Description
The Calabrian Chili Roasted Red Pepper Pizza is a bold and vibrant pizza combining smoky roasted red peppers with spicy Calabrian chili peppers and creamy mozzarella cheese. This recipe balances fiery heat with smoky sweetness, delivering a flavorful and visually stunning pie that is both sophisticated and simple to prepare, perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
Scale
Base
- 1 pizza dough (homemade or store-bought, about 12 inches diameter)
- 2 tbsp olive oil (plus extra for drizzling)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Sea salt, to taste
- Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
Toppings
- 1 cup roasted red peppers, sliced
- 1–2 tbsp Calabrian chili peppers, finely chopped (adjust to spice preference)
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: Roll out your pizza dough on a floured surface until it’s about 12 inches in diameter and roughly 1/4 inch thick. Transfer it to a parchment-lined baking sheet or preheated pizza stone to ensure the crust crisps perfectly.
- Spread the Base Sauce: Brush a light layer of high-quality olive oil evenly over the dough, then spread the minced garlic across the surface to create an aromatic foundation for the toppings.
- Add the Cheese and Peppers: Generously sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese to cover the dough’s surface. Arrange the roasted red pepper strips evenly on top of the cheese, then scatter the finely chopped Calabrian chili peppers to add the signature spicy kick.
- Season and Bake: Lightly season the pizza with sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Bake in a preheated oven at 475°F (245°C) for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the crust turns golden and the cheese is bubbling and lightly browned.
- Garnish and Serve: Once out of the oven, scatter fresh basil leaves over the pizza and drizzle with extra virgin olive oil for a fragrant, glossy finish. Slice and serve immediately.
Notes
- Use fresh or properly thawed dough for the best crust texture.
- Don’t overload toppings to keep the crust crisp.
- Roast your own red peppers to enhance smoky depth.
- Adjust Calabrian chili quantity to control heat level.
- Ensure your oven and baking surface are fully preheated for a crispy crust.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/3 pizza
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
Keywords: Calabrian chili pizza, roasted red pepper pizza, spicy pizza, Italian pizza, homemade pizza
