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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, spicy, and smoky pizza that combines the fiery kick of Calabrian chili peppers with the sweet, tangy depth of roasted red peppers on a crisp, golden crust. This vegetarian-friendly pizza offers a sophisticated and bold flavor with a quick preparation time, making it a perfect dish for weeknight dinners, parties, or gourmet snacks.

Ingredients

Scale

Base

  • 1 fresh pizza dough (homemade or store-bought, about 12 inches in diameter)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil, high quality
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Toppings

  • 1/3 cup roasted red peppers, sliced into strips
  • 1–2 teaspoons dried Calabrian chili peppers, chopped (adjust based on heat preference)
  • 6 oz fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
  • Fresh basil leaves, a handful

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Dough: Roll out your pizza dough on a floured surface to about 12 inches in diameter, maintaining an even thickness to achieve a crispy crust that holds toppings well.
  2. Create the Flavorful Base: Spread a thin layer of olive oil infused with minced garlic evenly over the dough to infuse it with aromatic garlic flavor and act as a moisture barrier.
  3. Layer the Roasted Red Peppers and Calabrian Chili: Evenly arrange strips of roasted red peppers over the dough base, then sprinkle chopped Calabrian chili peppers according to your preferred spice level.
  4. Add Cheese and Seasonings: Scatter fresh mozzarella slices on top, then season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Drizzle a little extra olive oil for richness.
  5. Bake Until Golden: Transfer the pizza onto a preheated baking stone or sheet in a 475°F (245°C) oven. Bake for 10-12 minutes until the crust turns golden brown and the cheese is bubbly with light browning.
  6. Finish with Fresh Basil: Remove pizza from the oven and garnish generously with fresh basil leaves for herbaceous aroma and a pop of green color.

Notes

  • Preheat the oven fully before baking for a crispy crust and perfectly melted cheese.
  • Chop Calabrian chilies finely and add incrementally to control the heat level.
  • Use high-quality olive oil, fresh mozzarella, and real roasted red peppers for best flavor.
  • Avoid overloading toppings to prevent sogginess and uneven cooking.
  • Allow pizza to rest a few minutes after baking before slicing to set toppings.
  • For a vegan version, substitute mozzarella with vegan cheese or cashew cream.
  • To add protein, consider spicy Italian sausage or grilled chicken as optional toppings.
  • Adjust chili quantity or substitute milder peppers to reduce spiciness if preferred.
  • For a smoky twist, try smoked provolone or smoked gouda instead of mozzarella.
  • Use gluten-free pizza dough to make this recipe gluten-free while maintaining flavor and texture.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze wrapped tightly for up to 1 month.
  • Reheat slices in a skillet over medium heat to preserve crust crispness and cheese melt.

Nutrition

Keywords: Calabrian chili pizza, roasted red pepper pizza, spicy pizza, vegetarian pizza, gourmet pizza, easy pizza recipe

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