Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you love bold, vibrant flavors, this Calabrian Chili Roasted Red Pepper Pizza will quickly become one of your favorites! This pizza combines the sweetness of roasted red peppers with the spicy kick of Calabrian chilies, all layered on a perfectly crisp yet chewy homemade pizza crust. The addition of fresh mozzarella, garlic, and a drizzle of olive oil makes this pizza a restaurant-quality dish you can easily make at home.
This pizza is perfect for spice lovers, but don’t worry—it’s well-balanced with creamy cheese and a touch of honey for the perfect sweet-heat combination. Whether you’re hosting a pizza night or just craving something different, this recipe is a must-try!
Ingredients
For the Dough (Makes 2 Medium Pizzas)
- 500g (4 cups) all-purpose flour or bread flour
- 325ml (1 1/3 cups) warm water (40°C or 105°F)
- 7g (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast or instant yeast
- 10g (2 teaspoons) salt
- 10ml (2 teaspoons) olive oil
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, helps activate the yeast)
For the Sauce
- 1 can (400g) crushed tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for extra heat)
For the Toppings
- 120g (1 cup) fresh mozzarella, torn into pieces
- 100g (1/2 cup) roasted red peppers, sliced
- 1 tablespoon Calabrian chili paste (or 3 chopped Calabrian chilies in oil)
- 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (optional, for extra spice)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon honey (for balance)
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
- Olive oil, for drizzling
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- If using active dry yeast, dissolve it in warm water with 1 teaspoon sugar and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
- In a large bowl, combine flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture and olive oil, then mix until a shaggy dough forms.
- Knead on a floured surface for 8-10 minutes (or use a stand mixer with a dough hook for 5 minutes) until the dough is smooth and elastic.
- Place in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let rise for 1-2 hours until doubled in size.
Step 2: Make the Sauce
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes, oregano, salt, sugar, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Remove from heat and set aside.
Step 3: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 250°C (480°F) or as high as it will go. If using a pizza stone, place it in the oven to heat for 30 minutes.
Step 4: Assemble the Pizza
- Punch down the risen dough and divide it into two equal portions.
- Roll or stretch one portion into a thin, round pizza shape on a lightly floured surface.
- Transfer the dough to a pizza stone, baking sheet, or pizza peel lined with parchment paper.
- Spread a thin layer of pizza sauce over the dough.
- Scatter fresh mozzarella, then evenly distribute roasted red peppers.
- Add dollops of Calabrian chili paste and sprinkle with garlic powder and extra chili flakes (if desired).
Step 5: Bake the Pizza
- Place the pizza in the oven and bake for 8-12 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly.
- Drizzle with honey for a touch of sweetness to balance the spice.
- Finish with fresh basil leaves and a drizzle of olive oil before serving.
Nutritional Information (Per Slice – Based on 8 Slices per Pizza)
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Protein: 9g
- Fat: 9g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 4g
Note: Nutritional values may vary based on portion size and ingredients used.
Tips & Tricks for the Best Pizza
✨ Use a pizza stone – Preheating a pizza stone ensures a crispy crust that mimics wood-fired pizza.
✨ Adjust the spice level – If you prefer milder heat, use less Calabrian chili paste or balance with extra honey.
✨ Roast your own peppers – For extra flavor, roast fresh red bell peppers under a broiler for 8-10 minutes, then peel and slice.
✨ Use high-protein flour – Bread flour gives the dough a chewy, pizzeria-style texture.
✨ Make ahead – The dough can be made in advance and refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for 3 months.
✨ Experiment with toppings – Add crumbled goat cheese, ricotta, or prosciutto for a gourmet twist.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔ Perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors
✔ Crispy, chewy homemade dough
✔ Authentic Calabrian heat for spice lovers
✔ Easy to customize with different toppings
✔ Better than takeout—restaurant-quality pizza at home
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