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Currywurst Pizza with Emmental – A Quick German Classic for Everyday
🛒 Ingredients
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1 small onion
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1 clove of garlic
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1 tbsp vegetable oil
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200 g chopped tinned tomatoes
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Salt, to taste
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Pepper, to taste
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A pinch of chilli flakes (optional)
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½ tsp dried marjoram
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250 g puff pastry
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2 curry sausages
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100 g grated Emmental cheese
📊 Nutritional Information
This recipe is also available in German.
📌 Overview
Currywurst pizza is a modern twist on a beloved German street food classic, combining the spicy, tangy currywurst sauce with creamy Emmental cheese atop a flaky puff pastry base. Rooted in everyday German cuisine, this dish offers a quick, flavourful meal that captures the essence of casual dining in regions like Berlin and beyond. Its approachable preparation and comforting taste make it a favourite for all ages.
👨🍳 Preparation
- 1
Preheat your oven to 200°C (fan 180°C, gas mark 6).
- 2
Peel and finely dice the onion and garlic.
- 3
Warm the oil in a small saucepan and gently soften the onion and garlic until translucent.
- 4
Add the chopped tomatoes with their juice, seasoning with salt, pepper, chilli flakes (leave out for little ones) and marjoram.
- 5
Simmer the sauce over a medium heat until it thickens slightly.
- 6
Lightly dust your work surface with flour and roll out the puff pastry to a roughly 20 x 20 cm square.
- 7
Place the pastry on a baking tray lined with baking parchment and prick the surface all over with a fork, leaving about a finger’s width border around the edges.
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Spread the tomato sauce evenly over the pastry, avoiding the border.
- 9
Slice the curry sausages and scatter them over the sauce.
- 10
Generously sprinkle the grated Emmental on top.
- 11
Bake on the middle shelf for about 15 minutes, until the cheese is golden and bubbling and the edges are crisp and puffed up.
- 12
Serve best with a fresh green salad on the side.
🧠 Why It Works
This currywurst pizza balances the piquant tomato and curry sauce with the mellow, nutty Emmental cheese, creating a harmonious flavour profile that is both bold and comforting. The puff pastry base provides a light, crisp texture that contrasts perfectly with the juicy sausage slices, while the subtle marjoram and optional chilli flakes add aromatic depth without overpowering. The interplay of fat from the cheese and sausage with the acidity of the tomato sauce reflects traditional German flavour layering, ensuring each bite is satisfying and authentic.
🛠️ Troubleshooting
Why is my puff pastry base soggy after baking?
Sogginess often results from too much sauce or insufficient pricking of the pastry edges. Use a moderate amount of sauce, prick the pastry border to allow steam to escape, and bake on a preheated surface for better crispness.
How can I prevent the cheese from burning while baking?
Ensure the cheese is evenly spread and avoid placing it too close to the edges. Baking at the recommended temperature and time helps melt the cheese without burning.
My sauce tastes bland; how can I enhance its flavour?
Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a pinch of smoked paprika to deepen umami and add complexity. Adjust salt and pepper to taste and consider simmering longer to concentrate flavours.
Can I prepare the sauce in advance?
Yes, the tomato curry sauce can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to two days. Reheat gently before spreading on the pastry to maintain flavour and texture.
What is the best way to reheat currywurst pizza without losing texture?
Reheat in a conventional oven at 180°C for about 10 minutes rather than using a microwave. This method preserves the crispness of the puff pastry and keeps the cheese bubbling.
💡 Tips and Variations
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For a richer take, swap the puff pastry for a homemade wheat flour pizza dough and add a touch of smoked paprika to the sauce for extra depth.
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Pro tip: Using a preheated pizza stone will give you an especially crisp base.
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The star of this dish is the punchy sausage paired with the creamy cheese – a winning flavour combo.
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Vegetarian option: Replace the currywurst with sautéed mushrooms or smoked tofu for a meat-free version.
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For a protein-packed vegetarian twist, try using fried lentils or chickpeas instead of sausage.
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A splash of Worcestershire sauce in the tomato base amps up the umami and adds a lovely savoury note.
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Quick vegan swap: Use vegan puff pastry, skip the cheese or substitute with a plant-based alternative, and opt for vegan sausages or leave them out altogether.
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The secret to this pizza’s charm lies in the balanced spice of the sauce and the crisp, puffed edges created by pricking the dough.
📦 Storage
Leftover pizza can be stored covered in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven at 180°C for about 10 minutes to restore the crispness of the base.
🍷 Pairing
This currywurst pizza finds an ideal companion in a dry German Riesling from the Rheingau or Mosel, where crisp acidity and subtle fruitiness balance the dish’s spicy and creamy elements. Alternatively, a Grauburgunder from Baden offers a fuller body and gentle minerality that complements the rich Emmental and sausage. For an international touch, a light Italian Frascati with delicate floral notes and refreshing acidity enhances the pizza’s vibrant flavours while maintaining harmony with its German roots.
❓ F.A.Q.
What is the best type of sausage to use for currywurst pizza?
Traditional German curry sausages, such as bratwurst or specifically labelled currywurst, work best due to their mild spicing and firm texture that holds up well on pizza.
Can I make currywurst pizza vegetarian or vegan?
Yes, substitute the sausage with sautéed mushrooms, smoked tofu, or fried lentils for a vegetarian option. For vegan versions, use vegan puff pastry, plant-based cheese alternatives, and vegan sausages or omit the sausage entirely.
How do I achieve a crispy puff pastry base for this pizza?
Pricking the pastry edges before baking prevents excessive rising, while baking at a high temperature (200°C) ensures a golden, crisp crust. Using a preheated pizza stone can further enhance crispness.
Is currywurst pizza suitable for children?
Absolutely. To make it child-friendly, omit chilli flakes and adjust seasoning to a milder level while keeping the rich cheese and sausage flavours intact.
How should I store and reheat leftover currywurst pizza?
Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to two days. Reheat in a preheated oven at 180°C for about 10 minutes to restore the crispness of the base and melt the cheese.
🏛️ History and Tradition
Currywurst, originating in post-war Berlin, is a quintessential German street food combining sausage with a spiced ketchup-based sauce. This dish evolved as an affordable, quick meal reflecting Germany’s culinary resilience and innovation. Integrating currywurst into a pizza format modernises this tradition while preserving its iconic flavour profile. The use of Emmental cheese and puff pastry adds a regional twist, linking the recipe to broader German and Alpine culinary practices and reinforcing its place within everyday German cuisine.
This currywurst pizza is a wonderfully simple way to bring together classic German flavours with a touch of Italian pizzazz. With just a handful of ingredients, you can whip up a dish that delights both young and old – perfect for those times when you want something tasty, satisfying and fuss-free. Give it a go at home and share the joy with your nearest and dearest!
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