Description
This Calabrian Chili Roasted Red Pepper Pizza offers a spicy and flavorful twist on the classic pizza. Featuring a pre-made crust topped with marinara sauce, smoky roasted red peppers, fiery Calabrian chilies, and melted mozzarella cheese, this quick and easy recipe delivers bold flavors perfect for a weekend meal or casual gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
Pizza Base
- 1 pre-made pizza crust
Sauce
- 1/2 cup marinara sauce
Toppings
- 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 the oven: Set your oven to 425°F (220°C) to warm up while you prepare the pizza, ensuring a hot environment for a crispy crust.
- Prepare the pizza crust: Place the pre-made pizza crust on a baking sheet to provide a sturdy surface for your toppings and easy transfer to the oven.
- Spread the sauce: Evenly spread 1/2 cup of marinara sauce over the pizza crust, covering the surface while leaving a small edge around for the crust.
- Add the toppings: Layer the sliced roasted red peppers and chopped Calabrian chilies evenly over the sauce, then sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese on top, ensuring good coverage for melting.
- Bake the pizza: Place the assembled pizza in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes or until the crust turns golden brown and the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and serve: Remove the pizza from the oven, scatter fresh basil leaves over the top for a burst of herbal aroma, slice, and serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- Adjust the quantity of Calabrian chilies according to your preferred spice level to avoid overpowering heat.
- Use a pizza stone if available for a crispier crust, preheating it along with the oven.
- You can swap mozzarella cheese for a blend of cheeses like provolone or fontina for different flavor profiles.
- For a gluten-free alternative, select a pre-made gluten-free pizza crust.
- Fresh basil can be added before or after baking depending on your preference for a more cooked or fresh taste.
