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Calabrian Chili Roasted Red Pepper Pizza

Calabrian Chili Roasted Red Pepper Pizza
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Calabrian Chili Roasted Red Pepper Pizza is a vibrant and comforting dish combining the spicy heat of Calabrian chili peppers with the smoky sweetness of roasted red peppers. Featuring a perfect crispy crust, melty mozzarella cheese, and fresh basil garnish, this pizza offers bold and balanced flavors that are simple to prepare, easily customizable, and ideal for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests.

Ingredients

Scale

Pizza Base

  • 1 store-bought or homemade pizza dough (enough for one 12-inch pizza)

Toppings

  • 1 cup roasted red peppers, thinly sliced (jarred or freshly roasted)
  • 1–2 tablespoons Calabrian chili peppers, chopped (adjust to taste)
  • 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil, plus extra for drizzling
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Garnish

  • Fresh basil leaves, a handful
  • Sea salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Dough: Roll out the pizza dough on a lightly floured surface to your desired thickness, aiming for a slightly thin, crisp crust that will complement the rich toppings.
  2. Roast the Red Peppers: If not using pre-roasted peppers, char fresh red peppers over an open flame or under a broiler until the skin blisters. Then peel off the skins and slice the peppers thinly to bring out their smoky sweetness.
  3. Assemble Toppings: Spread a thin layer of olive oil and minced garlic evenly over the rolled-out dough. Arrange the roasted red peppers on top, then scatter the chopped Calabrian chili peppers carefully to infuse a spicy kick without overpowering the balance.
  4. Add Cheese: Evenly distribute shredded mozzarella cheese over the pizza to create a gooey, creamy layer that melds all the flavors together.
  5. Bake the Pizza: Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). Bake the pizza on a hot pizza stone or baking sheet for 10-12 minutes, until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbling with slightly browned spots.
  6. Garnish and Serve: Remove the pizza from the oven, then add fresh basil leaves and drizzle lightly with extra virgin olive oil. Finish with a sprinkle of sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance all the flavors.

Notes

  • Use a pizza stone to achieve a crispier crust by distributing heat evenly and drawing out moisture.
  • Don’t overload the toppings to keep the crust crispy and avoid sogginess.
  • Adjust the amount of Calabrian chili peppers to your preferred spice level, tasting as you go.
  • Add fresh basil only after baking to preserve its bright color and fresh aroma.
  • Allow your dough to rest and rise properly beforehand for a fluffier, lighter texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: Calabrian chili, roasted red pepper, pizza, spicy pizza, Italian pizza, homemade pizza, baking, easy pizza, bold flavors

Find it online: https://recipesemilly.com/calabrian-chili-roasted-red-pepper-pizza/