Description
This Calabrian Chili Roasted Red Pepper Pizza combines a thin, crispy crust with a spicy and smoky topping featuring Calabrian chili paste and roasted red peppers. Topped with mozzarella and provolone cheeses, a hint of fish sauce, and finished with a drizzle of honey, this pizza offers a unique blend of heat, sweetness, and umami flavors perfect for a bold and flavorful meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Pizza Dough
- 1/3 to 1/2 pound ball of pizza dough
- Olive oil, for brushing
- Sesame seeds, for sprinkling
Sauce and Toppings
- 1/3 cup marinara sauce
- 2 tablespoons crushed Calabrian chili paste
- 1 jar (16 ounces) roasted red peppers, drained and sliced
- 2 teaspoons fish sauce
- 3/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 3/4 cup shredded provolone cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano, plus extra for garnish
- Honey, for serving
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 450° F to ensure it reaches the right temperature for a crispy pizza crust.
- Prepare Dough: On a lightly floured surface, stretch or roll out the pizza dough into a thin circle about 10 to 12 inches in diameter. Transfer the dough to a baking sheet for easy handling.
- Season the Crust: Lightly brush the surface and edges of the dough with olive oil and sprinkle sesame seeds generously over the top to add a nutty flavor and crunch.
- Add Sauce and Chili Paste: Spread the marinara sauce evenly over the dough’s surface followed by the crushed Calabrian chili paste for a spicy kick.
- Arrange Roasted Peppers and Season: Layer the sliced roasted red peppers on top of the sauce, drizzle the fish sauce evenly over the pizza if using, then sprinkle with dried oregano to infuse herbal notes.
- Add Cheese: Evenly distribute the shredded mozzarella and provolone cheeses over the top to create a melty, gooey topping.
- Bake the Pizza: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the crust turns golden brown and the cheese is bubbling and slightly browned.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the pizza from the oven, sprinkle with a pinch of extra dried oregano, and drizzle with honey to balance the heat. Slice and enjoy your flavorful pizza!
Notes
- For best results, use a baking sheet or pizza stone preheated in the oven to help achieve a crispier crust.
- Adjust the amount of Calabrian chili paste to control the spice level.
- Fish sauce adds depth and umami; omit if you prefer a vegetarian version.
- Honey adds a perfect sweetness contrast but can be skipped or replaced with balsamic glaze.
- Allow the pizza to cool for a few minutes before slicing to prevent the cheese from sliding off.
Keywords: Calabrian chili, roasted red pepper pizza, spicy pizza, homemade pizza, Italian pizza, baking pizza, mozzarella, provolone, pizza dough