If you’re craving a pizza that perfectly balances spicy heat with the smoky sweetness of roasted red peppers, you are going to love this Calabrian Chili Roasted Red Pepper Pizza Recipe. Every bite delivers a punch of bold flavor, enhanced by creamy mozzarella and a sprinkle of Parmesan, all encased in a delightfully crisp crust. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or simply treat yourself to something special, this recipe is a vibrant celebration of simple ingredients combining into something truly irresistible.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started with this pizza is so satisfying because the ingredients are straightforward yet incredibly impactful. Each component plays its part in building layers of flavor, texture, and color that make this dish unforgettable.
- 1 pound pizza dough: The foundation of your pizza, whether you buy it or make it yourself, it needs to be stretchy and soft for a perfect crust.
- 1/2 cup roasted red peppers, sliced: These add a sweet, smoky touch that contrasts beautifully with the heat of the chili.
- 2 tablespoons Calabrian chili paste: This is the star ingredient that brings a vibrant, spicy kick — adjust to your liking.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts perfectly into a bubbly, gooey layer that everyone loves.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, salty depth to elevate every bite.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: A simple drizzle to ensure a golden, crispy crust and rich flavor.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A pinch of herbs to tie all the flavors together with a hint of Mediterranean aroma.
- Fresh basil leaves (optional): For a fresh, fragrant finish that brightens the pizza just before serving.
- Flour (for dusting): Helps you roll the dough out without any sticking or tearing.
How to Make Calabrian Chili Roasted Red Pepper Pizza Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Begin by setting your oven to a hot 475°F (245°C). Place a pizza stone or a baking sheet inside so it warms up while you prepare the pizza. This step helps you get a wonderfully crisp crust comparable to a pizzeria’s oven, even at home.
Step 2: Roll Out the Dough
Lightly dust your working surface with flour to avoid sticking, then gently roll out your pizza dough to about 12 inches in diameter. The key here is to keep the thickness even so it cooks through perfectly without burning or remaining doughy.
Step 3: Transfer Dough to Parchment Paper
Carefully move the rolled-out dough onto a sheet of parchment paper. This makes transferring the pizza to the hot stone seamless and prevents a messy flop.
Step 4: Add Olive Oil and Calabrian Chili Paste
Brush the dough evenly with olive oil. Next, spread your Calabrian chili paste over the dough’s surface, making sure to distribute the spicy goodness across every inch for consistent flavor in every bite.
Step 5: Layer Cheese and Roasted Red Peppers
Sprinkle mozzarella cheese generously over the dough. Then arrange the slices of roasted red peppers across the top to add beautiful color and that signature smoky sweetness.
Step 6: Sprinkle Parmesan and Italian Seasoning
Lightly dust grated Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning over the pizza. These finishing touches add complexity and a flavorful herbaceous accent.
Step 7: Bake Until Perfect
Carefully slide the pizza, still on the parchment paper, onto your preheated pizza stone or baking sheet. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the crust turns golden brown and the cheese bubbles and starts to brown slightly. The aroma at this point is downright irresistible!
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
Remove the pizza from the oven and, if you like, top with fresh basil leaves for a lovely fresh note. Slice up your masterpiece and get ready to enjoy.
How to Serve Calabrian Chili Roasted Red Pepper Pizza Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh basil leaves are the classic choice, adding a burst of color and herbal freshness that contrasts beautifully with the spicy chili paste. You can also drizzle a little extra virgin olive oil or sprinkle red pepper flakes for more heat intensity.
Side Dishes
A simple arugula salad tossed with lemon and Parmesan complements this pizza beautifully, offering a peppery crunch. A chilled glass of white wine or sparkling water with lemon can also enhance the overall dining experience.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try making smaller individual pizzas using mini dough rounds, perfect for sharing at parties. Another idea is to serve slices on wooden boards lined with parchment paper, garnished with a few roasted pepper strips and herbs for a rustic, artisanal feel.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any pizza left, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 2 days while maintaining good flavor and texture.
Freezing
You can freeze leftover pizza by wrapping slices individually in plastic wrap and then placing them inside a freezer bag. This way, your Calabrian Chili Roasted Red Pepper Pizza Recipe is just a quick reheat away, perfect for busy days.
Reheating
The best way to reheat is in a hot oven or toaster oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 8 minutes to restore that crispy crust and melted cheese. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it tends to make the crust soggy.
FAQs
Can I use fresh red peppers instead of roasted?
Fresh red peppers will give you crunch and a raw sweetness, but roasting them intensifies their flavor and adds a smoky element that’s key to this pizza’s character. If you prefer, you can roast fresh peppers yourself in a hot oven or over a flame.
Is Calabrian chili paste very spicy?
Calabrian chili paste brings moderate heat with a rich, smoky depth. It’s spicier than everyday chili powders but not overwhelmingly hot, so it’s great for those who want a nicely warming kick rather than fiery heat.
Can I make this pizza gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just swap out the conventional pizza dough for a gluten-free version. Many store-bought gluten-free doughs work well, or you can make your own at home for a personalized touch.
What’s the best cheese to use if I can’t find mozzarella?
Mozzarella is ideal for melt and mild flavor, but if you can’t find it, try provolone or fontina as alternatives. Both melt nicely and won’t overpower the chili and roasted pepper flavors.
Can I add other toppings to this pizza?
Yes! While the classic Calabrian Chili Roasted Red Pepper Pizza Recipe shines with simplicity, feel free to add olives, caramelized onions, or even a few slices of spicy salami to personalize your pizza experience.
Final Thoughts
This Calabrian Chili Roasted Red Pepper Pizza Recipe is a beautiful balance of spicy, sweet, and cheesy goodness wrapped in a crispy crust that feels like a warm hug on a plate. It’s incredibly easy to make yet impressive enough for any occasion. I can’t wait for you to try it and add your own twist to it. Happy pizza making!
Print
Calabrian Chili Roasted Red Pepper Pizza Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
A spicy and flavorful Calabrian Chili Roasted Red Pepper Pizza featuring a crisp thin crust topped with a zesty Calabrian chili paste, sweet roasted red peppers, melted mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese, finished with aromatic Italian seasoning and 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. This ensures a hot surface for the crust to crisp up perfectly.
- Roll Dough: On a floured surface, roll out the pizza dough to about 12 inches wide. This creates the foundation for your pizza with a uniform thickness.
- Transfer Dough: Move the rolled dough onto a piece of parchment paper to make handling and transferring easier when baking.
- Prepare Base: Brush the dough evenly with olive oil, then spread the Calabrian chili paste over the surface to infuse the pizza with spicy heat and flavor.
- Add Cheese and Peppers: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly across the dough, then top with the sliced roasted red peppers for sweetness and texture.
- Season and Cheese: Scatter grated Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning over the top to add savory depth and Italian herb notes.
- Bake Pizza: Carefully slide the pizza, still on the parchment paper, onto the preheated pizza stone or baking sheet in the oven. Bake for 10–12 minutes until the crust is golden, and the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly browned.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the pizza from the oven and top with fresh basil leaves if using. Slice and serve immediately for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- Use a pizza stone for best results, but a baking sheet works as an alternative.
- Adjust Calabrian chili paste quantity to suit your preferred spice level.
- Let the pizza dough come to room temperature before rolling for easier handling.
- Fresh basil adds a wonderful fresh herbal note but can be omitted if unavailable.
- For a crispier crust, preheat your pizza stone or baking sheet for at least 30 minutes before baking.
