Looking for a recipe that combines simple ingredients with all the flavor of Italy?
Today I’m bringing you Eggs alla Pizzaiola, so called because they use some of the most iconic pizza ingredients: tomato, basil, and mozzarella. This Italian cooking technique brings those flavors to life in a comforting, easy dish, perfect for any occasion.
Watch the video with all the steps
Here below you can watch the video with all the steps to prepare these Eggs alla Pizzaiola in the easiest way. The video is in Spanish but comes with subtitles, so you won’t miss any detail. And if you haven’t done so yet, I invite you to subscribe to my YouTube channel so you don’t miss any new recipe.
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Index
What does “alla pizzaiola” mean?
The term pizzaiola comes from pizzaiolo, which in Italian means pizza maker. It refers to a style of preparation in Italian cooking that uses classic pizza ingredients like tomato, garlic, and oregano (or in this case, basil). This technique is applied to different dishes, especially meat and eggs, giving them freshness and aroma.
In this version, Eggs alla Pizzaiola are cooked in a base of tomato, flavored with garlic and basil, and enriched with fresh mozzarella. A comforting and tasty dish, ideal for when you want something quick and simple.
Ingredients for Eggs alla Pizzaiola (serves 2)
- 2 eggs
- 100 g fresh mozzarella
- 250 g grated tomato (you can also use canned tomato or passata)
- 10 cherry tomatoes (optional, for color and freshness)
- 1 garlic clove
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves
Remember:
At the end of the article you will find the full recipe card with detailed cooking and preparation times.
Step-by-step preparation of Eggs alla Pizzaiola
- Prepare the mozzarella
Slice the mozzarella thin and place it on kitchen paper to drain excess liquid. This will prevent too much water in the pan. - Infuse the oil
In a skillet, heat a drizzle of olive oil and sauté a garlic clove together with basil stems (without the leaves). This step perfumes the oil. Remove garlic and stems once they start to brown to avoid bitterness. - Cook the tomato
Add grated tomato or passata to the skillet, season with salt, and cook over medium heat for about five minutes until slightly reduced. If using cherry tomatoes, cut them in half and add them now. Cook just a couple of minutes to keep them fresh.
- Add the eggs and mozzarella
Make two small wells in the sauce and crack the eggs into them. Distribute mozzarella slices and a few fresh basil leaves on top. Cover the pan with a slightly damp lid to create steam and cook gently.
- Cook moderately
Continue until the egg whites are set but the yolks remain creamy. Add salt and pepper to taste and finish with more fresh basil before serving.
Tips and Variations
- Control the cooking: If you prefer the yolk more set, leave the lid on for a few extra minutes. For runnier yolks, remove the pan sooner.
- Drain the mozzarella: Helps keep the dish from turning watery.
- Perfect pairing: Eggs alla Pizzaiola are great with a slice of bread to soak up the tomato sauce. Comfort food ready in minutes!
Discover more egg recipes on the blog
If you like egg recipes, here are other easy and delicious options you’ll also find on the blog:
- Stracciatella alla Romana, the Italian egg soup with cheese
A comforting Roman recipe with egg, broth, and cheese. A classic for cold days, simple and full of flavor. - Pasta alla Carbonara
The authentic Italian recipe with egg, pecorino, and guanciale. A staple of Italian cuisine, simple yet delicious. - Spinach with Egg and Parmesan
A simple dish highlighting fresh spinach with Parmesan and nutmeg. Quick, comforting, and adaptable for the whole family.
Enjoy!
Eggs alla Pizzaiola
are a delicious choice for a quick meal full of Italian flavor, perfect at any time of day. The combination of tomato, basil, and mozzarella gives it a special touch you’ll want to repeat.
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Buon appetito!
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If you haven't already, I invite you to subscribe to my YouTube channel so you don't miss any new recipes.Don't forget to follow me on Instagram! There I share more recipes, tips, and special content for Italian food lovers.
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The card
Eggs alla Pizzaiola with Tomato, Mozzarella and Basil
Ingredients
- 2 eggs
- 100 g fresh mozzarella
- 250 g grated tomato for sauce
- 10 cherry tomatoes optional
- 1 garlic clove
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Salt
- Black pepper
Instructions
- Remove the mozzarella from its package, slice it thinly, and place it on kitchen paper to drain some of its whey.
- Sauté a garlic clove and basil stems without leaves in a drizzle of olive oil to infuse the oil.
- Remove the garlic and stems, then sauté the tomato, seasoning with salt to taste.
- When the sauce is almost ready, add the halved cherry tomatoes, season with salt and pepper, and cook for a couple of minutes until they just begin to soften but still hold their skin.
- Make two small wells in the tomato sauce and crack the eggs into them.
- Distribute the mozzarella and a few basil leaves on top of the sauce, slightly moisten the lid to create more steam, and cover the pan.
- Cook over medium heat until the egg whites are set but the yolks remain creamy.
- Season to taste, add more basil leaves on top, and serve.
