Calabrian Chili Roasted Red Pepper Pizza Recipe
This Calabrian Chili Roasted Red Pepper Pizza combines the fiery, smoky heat of Calabrian chili paste with sweet roasted red peppers and a blend of mozzarella and provolone cheeses. The pizza dough is thin and crispy, topped with a savory marinara base enhanced by fish sauce for umami depth, then baked to golden perfection. Finished with a drizzle of honey and a sprinkle of sesame seeds, this pizza offers a perfect balance of spicy, sweet, and savory flavors in every bite.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Pizza
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Pizza Dough & Base
- 1/3-1/2 pound ball of pizza dough
- Sesame seeds, for sprinkling
- 1/3 cup marinara sauce
- 2 tablespoons crushed Calabrian chili paste
- 1 jar (16 ounce) roasted red peppers, drained and sliced
- 2 teaspoons fish sauce (optional)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
Cheese Toppings
- 3/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 3/4 cup shredded provolone cheese
To Finish
- Honey, for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C) to ensure it is hot enough for a crisp and golden pizza crust.
- Prepare the dough: On a lightly floured surface, stretch or roll out the pizza dough into a thin circle, about 10-12 inches in diameter. Transfer the dough carefully onto a baking sheet.
- Season the crust: Lightly brush the surface of the dough with olive oil and sprinkle sesame seeds evenly over it for added texture and flavor.
- Add the sauce and toppings: Spread the marinara sauce evenly over the dough, then spoon on the crushed Calabrian chili paste. Arrange the sliced roasted red peppers over the sauce. Drizzle the fish sauce over the toppings if using, then sprinkle dried oregano for herbal notes.
- Cheese layer: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and provolone cheeses evenly on top of the pizza to create a melty, flavorful layer.
- Bake the pizza: Place the pizza in the preheated oven and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and lightly browned.
- Finishing touches: Remove the pizza from the oven. Sprinkle a pinch of dried oregano over the hot pizza, then drizzle honey on top to balance the heat of the chili paste with sweetness.
- Serve: Slice the pizza and serve immediately, enjoying the combination of spicy, sweet, and savory flavors.
Notes
- Fish sauce adds umami depth but can be omitted for a milder flavor or for dietary preferences.
- Use a pizza stone instead of a baking sheet for an even crispier crust.
- Adjust the amount of Calabrian chili paste according to your preferred spice level.
- Honey can be substituted with a drizzle of balsamic glaze for a different sweet contrast.
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free pizza dough.
