Easy Gyro Pizza Recipe

Gyro Pizza is the brilliant Mediterranean mashup that transforms pizza night into something extraordinary by combining all the beloved flavors of a classic gyro with the comfort and shareability of pizza. Instead of traditional tomato sauce, this genius creation uses creamy hummus as the base, then layers on seasoned gyro meat, fresh mozzarella, and vibrant vegetables before finishing with cool cucumber, tangy feta, and the ultimate game-changer - homemade tzatziki sauce drizzled on top. It's the perfect fusion that gives you the best of both worlds: the familiar comfort of pizza with the bold, fresh flavors of Greek cuisine.

I created this recipe during one of those dinner ruts when regular pizza felt boring but I didn't want to commit to making individual gyros for the whole family. The first time I spread hummus on pizza dough instead of sauce, I knew I was onto something special. When I added the tzatziki drizzle at the end, it became absolutely magical - that cool, creamy contrast against the warm, cheesy pizza was exactly what I didn't know I was craving.

Ingredients and Why Each One Matters

For the Tzatziki Sauce:

• Fresh garlic, minced: Provides that essential punchy kick that makes tzatziki distinctive; mince it finely so it distributes evenly
• English cucumber, shredded and drained: The seedless variety is less watery and gives better texture; draining prevents watery sauce
• Full-fat Greek yogurt: Creates the rich, tangy base with the perfect creamy consistency; low-fat versions won't be as luscious
• Fresh dill: Adds that classic herbal flavor that makes tzatziki sing; dried just doesn't compare to fresh
• Fresh lemon juice: Brightens everything with essential acidity that balances the richness
• Kosher salt and black pepper: Essential for enhancing flavors and balancing the tang

For the Pizza:

• Pizza dough (homemade or store-bought): Choose something that gets crispy on the bottom but stays chewy; good quality store-bought works perfectly
• Hummus (classic or flavored): Replaces traditional pizza sauce with something creamy and nutty that complements Mediterranean flavors beautifully
• Fresh mozzarella cheese, cubed: Melts into those dreamy, gooey cheese pulls; fresh mozzarella has better flavor and texture than pre-shredded
• Prepared gyro meat (lamb or beef): The star protein that brings authentic gyro flavors; buying from a local Mediterranean restaurant gives the best results
• Red onion, thinly sliced: Adds sharpness and color while roasting up slightly sweet in the oven
• Cherry tomatoes, halved: Provide juicy bursts of freshness that balance the richness of meat and cheese
• English cucumber, diced: Added after baking for cool, crisp contrast
• Feta cheese, crumbled: The final salty, tangy flourish that ties everything together

When shopping for gyro meat, check with local Mediterranean restaurants - many will sell you freshly prepared meat that's infinitely better than frozen options. If using frozen, make sure to heat it properly according to package directions.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Make the tzatziki sauce first:

In a medium bowl, combine minced garlic, shredded cucumber (that you've squeezed dry with paper towels), Greek yogurt, fresh dill, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Stir until well combined and set aside. This can be made hours ahead and actually improves as flavors meld.

Prepare your oven and stone:

Place a pizza stone in the oven and preheat to 475°F, giving the stone at least 20 minutes to heat thoroughly. This hot stone is crucial for achieving that perfect crispy-chewy crust.

Shape the pizza dough:

On a floured surface, stretch your dough into roughly a 14-inch circle. Don't worry about perfect circles - rustic, irregular edges add character and charm to this casual yet sophisticated pizza.

Par-bake the crust:

Carefully remove the hot pizza stone (use oven mitts!), spray with nonstick cooking spray, and place the shaped dough on top. Bake for 6 minutes to give the crust a head start and prevent sogginess from the hummus.

Add the first layer of toppings:

Remove the partially baked crust and spread a generous layer of hummus evenly across the surface, leaving about an inch border for the crust. Scatter cubed fresh mozzarella over the hummus, then distribute the gyro meat and thinly sliced red onion.

Final bake to perfection:

Return to the oven for 8-10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbling, the crust is golden brown, and everything smells absolutely incredible.

Add fresh finishing touches:

Remove from oven and immediately top with halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, and crumbled feta cheese. The contrast of cool, fresh toppings against the hot pizza is essential to the experience.

Serve with tzatziki:

Slice the pizza and serve each piece with a generous dollop or drizzle of the homemade tzatziki sauce. This final touch transforms it from good pizza to absolutely extraordinary.

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This Gyro Pizza has completely revolutionized pizza night at our house. Instead of the same old pepperoni or margherita, we get something that feels exotic and special while still being completely approachable for the whole family. The combination of warm, cheesy comfort food with cool, fresh Mediterranean flavors creates this perfect balance that keeps everyone coming back for more.

What really makes this pizza special is how each component plays its role perfectly. The hummus creates a creamy, nutty base that's so much more interesting than regular tomato sauce. The gyro meat brings that authentic Mediterranean flavor and substantial protein. The fresh vegetables add color, texture, and brightness. But it's really the tzatziki that takes this from good to extraordinary - that cool, creamy, herby sauce against the warm pizza creates the most incredible contrast.

I love how this recipe bridges different cultures and cuisines in a way that feels natural rather than forced. It's not trying to be authentic Greek food or traditional Italian pizza - it's something entirely new that takes the best elements from both and creates something greater than the sum of its parts.

The versatility of this recipe constantly surprises me. I've made versions with kalamata olives, roasted red peppers, even a drizzle of hot honey for those who like a little heat. You can easily make it vegetarian by using seasoned chickpeas or roasted eggplant instead of gyro meat, and it's just as delicious.

Creative Variations and Customizations

• Vegetarian Version: Replace gyro meat with seasoned roasted chickpeas, grilled eggplant, or marinated artichoke hearts for Mediterranean flavors without meat
• Extra Greek: Add kalamata olives, roasted red peppers, or marinated artichoke hearts for even more authentic Greek flavors
• Spicy Kick: Drizzle with hot honey or add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the tzatziki for those who like heat
• Different Base: Try using naan bread or pita for a quicker version, or even cauliflower crust for a low-carb option

Storage and Reheating

Store leftover pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. For best results, reheat in a 400°F oven for 5-7 minutes to restore crispiness rather than using the microwave, which will make the crust soggy. The tzatziki should be stored separately and added fresh when serving leftovers.

This Gyro Pizza has become one of my most requested recipes for casual entertaining and family dinners alike. It's the kind of dish that makes people stop mid-conversation to ask what they're eating, and it never fails to get requests for the recipe. It proves that sometimes the best creations come from thinking outside traditional boundaries and combining familiar flavors in completely new ways.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use store-bought tzatziki instead of homemade?

Yes, you can substitute with store-bought tzatziki to save time, but homemade tastes much fresher and you can control the flavors.

→ What can I use instead of gyro meat?

You can use seasoned ground lamb, beef, or even grilled chicken. Cook with Mediterranean spices like oregano and garlic for best flavor.

→ Do I need a pizza stone for this recipe?

A pizza stone gives the best crispy crust, but you can use a regular baking sheet or pizza pan if that's what you have available.

→ How do I prevent the pizza from getting soggy?

Make sure to drain excess moisture from the shredded cucumber and don't overload the pizza with wet toppings like tomatoes.

→ Can I make this pizza ahead of time?

You can prep the tzatziki sauce and chop vegetables ahead, but the pizza is best assembled and baked fresh for optimal texture.

→ What temperature should I bake the pizza at?

Bake at 400°F - first the crust alone for 6 minutes, then with toppings for another 8 minutes until cheese melts and bubbles.