Calabrian Chili Roasted Red Pepper Pizza.
Calabrian Chili Roasted Red Pepper Pizza offers a bold and flavorful twist on classic pizza by combining the smoky sweetness of roasted red peppers with the fiery heat of Calabrian chili. Perfectly balanced with creamy mozzarella cheese and fresh basil, this spicy, savory pizza is ideal for those who love a touch of heat and a gourmet flair in their weeknight meals or entertaining.
- Author: Nora
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 1 pizza (serves 2-4) 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Gluten Free (if using gluten-free dough)
Pizza Base
- 1 ball of pizza dough (pre-made or homemade, about 12 inches)
- Olive oil, for brushing
- Sea salt, to taste
- Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
Toppings
- Calabrian chili paste or peppers, thinly spread (adjust to taste)
- Roasted red peppers, sliced
- Mozzarella cheese, torn into pieces (about 6-8 oz)
- Minced garlic, 1-2 cloves
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
- Prepare the Dough: Roll out your pizza dough on a floured surface to about 12 inches in diameter, ensuring an even thickness. Let it rest at room temperature for 15 minutes before shaping to enhance flavor and texture.
- Preheat Your Oven: Set your oven to 475°F (245°C) and place a pizza stone or baking sheet inside to preheat. This ensures a crispy crust once baked.
- Assemble the Pizza: Lightly brush the rolled dough with olive oil. Spread a thin, even layer of Calabrian chili paste over the surface. Add slices of roasted red peppers, torn mozzarella pieces, and sprinkle minced garlic evenly. Season with sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper to enhance the flavors.
- Bake: Transfer the assembled pizza onto the preheated stone or baking sheet. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the crust is golden brown and crispy.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the pizza from the oven. Drizzle with a little more olive oil and scatter fresh basil leaves on top. Slice and serve immediately to enjoy the vibrant combination of bold and fresh flavors.
Notes
- Roll dough evenly to prevent soggy and uneven cooking.
- Use fresh or high-quality jarred roasted red peppers for maximum flavor.
- Avoid overloading toppings to maintain a crispy crust.
- Start with a small amount of Calabrian chili paste and adjust gradually based on your preference for spice level.
- Add fresh basil after baking to preserve its color and aroma.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 pizza
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: Calabrian chili, roasted red pepper, spicy pizza, Italian pizza, homemade pizza, gluten-free pizza option