Calabrian Chili Roasted Red Pepper Pizza.
The Calabrian Chili Roasted Red Pepper Pizza is a bold and vibrant pizza bursting with smoky heat from Calabrian chili paste, sweet roasted red peppers, and melty fresh mozzarella. This pizza offers a perfect balance of spicy, sweet, and savory flavors ideal for spice lovers and pizza enthusiasts. Featuring a thin, crispy crust and fresh herb garnishes, it’s a simple yet spectacular dish that can be customized to suit various preferences and dietary needs.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 1 large 12-inch pizza (serves 2-4) 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Gluten Free (if gluten-free dough is used)
Ingredients
Scale
Base
- 12-inch pizza dough (thin and crispy or your favorite homemade dough)
Sauce and Toppings
- Generous layer of Calabrian chili paste
- Roasted red peppers (fresh or jarred), evenly distributed
- Fresh mozzarella cheese, torn into pieces
Finishing Touches
- Olive oil, for drizzling
- Fresh basil leaves
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Sea salt, to taste
- Cracked black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare Your Dough: Roll out your pizza dough on a lightly floured surface until it reaches about 12 inches in diameter. Preheat your oven to the highest temperature possible, ideally around 500°F (260°C), to achieve a crispy crust.
- Spread Calabrian Chili Paste: Using a spoon or the back of a knife, spread a generous and even layer of Calabrian chili paste over the rolled-out dough, leaving a small border around the edges for the crust.
- Add Roasted Red Peppers and Cheese: Evenly distribute the roasted red peppers across the pizza surface. Then, sprinkle torn pieces of fresh mozzarella cheese all over, ensuring the pizza is well-covered without overcrowding.
- Bake to Perfection: Place the pizza directly onto a preheated pizza stone or baking sheet. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the crust turns golden and the cheese is bubbling with slight browning.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the pizza from the oven and immediately drizzle lightly with olive oil. Scatter fresh basil leaves, sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese, and season with sea salt and cracked black pepper to taste. Slice and enjoy!
Notes
- Use a pizza stone to achieve a crisp, restaurant-quality crust.
- Avoid overloading toppings to prevent a soggy crust.
- Allow dough to rest to room temperature before rolling for better texture.
- Use high-quality Calabrian chili paste for the best spicy flavor.
- Add fresh basil after baking to preserve its bright flavor and aroma.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 pizza
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 520 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 14 g
- Cholesterol: 35 mg
Keywords: Calabrian chili, roasted red pepper, spicy pizza, Italian pizza, gluten-free pizza, homemade pizza, smoky flavor, spicy recipe
