Description
This Calabrian Chili Roasted Red Pepper Pizza offers a spicy twist on the classic pizza with flavorful Calabrian chilies and sweet roasted red peppers atop a crispy crust. It’s quick to prepare and perfect for those who love a little heat infused with fresh, vibrant ingredients.
Ingredients
Scale
Pizza Base
- 1 pre-made pizza crust
Sauce and Toppings
- 1/2 cup marinara sauce
- 1/2 cup roasted red peppers, sliced
- 1/4 cup Calabrian chilies, chopped
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Garnish
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) to ensure it reaches the optimal temperature for baking the pizza crust to a golden crisp.
- Prepare Crust: Place the pre-made pizza crust onto a baking sheet, creating a solid base for your toppings.
- Spread Sauce: Evenly spread 1/2 cup of marinara sauce over the pizza crust, making sure to cover the surface but leaving a small edge for the crust.
- Add Toppings: Distribute the sliced roasted red peppers and chopped Calabrian chilies over the sauced crust, then sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese evenly on top to create a melty, cheesy layer.
- Bake the Pizza: Place the pizza in the preheated oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is perfectly melted and bubbly.
- Garnish: Once baked, remove the pizza from the oven and garnish with fresh basil leaves, adding a burst of color and fresh aroma.
- Serve: Slice the pizza into 8 pieces and serve hot for the best flavor experience.
Notes
- Use a pizza stone for an even crispier crust if available.
- If you prefer less spice, reduce the amount of Calabrian chilies or omit them entirely.
- Fresh roasted red peppers can be substituted with jarred if unavailable.
- This pizza is best enjoyed fresh but can be reheated in the oven to preserve crispiness.
- To make this recipe vegan, replace the mozzarella with a plant-based cheese alternative.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
