Halvinbakad Pizza – The Ultimate Half-Folded Comfort Food
Halvinbakad pizza, sometimes called a half-baked or half-folded pizza, is a popular Nordic twist on classic pizza that combines the best of a traditional round pizza and a calzone. Crispy on the outside, soft and airy on the inside, and generously filled, this pizza is folded in half before baking so the toppings stay juicy while the crust turns golden and flavorful. The result is a satisfying, handheld pizza that’s perfect for casual dinners, parties, or weekend comfort food.
This recipe walks you through everything you need to know to make a perfect halvinbakad pizza at home—from dough preparation to filling ideas and baking tips. Whether you prefer classic flavors or creative toppings, this pizza is easy to customize and always a crowd-pleaser.
What Makes Halvinbakad Pizza Special?
Unlike a traditional pizza that’s baked flat, halvinbakad pizza is folded over before going into the oven. This technique traps steam inside, helping the cheese melt evenly and keeping meats and vegetables tender. The folded crust also protects the filling from drying out, while the outside develops a crisp, lightly blistered texture.
Another advantage is versatility. You can use almost any pizza topping, making it ideal for using leftovers or tailoring flavors to personal taste.
Ingredients
For the Pizza Dough
-
25 g fresh yeast or 7 g dry yeast
-
250 ml lukewarm water
-
2 tablespoons olive oil
-
1 teaspoon sugar
-
1 teaspoon salt
-
500–550 g all-purpose or pizza flour
For the Sauce
-
200 ml crushed tomatoes
-
1 tablespoon olive oil
-
1 garlic clove, finely minced
-
1 teaspoon dried oregano
-
Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Filling (Classic Version)
-
200 g shredded mozzarella cheese
-
100 g cooked ham or pepperoni
-
1 small red onion, thinly sliced
-
1 bell pepper, sliced
-
Optional: mushrooms, olives, or fresh basil
For Brushing
-
Olive oil or garlic butter
Instructions
1. Prepare the Dough
Start by dissolving the yeast in lukewarm water along with the sugar. Let it sit for about 5–10 minutes until slightly foamy. This step ensures the yeast is active and will give your pizza a light, airy crust.
Add olive oil and salt, then gradually mix in the flour. Knead the dough by hand or with a stand mixer for 8–10 minutes, until smooth and elastic. The dough should be soft but not sticky. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel and let the dough rise in a warm place for 45–60 minutes, or until doubled in size.
2. Make the Sauce
While the dough is rising, prepare the pizza sauce. In a small bowl, combine crushed tomatoes, olive oil, garlic, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix well and set aside. For a richer flavor, you can simmer the sauce gently for 10 minutes, but this step is optional.
3. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 250°C (480°F) or as hot as it will safely go. If you have a pizza stone or steel, place it in the oven while preheating. High heat is essential for achieving a crispy crust.
4. Shape the Pizza
Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently and divide it into two equal portions for large pizzas, or four for smaller ones. Roll each portion into a thin, round circle on a floured surface, about 25–30 cm in diameter.
Spread a thin layer of sauce over only one half of the dough, leaving a small border around the edge.
5. Add the Filling
Layer mozzarella cheese over the sauced half, followed by ham, vegetables, and any additional toppings. Be careful not to overfill, as this can make folding difficult and cause leaks during baking.
Fold the empty half of the dough over the filling to form a half-moon shape. Press the edges together firmly and crimp with your fingers or a fork to seal.
6. Bake the Pizza
Transfer the folded pizza to a baking tray or hot pizza stone. Brush the top lightly with olive oil or garlic butter for extra flavor and color.
Bake for 10–14 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and crisp. The pizza should puff slightly, and the filling inside should be hot and melted.
7. Rest and Serve
Remove the pizza from the oven and let it rest for 2–3 minutes before slicing. This helps the cheese settle and prevents burning your mouth. Cut into slices or serve whole with a side salad or dipping sauce.
Tips for the Perfect Halvinbakad Pizza
-
Use high heat: A very hot oven gives the best crust texture.
-
Don’t overload the filling: Less is more when it comes to folded pizzas.
-
Seal the edges well: This keeps cheese from leaking out during baking.
-
Experiment with flavors: Try chicken and pesto, kebab meat with garlic sauce, or spinach and feta for a vegetarian version.
Serving Suggestions
Halvinbakad pizza is delicious on its own, but it pairs well with a simple green salad, garlic sauce, or a spicy chili dip. It’s also great for sharing at parties, as it’s easy to eat without utensils.
Final Thoughts
Halvinbakad pizza is the perfect blend of crispy crust, melted cheese, and flavorful fillings—all wrapped into a convenient folded form. It’s simple enough for beginners, yet satisfying for experienced home cooks. Once you try it, this half-folded pizza might just become a regular feature on your dinner table.