roll out. If you are using it within 24 hours, simply place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it well, and refrigerate. For a 48-hour rest, reduce the fresh yeast to 20 g; for a 72-hour rest, reduce it further to around 15 g. Use less yeast for longer rests to prevent the dough from rising too quickly and losing its structure. Before baking, always take the dough out of the fridge so it can relax and warm up slightly.

How do I store leftover rocket pizza?

To store leftover rocket pizza, slice it once it has cooled and place it in a sealed container in the fridge. It keeps well for up to 2 days. If possible, keep the rocket and cherry tomatoes in separate containers to help them stay fresh and crisp.

Nutritional values per serving

Energy:

594 Kcal

Energy distribution % Nutritional values per serving
Fibre - 6 g
Protein 12.1 % 17.7 g
Fat 31.9 % 21.4 g
Carbohydrates 56 % 81.8 g

Discover the joy of homemade rocket pizza

If you are looking to satisfy your pizza craving, our rocket pizza recipe is exactly what you need. The homemade base is easy to create, and our recipe ensures you get an ultra-crispy, golden crust every single time. The dough needs some time to rest, but the hands-on steps are quick and easy. When the bases are done, it is just a matter of adding the sauce and mozzarella before finishing with tomatoes and rocket, and voilà! You have a professional-style pizza without ever leaving your kitchen.

Airy pizza dough with a crisp base

Ask any pizza lover what matters most, and the answer is the dough. By adding a touch of olive oil, the dough stays smooth and very easy to shape just the way you like it. As it bakes, the edges rise into a light, airy crust, while the underside becomes satisfyingly crisp. This gives your toppings a stable base to rest on, ensuring every single slice has that perfect crunch we all love.

Topped with mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, and fresh rocket

The topping is intentionally kept simple, built around a few well-chosen ingredients. As with most classic pizzas, we use mozzarella because it melts into a delicate, milky layer with that signature, gooey stretch. As the final layer, the fresh rocket leaves introduce a peppery note that works so well with the sweetness of the juicy cherry tomatoes.

Ideal for a cosy pizza night

A good pizza night works best with a bit of variety, and rocket pizza is a natural part of that line-up. Place it alongside other classics, such as pepperoni pizza and Neapolitan pizza, or pair it with more adventurous options. For example, vegetarian pizza with olives and roasted aubergines, pesto pizza with mushrooms and hazelnuts, or a pizza stromboli filled with chorizo and peppers. That way, there is something for everyone, though rocket pizza has a habit of disappearing early in the evening.

Play around with different toppings

Rocket and cherry tomatoes leave plenty of room for variation, making this rocket pizza recipe easy to adapt. Salty elements like olives or capers sit comfortably alongside the peppery rocket, while thin slices of cured meat, such as prosciutto or bresaola, introduce depth without overpowering the base. If you prefer something softer, shaved hard cheese like Parmesan, Grana Padano, or Pecorino, or even little dollops of ricotta, all work beautifully with the tomatoes to keep everything light and fresh. Just remember to keep it simple if you want to keep the authentic rocket pizza.

https://www.arlafoods.co.uk/recipes/rocket-pizza/