Spicy Calabrian Chili Roasted Red Pepper Pizza Recipe for All

Crisp pizza nights reach new heights with this incredible calabrian chili roasted red pepper pizza recipe that combines bold Mediterranean flavors and irresistible textures.

Spicy and smoky notes dance across a perfectly golden crust, promising a culinary adventure in every slice.

Roasted red peppers bring vibrant sweetness while calabrian chilis inject a delightful heat that awakens your taste buds.

Homemade or store-bought dough becomes a canvas for these spectacular ingredients, transforming an ordinary meal into something extraordinary.

Melted cheese creates a luxurious backdrop for the zesty toppings, ensuring each bite delivers maximum satisfaction.

Fresh herbs scattered on top add a final aromatic touch that elevates this pizza from good to absolutely unforgettable.

You won’t be able to resist making this mouthwatering masterpiece again and again.

Calabrian Chili Pizza Tips

• Use fingertips to softly push and stretch pizza dough, avoiding tears and maintaining an even thickness for perfect crust texture.
• Sprinkle sesame seeds before baking to add a delightful nutty crunch and enhance the pizza's visual appeal.
• Use a combination of mozzarella and provolone for optimal melting, creating a creamy and stretchy cheese layer.
• Add a light honey drizzle after baking to balance the spicy Calabrian chili and create a sweet-heat flavor profile.
• Include fish sauce for an umami depth that elevates the overall taste without overwhelming the other ingredients.

Calabrian Chili Pizza Twists

• Gluten-Free Pizza: Replace traditional wheat dough with cauliflower crust or gluten-free pizza base, maintaining the same Calabrian chili and roasted red pepper toppings.
• Vegan Version: Substitute mozzarella and provolone with plant-based cheese alternatives like cashew or almond cheese, using nutritional yeast for additional flavor complexity.
• Mediterranean Remix: Swap marinara sauce with pesto, add kalamata olives, swap fish sauce with tahini, and top with crumbled feta cheese for a Greek-inspired variation.
• Spicy Seafood Option: Replace roasted red peppers with fresh shrimp or crab meat, keeping Calabrian chili paste for extra heat, and garnish with fresh parsley.

Serving Calabrian Chili Pizza

• Spicy Pizza Night Delight: Gather friends around and serve this vibrant pizza as the star of a casual dinner gathering.
• Mediterranean Mezze Pairing: Complement the pizza with a crisp Greek salad, hummus, and olives to create a complete Mediterranean-inspired meal.
• Wine and Dine Experience: Pair this spicy pizza with a chilled white wine like Pinot Grigio or a light Sauvignon Blanc to balance the heat and enhance the flavors.
• Fresh Finish Touch: Sprinkle some fresh basil leaves or arugula on top after baking to add a bright, peppery freshness and beautiful green color.

Storing Calabrian Chili Pizza

• Store leftover pizza slices in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Seal tightly to prevent moisture and odors from affecting the taste.
• Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Pizza can be frozen for up to 2 months without losing significant quality.
• Preheat oven to 375°F. Place pizza on a baking sheet and warm for 8-10 minutes until cheese melts and crust crisps. Restores original texture and flavor best.
• Heat a non-stick skillet on medium-low. Place pizza slice in pan, cover with lid for 3-4 minutes. Creates crispy bottom and evenly heated toppings without drying out.

FAQs

• What are Calabrian chilies?

They are small, spicy red peppers from Calabria, Italy, known for their intense heat and rich, fruity flavor that adds depth to dishes.

• Can I substitute the chili paste?

Yes, you can use harissa, sriracha, or sambal oelek as alternatives, but each will slightly change the pizza’s flavor profile.

• Why add fish sauce to pizza?

Fish sauce provides an umami boost, adding a subtle savory complexity that enhances the overall taste without making the pizza taste fishy.

• Is sesame seeds on pizza traditional?

While not traditional, sesame seeds add a nutty crunch and unique texture that complements the spicy and cheesy elements of this pizza.

Calabrian Chili Pizza Highlights

• Spice Up Your Meal: Calabrian chili adds a fiery kick that transforms an ordinary pizza into a flavor explosion, perfect for those who love a little heat.
• Customize with Ease: This recipe offers flexibility with optional ingredients like fish sauce, allowing you to adjust the taste to your personal preference and pantry availability.
• Quick Weeknight Winner: Minimal prep and simple steps make this pizza an ideal choice for busy home cooks seeking a delicious dinner without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Gourmet Touch at Home: Combining unique ingredients like roasted red peppers, chili paste, and multiple cheeses elevates this pizza from standard to restaurant-quality, impressing family and guests.

Calabrian Chili Pizza Ingredients

• Pizza Dough: Fresh, soft dough for creating the pizza foundation.
• Flour: For dusting and preventing dough from sticking.

• Marinara Sauce: Classic tomato-based sauce providing a rich, tangy base.
• Calabrian Chili Paste: Spicy, vibrant condiment adding heat and depth of flavor.
• Fish Sauce: Optional umami-rich ingredient enhancing overall taste.

• Roasted Red Peppers: Sweet, smoky vegetable adding color and mild flavor.
• Mozzarella Cheese, Provolone Cheese: Creamy, melting cheeses creating a rich and gooey texture.
• Oregano, Dried Oregano: Aromatic herb providing earthy and slightly peppery notes.

• Olive Oil: Used for brushing the crust and adding a subtle richness.
• Sesame Seeds: Providing a subtle nutty crunch and visual appeal.
• Honey: Offering a delicate sweet contrast to the spicy and savory elements.

Calabrian Chili Pizza Steps

Step 1: Preheat Oven

Heat your oven to a toasty 450° F, preparing it for pizza perfection.

Step 2: Shape Pizza Dough

Sprinkle some flour on your work surface and gently stretch the dough into a thin, circular shape about 10-12 inches wide.

Carefully move the dough onto a baking sheet.

Drizzle olive oil across the surface and scatter sesame seeds for extra crunch.

Step 3: Layer Flavor Foundations

Start by spreading marinara sauce evenly over the dough.

Add a layer of zesty chili paste for kick.

Artfully arrange roasted red peppers across the surface.

If you’re feeling adventurous, dash some fish sauce for depth.

Sprinkle dried oregano generously.

• Mozzarella
• Provolone

Step 4: Bake To Golden Perfection

Slide the pizza into the preheated oven.

Bake for 10-15 minutes until the crust turns golden brown and the cheese bubbles with delicious promise.

• A sprinkle of dried oregano
• A delicate drizzle of honey

Slice into wedges and savor every bite of your homemade masterpiece.

Calabrian Chili Roasted Red Pepper Pizza Recipe

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4.7 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 2 1x

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Description

Spicy and smoky Calabrian Chili Roasted Red Pepper Pizza brings Mediterranean flair to your dinner table. Crisp homemade crust and bold flavors promise a delightful culinary journey you won’t forget.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pizza Base:

• 1/3–1/2 pound pizza dough ball

Cheeses:

• 3/4 cup (170 grams) shredded mozzarella cheese
• 3/4 cup (170 grams) shredded provolone cheese

Sauce and Flavor Enhancers:

• 1/3 cup marinara sauce
• 2 tablespoons crushed Calabrian chili paste
• 2 teaspoons fish sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

Toppings:

• 1 jar (16 ounces/454 grams) roasted red peppers, drained and sliced
• Sesame seeds (for sprinkling)

Finishing Touch:

• Honey (for serving)

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Instructions

1. Heat oven to 450°F, ensuring rack is in the center position for optimal pizza baking.
2. Gently stretch pizza dough on a lightly floured surface into a thin, 10-12 inch circular shape, taking care not to tear the dough.
3. Transfer stretched dough to a baking sheet, brushing the entire surface with olive oil and sprinkling sesame seeds evenly across the crust.
4. Spread marinara sauce uniformly over the dough, then carefully dollop and distribute chili paste for consistent heat and flavor.
5. Layer roasted red peppers strategically across the sauce, ensuring even coverage and maximum pepper distribution.
6. Drizzle fish sauce sparingly for an umami depth, then generously sprinkle dried oregano over the peppers.
7. Distribute mozzarella and provolone cheeses, covering the pizza surface with a balanced cheese layer.
8. Bake for 10-15 minutes until the crust turns golden brown and cheese becomes bubbly and slightly caramelized.
9. Remove pizza from oven, garnish with an additional pinch of dried oregano and a delicate honey drizzle.
10. Slice into wedges and serve immediately while hot and crispy.

Notes

• Customize the dough thickness by gently stretching and pushing outward for a crispy or thicker crust depending on personal preference.
• Try different cheese combinations like adding goat cheese or feta for a unique flavor profile and extra creaminess.
• When using fish sauce, start with a small amount to control the intensity of the umami flavor and prevent overpowering other ingredients.
• For a gluten-free version, substitute regular pizza dough with cauliflower crust or a gluten-free pre-made pizza base to accommodate dietary restrictions.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2
• Calories: 640 kcal
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 1100 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 55 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 36 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg