Calabrian Chili Roasted Red Pepper Pizza

Ready to spice up your pizza night? Say hello to Calabrian Chili Roasted Red Pepper Pizza — a smoky, spicy, and downright irresistible twist on your classic pie. Featuring roasted red peppers, spicy Calabrian chili paste, melty cheese, and a golden, chewy crust, this pizza is a flavor bomb that’ll have you reaching for slice after slice.

Why You’ll Love Calabrian Chili Roasted Red Pepper Pizza

Spicy and Smoky Goodness: The sweet smokiness of roasted red peppers paired with the bold, fruity heat of Calabrian chilies is pure magic.

Perfectly Balanced: Not too spicy, not too sweet — just a beautiful flavor symphony in every bite.

Gourmet Feel: This pizza feels fancy but is surprisingly easy to throw together at home.

Customizable: Play with cheeses, add proteins, or toss on fresh herbs to make it your own!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this crave-worthy pizza:

Pizza Dough: Store-bought or homemade — your call!

Calabrian Chili Paste: Adds a spicy, slightly tangy kick.

Roasted Red Peppers: Jarred or freshly roasted for a smoky-sweet flavor.

Mozzarella Cheese: Shredded or fresh slices for that melty, gooey topping.

Fontina Cheese: For extra richness and meltability.

Olive Oil: To drizzle and create a crisp, golden crust.

Garlic: Minced for aromatic depth.

Parmesan Cheese: A sprinkle for salty, nutty goodness.

Fresh Basil: Optional but highly recommended for a fresh finish.

Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: If you want even more heat.

Salt and Black Pepper: To season it all perfectly.

Instructions

Prepare the Dough:

• Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C) or as hot as your oven allows. Place a pizza stone or baking sheet inside to heat.
• Roll or stretch your pizza dough into a 12-inch circle on a floured surface.
• Transfer it to a piece of parchment paper for easy handling.

Assemble the Pizza:

• Brush the dough lightly with olive oil.
• Spread about 2 tablespoons of Calabrian chili paste over the base (adjust depending on your spice preference).
• Sprinkle the minced garlic evenly over the paste.
• Top with an even layer of mozzarella and fontina cheese.
• Scatter roasted red pepper strips across the pizza.
• Sprinkle a little salt, black pepper, and a dusting of Parmesan over the top.

Bake:

• Carefully slide the pizza (still on the parchment) onto the preheated pizza stone or baking sheet.
• Bake for 8–12 minutes, until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbling and slightly browned.

Finish:

• Remove from the oven and top with fresh basil leaves and a drizzle of olive oil.
• Add a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes if you like it extra spicy.

Slice and serve hot!

Nutrition Facts

(Approximate per slice, based on 8 slices)
Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 260
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 450mg
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Unsaturated Fat: 6g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 27g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 11g
Cholesterol: 20mg

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

How to Serve Calabrian Chili Roasted Red Pepper Pizza

• Classic Night: Pair with a simple green salad and a glass of chilled white wine.
• Party Style: Cut into small squares for a spicy, crowd-pleasing appetizer.
• Extra Gourmet: Top each slice with a dollop of ricotta or a drizzle of hot honey!

Additional Tips

• Watch the Heat: Calabrian chili paste can vary in spiciness — start with less, taste, and add more if you’re feeling brave!
• Roast Your Own Peppers: For extra depth, roast red bell peppers at 450°F until charred, peel off the skin, and slice.
• Use a Pizza Stone: It makes a huge difference in getting that pizzeria-style crispy crust.
• No Pizza Stone? Preheat a heavy baking sheet upside-down and use it as your pizza surface.

FAQ Section

Q1: Where can I buy Calabrian chili paste?
A1: Look in the international foods aisle, specialty Italian markets, or order online!

Q2: Can I make this pizza less spicy?
A2: Yes! Just use less chili paste and balance with extra roasted peppers or even a little tomato sauce.

Q3: Can I make this pizza on a grill?
A3: Absolutely! Grill the dough briefly, add toppings, and finish grilling until the cheese melts.

Q4: What cheese alternatives can I use?
A4: Try provolone, goat cheese, or even burrata for a different twist.

Q5: Can I add meat to this pizza?
A5: Definitely! Pepperoni, crumbled Italian sausage, or prosciutto would be delicious.

Q6: How spicy are Calabrian chilies?
A6: They’re moderately spicy — hotter than a jalapeño but milder than a Thai chili.

Q7: Can I prep the pizza ahead of time?
A7: You can prep the dough and toppings in advance, but assemble and bake right before eating for best results.

Q8: What kind of roasted red peppers should I use?
A8: Jarred roasted red peppers in oil or water are great for convenience, but freshly roasted ones have even more flavor.

Q9: Can I freeze this pizza?
A9: Freeze the baked pizza slices individually; reheat at 375°F until warmed through.

Q10: How do I get a really crispy crust?
A10: Make sure your oven is fully preheated, use a pizza stone if possible, and bake the pizza quickly at high heat.

Conclusion

The Calabrian Chili Roasted Red Pepper Pizza is a fiery, flavorful game-changer that’s guaranteed to impress at your next pizza night. With smoky peppers, spicy chili heat, and gooey, stretchy cheese on a golden crust, this pizza is pure perfection.

Would you also like a version of this pizza with a garlic-infused olive oil base instead of chili paste for a milder option?

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