Best Almost Like Cpk Greek Pizza Recipes
ALMOST LIKE CPK GREEK PIZZA
I REALLY like California Pizza Kitchen's Greek Pizza. It's light, refreshing and I found myself thinking about this pizza so much, I had to find a way to make it at home. This recipe is a work-in-progress and would love to hear your suggestions. I'm basing this recipe off of some of the information found here: http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20080930103528AA7XB96 I obviously made tweaks here and there. CPK doesn't use Hummus, but I personally thought that would be good and was pleasantly surprised that it worked! You can obviously use Bread/Pizza Dough, but I don't have that kind of time after work so I did use store bought Flatbread/Pitas and Hummas. The Chicken can be marinated in the rub and/or cooked before hand. The Prep Time can also be reduced by chopping the veggies and making the Tzatziki sauce the night before. Serving size is negotiable. 2 6" pita pizzas is a serving in our house, but if you serve this with a salad you could probably go one each. Can be veggie just by omitting the chicken.
Provided by Tarteausucre
Categories Lunch/Snacks
Time 1h10m
Yield 9 Small Pizzas, 4-9 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 30
Steps:
- Chicken Breasts: Mix together cumin, garlic powder, paprika, cinnamon, and salt. Rub chicken breast down with olive oil and spices. Grill, pan fry or bake until chicken is just cook through. Dice into small pieces.
- Preheat Oven to 350*.
- Tzatziki Sauce: Mix together all ingredients and return to the refrigerated to mellow. This becomes better the longer you let it sit.
- Veggie Topping: Mix together Lemon Juice, Basil, Oregano, Parsley and Oil Oil. Dice Cucumber, Red Onion and Tomatoes and Toss in Lemon Juice Mixture long with Feta and Olives.
- Place 2-3 Flatbread/Pitas on an aluminum lined cookie sheet.
- Top each Pita with 2 Tbsp Hummus and smear around the pizza.
- Sprinkle Pita with 1-2 Tbsp of Diced Chicken.
- Top with 3 Tbsp Mozzarella Cheese.
- Bake in a Pre-heated 350* Oven for 5-10 minutes.
- Top each Pizza with 2-3 tablespoons of the Veggie Topping.
- Drizzle with Tzatziki Sauce and Top with Chopped Avocado.
THE GREEK PIZZA (CALIFORNIA PIZZA KITCHEN)
California Pizza Kitchen has had tremendous success with their Greek "salad" pizza. It combines all of the elements of a traditional Greek salad: creamy feta, sweet red onions, cucumbers and a tangy lemon-herb vinaigrette salad (minus the lettuce) and eaten with your hands. What could be better? Serving the Tzatziki Sauce on the side provides the perfect excuse for dipping your pizza.
Provided by gailanng
Categories Greek
Time 4h30m
Yield 1 9
Number Of Ingredients 37
Steps:
- Place a seasoned (or oiled) pizza stone in the middle of the oven and preheat to 450° F, at least 30 minutes.
- Roll and spread the dough into one 13-inch or two 9-inch circles and place on a floured pizza peel. If you are more comfortable working with one piece of dough at a time, you can shape and dress the second piece while the first is in the oven. If making 2 pizzas, split all the topping measurements in half.
- Brush the dough with olive oil to within an inch of the edge, and spread the grated mozzarella to within 1/2 inch of the outer edge. Distribute the chicken over the cheese.
- Transfer the pizza(s) to the oven and bake for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese at the center is melted and bubbly.
- Meanwhile, prepare the Greek Salad and Tzatziki Sauce. Place the sauce in a squeeze bottle or syrup dispenser.
- Use the peel to remove the pizza from the oven. Slice as desired. Spoon the dressed salad over the pizza. Sprinkle with feta cheese, then drizzle with half the Tzatziki Sauce. Sprinkle with chopped parsley. Serve immediately, with the remaining sauce on the side.
- To Make Traditional Pizza Dough: In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in the water (1 cup plus 1 tablespoon). Make sure the water is not too hot, as this will kill the yeast and prevent the dough from rising.
- If using a stand mixer, use the paddle because the dough hook will not mix this size batch efficiently. In the mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, salt, and 1 tablespoon of the olive oil and stir by hand just to distribute. Add the dissolved yeast and place the bowl and paddle on the mixer. Start mixing on the lowest speed to mix. Increase the speed slightly and mix for 2 to 3 minutes, until the dough is smooth and elastic. Do not over-knead, as this will build up too much gluten and make the dough difficult to shape. If using a food processor, be sure to use the plastic blade, the metal knife will cut through the gluten strands and keep the dough from developing any "body". Proceed as for the stand mixer making sure to stop kneading as soon as the dough forms a smooth ball. Over-kneading could overheat the dough because the mixing bowl is directly above the motor. If mixing by hand, place the dry ingredients in a 4 to 6 quart bowl, and stir to combine. Make a well in the middle and put the liquids, reserving 1 teaspoon of olive oil. Use a wooden spoon to combine the ingredients. Once all the flour is mixed in, turn the dough onto a lightly floured work surface and, with lightly oiled hands, knead the dough for 5 minutes. It should be smooth and elastic, but will still be slightly sticky.
- Place the remaining teaspoon of oil in a 1 quart mixing bowl and spread it with your fingertips. Place the dough ball in the bowl, move it around in the oil, then turn it over so that the oiled side is facing upward. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and allow the dough to rise until doubled in size, 1 1/2 to 2 hours.
- About 2 hours before you are ready to assemble your pizza, remove the dough form the refrigerator. If making individual pizzas, use a sharp knife to divide the dough into 2 or 4 equal portions.
- Roll each portion of dough into a round ball on a smooth, clean surface, making sure to seal any holes by pinching or rolling.
- Place the newly formed dough balls in a glass baking dish, spaced far enough apart to allow for each to double in size. Seal the top of the dish with clear plastic wrap. Set aside at room temperature until the dough balls have doubled in size, about 2 hours. They should be smooth and puffy. Dress the pizza according to the recipe.
- For Grilled Greek Chicken: Place the chicken breasts between sheets of waxed or parchment paper and gently pound to a thickness of 1/2 inch. Do not pound them too thin; this is just to ensure that they will cook evenly.
- Combine the olive oil and seasonings in a large mixing bowl. Stir to mix. Add the chicken breasts to the bowl, one by one, turning each in the marinade. Place the chicken in the refrigerator for 10 to 20 minutes.
- If you have a hot grill available, grill the chicken for 3 to 4 minutes on each side. Do not overcook. If no grill is available, preheat the over to 350 degrees and bake the chicken, skin side up in a pan, for about 30 minutes. The internal temperature should be 165 degrees.
- Use the chicken immediately, as desired; or let it cool and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- For The Greek Salad: Combine the cucumber, tomatoes, onion, and olives in a large mixing bowl. Whisk together the remaining ingredients in a small bowl and add to the vegetables. Stir well. Makes 3 cups.
- To Make The Tzatziki Sauce: Place all the ingredients in a blender or small food processor and process until smooth. This sauce will keep for up to 5 days in the refrigerator. Whisk before using. Makes 3/4 cups.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 3756.6, Fat 223.9, SaturatedFat 70.9, Cholesterol 1037.2, Sodium 6539.1, Carbohydrate 102.5, Fiber 10, Sugar 38.6, Protein 326.2
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California Pizza Kitchen (CPK) is a well-known chain of restaurants famous for its innovative and delicious pizza recipes. One of its popular pizza flavors is the Greek pizza, which is made with a unique blend of ingredients that make it stand out from other pizza varieties. While CPK has its own recipe for Greek pizza, there are other pizza recipes out there that are almost like CPK's version when it comes to taste and texture.
The Almost Like CPK Greek Pizza Recipe
If you are a fan of CPK's Greek pizza, then you'll surely love these pizza recipes that are almost like it. Here are some of the ingredients that make these pizzas unique:1. Feta Cheese
Feta cheese is a staple in Greek cuisine, and it is one of the essential ingredients in CPK's Greek pizza. This cheese has a salty and tangy taste that brings out the flavors of the other toppings in the pizza. It's usually crumbled over the pizza dough before baking, and it adds a creamy texture to the pizza.2. Kalamata Olives
Kalamata olives are another key ingredient in CPK's Greek pizza. These olives are usually pitted, sliced, and sprinkled over the pizza. They have a distinct taste that combines brininess, bitterness, and fruitiness, which complements the other toppings in the pizza.3. Red Onions
Red onions are sometimes used in CPK's Greek pizza, and they add a sweet and mild onion flavor to the pizza. They are usually diced and scattered over the pizza, and they add a pop of color to the toppings.4. Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Sun-dried tomatoes are not typically used in CPK's Greek pizza, but they can be used in other pizza recipes that are almost like CPK's version. These tomatoes are savory and slightly sweet, and they add a burst of flavor to the pizza toppings. They are often chopped and sprinkled over the pizza before baking.5. Spinach
Spinach is another ingredient that is not always present in CPK's Greek pizza but can be used in other pizza recipes that have a similar taste. This leafy green vegetable has a mild and slightly bitter taste that complements the other toppings in the pizza. It's usually chopped and added to the pizza before baking.Conclusion
In conclusion, CPK's Greek pizza is a unique blend of ingredients that make it stand out from other pizza recipes. While CPK has its own recipe for Greek pizza, there are other pizza recipes that are almost like it when it comes to taste and texture. Feta cheese, Kalamata olives, red onions, sun-dried tomatoes, and spinach are some of the ingredients that make these pizzas unique. So, if you're craving for CPK's Greek pizza, you can try making one of these pizza recipes that are almost like it.
CPK (California Pizza Kitchen) has become a widely known brand around the world, specializing in pizza of all flavors and varieties. If you are a pizza lover, you must have tried CPK's Greek Pizza, which is a combination of unique flavors and ingredients that make it simply irresistible. Making an 'almost' like CPK's Greek Pizza is not rocket science, but it requires the right ingredients, experience, and skills. This article will give you valuable tips on how to make 'almost like CPK Greek Pizza' recipes.
1. Use The Right Kind Of Flour:
The first tip to make 'almost like CPK Greek Pizza' is to use the right kind of flour. The flour used to make pizza stands a significant role in the final product's taste and texture. If you're looking to make authentic Greek-style pizza, then opt for all-purpose flour as it is the most suitable option. Moreover, the high protein in the flour is responsible for producing gluten, which gives the dough a crispy texture.
2. Use A Pizza Stone:
One of the critical components of making an almost like CPK Greek Pizza is the use of a pizza stone. Pizza stones are designed to distribute heat evenly and effectively. Additionally, it helps absorb excess moisture in the crust during baking, resulting in a crisp crust. Preheat the pizza stone at 450-500°F for at least 30 minutes before baking the pizza.
3. Select Quality Vegetables:
The vegetables used in CPK Greek Pizza are of the highest quality, and it is no secret that the ingredients you use are what makes your pizza stand out. When choosing your vegetables, choose the freshest ones available, and during their peak season, they will have the best taste possible. Some common vegetables used in CPK Greek Pizza include roasted garlic, artichoke, sun-dried tomatoes, red onions, spinach, and olives.
4. Choose The Right Cheese:
One of the critical features of a Greek-style pizza is the cheese selection. CPK Greek Pizza contains a blend of mozzarella, feta cheese, and goat cheese. When making an almost like CPK Greek Pizza, don't skimp on the cheese. Choose high-quality cheese, especially feta cheese as it has a tangy flavor that adds character to any pizza.
5. Homemade Pizza Sauce:
The secret to making the perfect almost like CPK Greek Pizza is a homemade pizza sauce. You can use canned pizza sauce or make your very own. For this recipe, prepare a simple tomato sauce by cooking tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper in a saucepan. Allow the mixture to boil and reduce to a thick consistency.
6. Unique Seasonings:
CPK Greek Pizza has a unique flavor that is achieved through the use of seasonings. These include oregano, basil leaves, and red pepper flakes. The oregano adds an earthy taste, and the basil leaves add a refreshing and sweet flavor. The red pepper adds mild heat that complements the flavors of the other ingredients.
7. Know Your Dough:
The dough is the heart of any pizza; understanding it is vital to making an almost like CPK Greek pizza recipe. The dough should be kneaded until it is smooth and elastic. When formed, it should be left for a few minutes to rise before going into the oven. Once in the oven, the dough should bake for 8-10 minutes at 500°F.
8. Pre-cook Vegetables:
To achieve a crisp crust, it's vital to pre-cook the vegetables before adding them to the pizza. Pre-cooking them will remove the excess moisture, ensuring a crisp and evenly cooked crust. Roasting is the preferred method for cooking vegetables before adding them to the pizza.
9. Storage:
If you're going to make an almost like CPK Greek Pizza recipe, then you need to store it properly. Keep it in the refrigerator for up to three days or freeze for up to two months. Always ensure it is in a sealable container to prevent freezer burn.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, making an almost like CPK Greek Pizza recipe is easy, and the ingredients used are readily available in any grocery store. Pre-cook your vegetables, use quality cheese, select quality vegetables, and make your very own pizza sauce. By following the tips provided, you will make a delicious pizza that will be the envy of your family and friends. Remember, always store excess pizza properly in a sealable container. Enjoy!