- Can I crack the raw egg on before baking?
- Yes, that's "Bismarck" style, but the Argentine tradition slides a perfectly fried egg onto the finished pizza for texture control.
- What dough works best?
- A thicker, focaccia-style dough is best to support the weight of the egg and cheese.
Argentine "Pizza a Caballo" with Fried Egg
The name "Pizza a Caballo" (On Horseback) evokes the gaucho lifestyle: just as a rider sits atop a horse, a fried egg sits atop this hearty pizza. In Argentina, pizza isn't about the thin Italian crust; they prefer "media masa" (medium-thick) or thick crusts that can handle heavy toppings. A favorite of Buenos Aires late nights, the runny yolk creates a rich sauce that coats the crispy cheese and soft dough.
Ingredients
1
ball
Thick Crust Pizza Dough (approx. 14 oz)
2/3
cup
Thick Tomato Sauce
7
oz
Mozzarella Cheese (shredded)
4
large
Eggs
1
small
Red Onion (sliced)
2
tbsp
Fresh Basil
2
tsp
Olive Oil
1
tsp
Dried Oregano
1
pat
Butter (for frying eggs)
Shopping List (0)
Equipment Needed
- Deep dish pizza pan or cast iron skillet
- Skillet for eggs
- Spatula
Allergen Information
Wheat
Milk
Egg
Instructions
1
✓
Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Press the dough into a lightly oiled pan, creating a small rim.
Tip: Let the dough rest in the pan for 10-15 minutes before baking; this "proofing" makes the final crust fluffier and airier.
2
✓
Spread with tomato sauce, sprinkle with oregano and the onion rings. Bake on the bottom rack for 10 minutes.
Tip: Baking on the bottom rack ensures the thick bottom crust gets crispy (heat conduction).
3
✓
Remove, sprinkle generously with mozzarella, and return to the oven for another 5-8 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
Tip: Adding the cheese later prevents it from burning before the thick dough cooks through.
4
✓
Meanwhile, fry 4 sunny-side-up eggs in a little butter. The whites should be set, but yolks runny.
Tip: Low heat keeps the egg whites tender and not rubbery.
5
✓
Slide the fried eggs onto the hot pizza, garnish with fresh basil, and drizzle with olive oil. Slice immediately.
Tip: The heat of the pizza releases the aromatic oils from the fresh basil instantly.
Recipe FAQ
Ingredients
- 1 ball Thick Crust Pizza Dough (approx. 14 oz)
- 2/3 cup Thick Tomato Sauce
- 7 oz Mozzarella Cheese (shredded)
- 4 large Eggs
- 1 small Red Onion (sliced)
- 2 tbsp Fresh Basil
- 2 tsp Olive Oil
- 1 tsp Dried Oregano
- 1 pat Butter (for frying eggs)