If you crave a pizza that bursts with bold, smoky, and spicy flavors, you are in for a treat with this Calabrian Chili Roasted Red Pepper Pizza Recipe. It’s simple yet incredibly satisfying, featuring the deep heat of Calabrian chili paste paired with the sweet, smoky notes of roasted red peppers, all resting on a golden, crispy crust. This pizza is perfect for when you want something a little out of the ordinary but totally approachable—think of it as your new go-to for a cozy weeknight dinner or an impressive homemade lunch!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is key to achieving that perfect harmony of flavors and textures in this pizza. Each component enhances the dish’s character, from the spicy kick of the Calabrian chili paste to the creamy melt of mozzarella. Let’s break down what you’ll need.
- 1 pound pizza dough: The foundation of your pizza, whether store-bought or homemade, it should be fresh and elastic for that perfect chewiness.
- 1/2 cup roasted red peppers, sliced: Adds a natural sweetness and smoky depth that balances the heat wonderfully.
- 2 tablespoons Calabrian chili paste: This spicy and flavorful paste provides the signature heat; adjust to your taste.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Mozzarella melts beautifully, offering gooey richness and stretch with every bite.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty, salty layer of umami that complements the other cheeses.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Brushing the dough with oil ensures a crisp, golden crust and enhances flavor.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that brings a fragrant, earthy note to the pizza.
- Fresh basil leaves (optional): For a bright, herbaceous finish that lifts the whole dish.
- Flour (for dusting): Helps prevent sticking when rolling out your dough.
How to Make Calabrian Chili Roasted Red Pepper Pizza Recipe
Step 1: Heat Your Oven and Prepare Your Surface
Start by preheating your oven to 475°F (245°C). Place a pizza stone or a heavy baking sheet inside to get wonderfully hot; this step is critical for achieving a crispy crust and even baking.
Step 2: Roll Out the Dough
Dust your work surface lightly with flour to prevent sticking, then roll out your pizza dough into a roughly 12-inch circle. This size offers a perfect balance between a crispy edge and a generous topping area.
Step 3: Prepare the Dough for Toppings
Transfer the rolled dough carefully onto a piece of parchment paper. This makes it easy to move the pizza in and out of the oven without losing shape.
Step 4: Add the Flavor Base
Brush the dough generously with olive oil, then spread the Calabrian chili paste evenly across the surface. This layer gives the pizza its spicy backbone and keeps the crust from drying out during baking.
Step 5: Layer the Cheese and Peppers
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly, then arrange the roasted red pepper slices on top. The peppers add a sweet and smoky contrast that pairs beautifully with the fiery chili.
Step 6: Season and Add Final Cheesy Touches
Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning all over the pizza. These finishing touches boost the umami and bring in herbal fragrance that makes every bite more interesting.
Step 7: Bake the Pizza
Carefully slide the pizza on the parchment paper onto your preheated stone or baking sheet. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbling with slightly browned spots.
Step 8: Garnish and Slice
Remove your pizza from the oven and let it cool for a minute before topping with fresh basil leaves if you like. Slice it up and get ready to enjoy that perfect marriage of spicy, sweet, and cheesy flavors.
How to Serve Calabrian Chili Roasted Red Pepper Pizza Recipe
Garnishes
A few fresh basil leaves add a lovely pop of color and a fragrant freshness that perfectly contrasts the heat from the Calabrian chili. You can also drizzle a little extra virgin olive oil or scatter some crushed red chili flakes if you want to dial up the spice.
Side Dishes
Keep it simple and balanced with a crisp green salad tossed in a lemon vinaigrette, or try some roasted garlic potatoes to complement the bold flavors of the pizza. A chilled glass of white wine or sparkling water with lemon works beautifully as well.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your pizza family-style on a rustic wooden board accompanied by small bowls of extra chili paste and chopped herbs. Another idea is to cut it into smaller slices and stack them for a party platter, making it easy for guests to grab and enjoy.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to 2 days, making it a great next-day lunch or snack option.
Freezing
If you want to save your pizza for longer, freeze it wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. It should last up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge before reheating for the best texture.
Reheating
To reheat, place your pizza on a baking sheet in a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven for about 8-10 minutes. This method revives the crispness of the crust and melts the cheese nicely without drying it out.
FAQs
Can I use fresh chili instead of Calabrian chili paste?
While fresh chili peppers can add heat, they lack the unique smoky, fermented flavor of Calabrian chili paste. For authentic taste, the paste is highly recommended, but fresh chili can be a substitute if needed.
Is it better to use a pizza stone or baking sheet?
A pizza stone absorbs moisture and evenly distributes heat, creating a crispier crust, but a heavy baking sheet works well too. Just make sure it’s preheated properly for best results.
Can I make this pizza vegan?
Absolutely! Swap the mozzarella and Parmesan for your favorite vegan cheese alternatives, and double-check that your pizza dough contains no dairy or eggs.
How spicy is this pizza?
The heat level depends on how much Calabrian chili paste you use. It’s flavorful with a medium heat that lingers pleasantly without overpowering the other ingredients.
What if I don’t have roasted red peppers?
You can roast your own peppers by charring fresh red bell peppers over an open flame or under a broiler until the skin blisters, then peeling off the skin. Jarred roasted red peppers work perfectly as well.
Final Thoughts
This Calabrian Chili Roasted Red Pepper Pizza Recipe strikes the perfect balance of spicy, smoky, and cheesy goodness that’s easy to make yet deeply satisfying. Once you try it, I promise it will become one of your favorite quick homemade meals to impress yourself and your loved ones. Grab your ingredients, fire up that oven, and get ready to fall in love with pizza all over again!
Print
Calabrian Chili Roasted Red Pepper Pizza Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Pizza
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
A spicy and flavorful Calabrian Chili Roasted Red Pepper Pizza featuring a crispy crust, melted mozzarella, and the smoky heat of Calabrian chili paste, perfect for a quick and gourmet homemade meal.
Ingredients
Pizza Base
- 1 pound pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- Flour (for dusting)
Toppings
- 1/2 cup roasted red peppers, sliced
- 2 tablespoons Calabrian chili paste (or more to taste)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Fresh basil leaves (optional, for topping)
Additional
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C) and place a pizza stone or baking sheet inside to heat thoroughly, ensuring a crispy crust.
- Prepare Dough: On a floured surface, roll out the pizza dough to about 12 inches in diameter for an evenly thin base.
- Transfer Dough: Carefully transfer the rolled dough onto a piece of parchment paper to make handling and transferring easier.
- Brush and Spread Paste: Brush the surface of the dough with olive oil to help toppings stick and enhance flavor, then spread the Calabrian chili paste evenly over the dough for a spicy kick.
- Add Cheese and Peppers: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the pizza, then arrange the sliced roasted red peppers on top for sweetness and smoky depth.
- Season and Parmesan: Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning evenly over the toppings to add savory layers of flavor.
- Transfer to Oven: Carefully slide the pizza along with the parchment paper onto the preheated pizza stone or baking sheet to bake.
- Bake: Bake for 10–12 minutes until the crust turns golden and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned, indicating perfect doneness.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the pizza from the oven and top with fresh basil leaves if desired. Slice and serve hot for the best experience.
Notes
- You can adjust the amount of Calabrian chili paste according to your preferred spice level.
- Using a pizza stone helps achieve a crispier crust but a baking sheet works well too.
- For a gluten-free option, substitute the pizza dough with a gluten-free version.
- Fresh basil adds a lovely herbal note but can be omitted if unavailable.
- Letting the pizza dough rest before rolling can improve texture and elasticity.
