Prepare to ignite your taste buds with a Calabrian Chili Roasted Red Pepper Pizza that’s as vibrant in flavor as it is in color! This pizza is a dream come true for anyone who loves a little heat mingled with sweet, smoky roasted peppers, all blanketed under melty mozzarella atop a chewy, homemade-style crust. Whether you’re looking to spice up your weekly pizza night or share something memorable with friends, this pie promises an irresistible combination of bold Italian flavors. With a mingling of Calabrian chili heat and rich roasted red peppers, this pizza will have everybody reaching for just one more slice.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every element in this Calabrian Chili Roasted Red Pepper Pizza works in harmony to create a masterpiece! Nothing complicated here: just a handful of thoughtfully chosen, high-quality ingredients that shine perfectly together, each bringing its unique flavor, color, or texture to this showstopping pie.
- Pizza dough: The sturdy yet chewy base that carries all those amazing toppings, so make sure it’s at room temperature for easy stretching.
- Pizza sauce or crushed San Marzano tomatoes: These add a vibrant, tangy foundation — try crushed San Marzanos for authentic Italian sweetness!
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Gives you those irresistible, picture-perfect cheese pulls on every slice.
- Fresh mozzarella (torn into pieces): Melts into creamy, decadent pools that take your pizza to artisan-level.
- Roasted red peppers, sliced: Sweet, smoky, and tender — these are the secret to that bold pop of color and flavor.
- Calabrian chili paste: One or two teaspoons deliver a slow-building, robust heat that makes every bite memorable — add more if you’re feeling daring!
- Olive oil: A quick drizzle helps everything bubble and crisp beautifully in the oven.
- Dried oregano: Just a sprinkle brings classic Italian herbaceousness right to the top.
- Salt and black pepper: Season the pizza to taste, enhancing all the natural flavors.
- Fresh basil leaves (optional): Torn over the pizza at the end for an herbal, summery finish and a splash of green.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): Great for serving if you want an extra rosy kick for the spice lovers at the table.
How to Make Calabrian Chili Roasted Red Pepper Pizza
Step 1: Prep your oven and equipment
Start by preheating your oven to 475°F (245°C) — the high heat is essential for achieving that crisp, golden crust with bubbling cheese. If you have a pizza stone, place it inside the oven before preheating; it will mimic the bottom heat of a real pizza oven and give your pizza an irresistibly chewy base. If not, a sturdy baking sheet will work just fine, but give it plenty of time to get hot!
Step 2: Shape the dough
Lightly flour your work surface and gently stretch or roll your pizza dough into a lovely 10 to 12-inch circle. The dough shouldn’t be sticky but should feel relaxed and elastic. If it resists stretching, let it rest for a few minutes, then try again. Next, transfer your ready dough to a sheet of parchment paper or a floured pizza peel to keep things simple when sliding it into the oven.
Step 3: Layer on the sauce and cheeses
Spoon your pizza sauce or crushed San Marzano tomatoes evenly over the dough, taking it nearly to the edge for that homey artisan look. Scatter the shredded mozzarella first to form a gooey, melty underpinning, then dot generous torn pieces of fresh mozzarella around the pie. This double-cheese approach is a game changer for melty flavor and varied texture.
Step 4: Add roasted red peppers and Calabrian chili paste
Evenly arrange your roasted red pepper slices all across the pizza for a pop of eye-catching color and a touch of smoky sweetness. Next, dollop small spoonfuls of Calabrian chili paste around the pizza — try to distribute it so each slice gets just the right punch of heat. You’ll notice how the chili paste looks vibrant and inviting nestled among the other toppings!
Step 5: Season and bake
Drizzle that lovely olive oil all over the top for luscious flavor and a beautiful bubbling effect during baking. Shower with dried oregano, then finish with a pinch of salt and a little cracked black pepper. Carefully transfer your prepped pizza to the hot oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is deliciously browned and bubbling. That aroma coming from the oven? Absolute heaven.
Step 6: Garnish and serve
Once your Calabrian Chili Roasted Red Pepper Pizza emerges, let it cool for a few minutes before slicing (trust me, this makes a big difference in cheese stretch and flavor!). Finish it off with fresh basil leaves and, for spice seekers, a dusting of crushed red pepper flakes. Slice, serve, and soak up the compliments!
How to Serve Calabrian Chili Roasted Red Pepper Pizza
Garnishes
A flourish of torn fresh basil leaves right as the pizza comes out of the oven keeps things aromatic and fresh, perfectly offsetting the chili heat and creamy cheese. If you love a little extra fire, pass around some crushed red pepper flakes for guests to sprinkle at the table. For a fragrant touch, you can also drizzle with a scant amount of good olive oil or a garlicky oil infusion before slicing.
Side Dishes
Pair your Calabrian Chili Roasted Red Pepper Pizza with a crisp, peppery arugula salad tossed with lemon and parmesan, or a simple chopped tomato salad. Warm marinated olives, roasted mushrooms, or a platter of antipasto goodies also make delicious accompaniments that keep the meal light but satisfyingly complete. If you’re hosting for a crowd, serve with a chilled glass of Italian white wine or a citrusy spritz for the ultimate experience!
Creative Ways to Present
For a showstopping touch, serve the pizza on a rustic wooden board, scattered with fresh basil and a small bowl of extra Calabrian chili paste on the side. Slice it into squares or smaller tapas-sized bites for a fun appetizer platter at a casual gathering. If you’re going picnic-style, pack the pizza into a box lined with parchment and add a handful of colorful roasted vegetables for an eye-catching spread. This Calabrian Chili Roasted Red Pepper Pizza is as delightful on a dinner table as it is in a park!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover slices of Calabrian Chili Roasted Red Pepper Pizza can be wrapped tightly in foil or stored in an airtight container and kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to mingle beautifully, making tomorrow’s lunch a delicious treat!
Freezing
If you’d like to freeze extra pizza, allow slices to cool completely, then wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap followed by a layer of foil. Pop them in a freezer bag, and they’ll keep well for up to a month. When you’re ready, just thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat as desired.
Reheating
To enjoy your pizza leftovers as if they were just baked, reheat slices in a hot oven or toaster oven at 375°F for about 8 minutes, or until the crust is crisp and the cheese has remelted. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the crust chewy — if you must, use a microwave-safe plate and cover to prevent drying out, then crisp up briefly in a skillet.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought roasted red peppers?
Absolutely! Using jarred roasted red peppers makes this Calabrian Chili Roasted Red Pepper Pizza even easier and still brings that delicious, smoky sweetness to every slice. Just drain and pat them dry before slicing to avoid a soggy crust.
What is Calabrian chili paste, and where can I find it?
Calabrian chili paste is a spicy, tangy Italian condiment made from Calabrian chilies. It gives the pizza its signature warmth and depth. Look for it in specialty Italian groceries, well-stocked supermarkets, or order online. If you love a kick, this is your must-have ingredient!
Is it possible to make this pizza vegan?
Definitely! Substitute the mozzarella cheeses with your favorite melty vegan cheese, and double-check that your pizza dough is dairy-free. Everything else in the Calabrian Chili Roasted Red Pepper Pizza is already vegan-friendly, so everyone can dig in and enjoy.
Can I grill this pizza instead of baking it?
Yes, grilling pizza gives it a wonderfully smoky, charred crust that complements the Calabrian chili paste and roasted peppers. Just stretch out your dough, grill one side for a couple of minutes, flip, add toppings, and finish grilling with the lid closed until bubbly and golden.
How can I keep my pizza dough from sticking?
To prevent sticking, use plenty of flour or cornmeal on your pizza peel or parchment, and avoid overloading the pizza with sauce. If you don’t have a peel, building the pizza directly on parchment makes transferring it to the oven quick and stress-free.
Final Thoughts
There’s a special kind of joy that comes from pulling a piping hot Calabrian Chili Roasted Red Pepper Pizza out of the oven and sharing it with people you love. Its blend of spicy, smoky, and cheesy satisfaction is destined to become a new favorite in your pizza rotation. I can’t wait for you to give it a try — and savor every bold, beautiful bite!
Print
Calabrian Chili Roasted Red Pepper Pizza Recipe
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 8 slices 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the delightful flavors of this Calabrian Chili Roasted Red Pepper Pizza, a spicy and savory treat that’s perfect for pizza night. The combination of tangy roasted red peppers, gooey mozzarella, and a kick of Calabrian chili paste will have your taste buds dancing with joy.
Ingredients
Pizza Dough:
- 1 ball (about 12 oz) pizza dough
Pizza Toppings:
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce or crushed San Marzano tomatoes
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup fresh mozzarella, torn into pieces
- 1/3 cup roasted red peppers, sliced
- 1–2 teaspoons Calabrian chili paste (adjust to heat preference)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
- Crushed red pepper flakes for extra heat (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C) and, if using, place a pizza stone inside to heat.
- Prepare the Dough: On a floured surface, stretch or roll the pizza dough into a 10–12 inch circle. Transfer to a sheet of parchment paper or a floured pizza peel.
- Add Toppings: Spread the pizza sauce evenly over the dough. Add shredded mozzarella, fresh mozzarella, roasted red peppers, and Calabrian chili paste. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with oregano, salt, and black pepper.
- Bake: Bake for 10–12 minutes or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbling and slightly browned.
- Finish and Serve: Remove from the oven, garnish with fresh basil leaves if using, and let cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
- For extra flavor, brush the crust with garlic-infused oil before baking.
- Add sliced Italian sausage or soppressata for a meatier version.
- Adjust the amount of Calabrian chili paste based on your heat tolerance.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 330mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
