If you’re craving a pizza experience that perfectly balances heat, sweet smoky notes, and melty cheese, the Calabrian Chili Roasted Red Pepper Pizza Recipe is exactly what you need. This pizza brings together the fiery kick of Calabrian chili paste with the subtle sweetness of roasted red peppers, all nestled atop a crisp, golden crust. It’s a remarkable combination of colors, flavors, and textures that will make every bite feel like a celebration. Whether you’re a spice lover or simply someone who enjoys bold, fresh toppings, this pizza is destined to become one of your favorite go-to meals.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t be intimidated by the simplicity of the ingredients — each one plays an essential role in creating the perfect harmony of flavors, textures, and visual appeal that defines the Calabrian Chili Roasted Red Pepper Pizza Recipe.
- 1 pound pizza dough: Whether store-bought or homemade, this forms the deliciously chewy and crispy foundation of your pizza.
- 1/2 cup roasted red peppers, sliced: These add a smoky sweetness and vibrant color that contrasts beautifully with the heat.
- 2 tablespoons Calabrian chili paste: The star of the show, this spicy paste gives your pizza that unforgettable punch—adjust to taste!
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: It melts perfectly and provides that gooey, creamy texture pizza dreams are made of.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty, salty finish that layers lovely complexity.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Used to brush the dough, it promotes a golden, crispy crust while enhancing flavor.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A simple blend of herbs to elevate the aroma and savoriness.
- Fresh basil leaves (optional): For a pop of freshness and a beautiful finishing touch.
- Flour (for dusting): Keeps your workspace mess-free and dough manageable.
How to Make Calabrian Chili Roasted Red Pepper Pizza Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to a sizzling 475°F (245°C). Place your pizza stone or baking sheet inside so it becomes piping hot and ready to crisp your crust perfectly. This step ensures the base cooks evenly and results in that coveted golden brown texture.
Step 2: Roll Out the Dough
On a floured surface, gently roll your pizza dough out to about 12 inches wide. The flour prevents sticking and helps you achieve that signature thin crust with just the right amount of chewiness. Remember, a well-rolled dough is your canvas for flavor.
Step 3: Transfer with Care
Slide your rolled dough onto a piece of parchment paper. This little parchment buddy makes transferring the pizza to the oven a breeze and prevents any sticking mishaps. It’s a small trick that saves time and keeps everything neat.
Step 4: Olive Oil and Chili Paste Spread
Brush the entire surface of the dough evenly with olive oil. Then, spread two tablespoons of Calabrian chili paste across the top. This spicy paste is the heart of the pizza, adding layers of heat that marry perfectly with the toppings.
Step 5: Cheese and Pepper Toppings
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly over the dough, covering it generously but not overwhelming. Next, artfully arrange the roasted red pepper slices on top — their smoky sweetness balances the spiciness for a mouthwatering bite every time.
Step 6: Final Seasoning Touches
Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning over the pizza. These final touches bring a complex, savory depth and a fragrant herbaceous note, enhancing every other ingredient.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Carefully slide your pizza (still on the parchment) onto the blazing-hot pizza stone or baking sheet. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the crust turns a beautiful golden color and the cheese bubbles with delight, showing just the right amount of browning.
Step 8: Fresh Finishing Touch
Once out of the oven, top your pizza with fresh basil leaves if you like. Their bright, aromatic flavor and striking green make this pizza not only taste amazing but look like a masterpiece ready for any table.
How to Serve Calabrian Chili Roasted Red Pepper Pizza Recipe
Garnishes
Serve your pizza with a handful of fresh basil leaves, or add a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil for richness. A sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes can elevate the heat even more if you’re a true spice enthusiast!
Side Dishes
This pizza pairs beautifully with a simple green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette or light garlic-roasted vegetables. The crispness of the sides complements the soft, cheesy pizza while keeping the meal balanced.
Creative Ways to Present
Slice your pizza into rustic strips and serve it on a wooden board for a casual, inviting feel. You can also add a small bowl of cooling ranch or garlic aioli on the side for dipping — a fun twist that guests will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap any leftover pizza tightly in plastic wrap or foil and place it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making it a perfect quick meal option the next day.
Freezing
If you want to save the pizza for later, freeze it in airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Separate slices with parchment foil to avoid sticking and store for up to 2 months.
Reheating
To keep the crust crispy upon reheating, warm leftover pizza slices in a preheated skillet over medium heat until the cheese melts and the bottom crisps up again. Avoid the microwave if you want to preserve texture.
FAQs
What exactly is Calabrian chili paste?
Calabrian chili paste is made from chili peppers from the Calabria region in Italy. It’s known for its vibrant heat combined with garlicky, smoky, and slightly sweet undertones — perfect for adding complex spice to recipes like this pizza.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! While mozzarella and Parmesan are classic for this recipe, you can swap mozzarella for fontina or provolone for a different melt and flavor. Feel free to experiment to suit your taste.
Is this pizza very spicy?
The heat level depends on how much Calabrian chili paste you use. Two tablespoons provide a pleasant kick, but adjust the amount if you prefer milder or hotter. Roasted red peppers also help tone down the spice with their sweetness.
Can I make the dough from scratch?
Definitely! Homemade dough gives you even more control over texture and flavor. Use a basic pizza dough recipe or your favorite method — just roll it out to about 12 inches as directed.
What’s the best way to bake this pizza without a pizza stone?
If you don’t have a pizza stone, a preheated baking sheet works great. Just flip it upside down to create an even surface and preheat it along with the oven for crisp results.
Final Thoughts
Now that you’ve got the full scoop on how to craft the irresistible Calabrian Chili Roasted Red Pepper Pizza Recipe, it’s time to gather your ingredients and start creating! This pizza brings together bold flavors, satisfying textures, and a touch of fiery fun that’s perfect for any day of the week. Trust me, once you taste it, you’ll be making it again and again.
Print
Calabrian Chili Roasted Red Pepper Pizza Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 2 pizzas (2–4 servings)
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A spicy and flavorful Calabrian Chili Roasted Red Pepper Pizza featuring a crispy crust, melted mozzarella, and a kick from Calabrian chili paste. This easy-to-make pizza is perfect for a quick dinner or game night, balancing heat and savory flavors with Italian seasoning and a touch of fresh basil.
Ingredients
Pizza Base
- 1 pound pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- Flour (for dusting)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
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)
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 when baking.
- Roll Out Dough: On a floured surface, roll out the pizza dough to about 12 inches wide, creating a thin and even base for your toppings.
- Prepare for Topping: Transfer the rolled-out dough to a piece of parchment paper, which will make transferring the pizza into the oven easier and prevent sticking.
- Add Oil and Chili Paste: Brush the surface of the dough evenly with olive oil, then spread the Calabrian chili paste over the entire dough to infuse the base with spicy flavor.
- Add Cheese and Peppers: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the pizza base, then add the sliced roasted red peppers on top for a smoky sweetness to balance the heat.
- Season and Add Parmesan: Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning over the pizza for depth of flavor and aromatic herbs.
- Bake the Pizza: Carefully slide the pizza on the parchment paper onto the preheated pizza stone or baking sheet. Bake for 10–12 minutes until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the pizza from the oven and top with fresh basil leaves if desired. Slice and serve immediately while hot and flavorful.
Notes
- Using a pizza stone helps achieve a crispier crust but a baking sheet works as a good alternative.
- You can adjust the amount of Calabrian chili paste to your preferred spice level.
- For a more robust flavor, allow the chili paste to sit on the dough for a few minutes before adding cheese.
- If you don’t have roasted red peppers, you can roast fresh bell peppers yourself.
- Fresh basil adds a nice aromatic finish but is optional.
