If you’re ready to fall in love with pizza night all over again, this Calabrian Chili Roasted Red Pepper Pizza is here to sweep you off your feet. With a crisp, golden crust, ribbons of roasted red pepper, creamy crumbles of goat cheese, and a bold kick from Calabrian chili paste, every slice is a little celebration. This pizza is a true Italian-inspired flavor bomb: smoky, spicy, creamy, and just the right amount of cheesy. If you love pizzas that feel both classic and a little daring, you’re guaranteed to adore this Calabrian Chili Roasted Red Pepper Pizza from first bite to last crumb.
Ingredients You’ll Need
At the heart of this Calabrian Chili Roasted Red Pepper Pizza are simple but vibrant ingredients. Each one plays a starring role, making every bite memorable—from the tang of the cheese to the fragrance of fresh basil to the unmistakable heat of those chilis.
- Pizza dough (1 pound, room temperature): Gives you that perfect chewy, crispy base; let it come to room temp for easy stretching.
- Pizza sauce (1/2 cup): Brings a sweet, tangy tomato foundation for all those bold toppings.
- Shredded low-moisture mozzarella cheese (1 cup): Melts beautifully and gets bubbly and golden.
- Roasted red peppers (1/2 cup, sliced): Add natural sweetness and a gorgeous pop of color.
- Calabrian chili paste (1–2 tablespoons, adjust to taste): Delivers signature heat and a smoky depth that wakes up all the other flavors.
- Crumbled goat cheese or feta (1/4 cup): Brings a creamy tang and touch of luxury to every bite.
- Red onion (1/4 small, thinly sliced): Lends a mild, zesty crunch that balances the heavier toppings.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Drizzled on top for extra richness and to help everything get lovely and golden.
- Fresh basil leaves (for garnish): Pop these on after baking for aroma and freshness.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste): Elevates all the flavors—season just before baking!
- Cornmeal or flour (for dusting): Keeps your pizza from sticking and helps with that signature crispy crust.
How to Make Calabrian Chili Roasted Red Pepper Pizza
Step 1: Heat Up Your Oven and Stone
Begin by preheating your oven to 475°F and placing a pizza stone or sturdy baking sheet inside. This sizzling hot surface is a game changer—it gives you that pizzeria-style crispness that makes every crust stand out. Give it plenty of time to get truly hot; it’s worth the wait!
Step 2: Shape the Dough
On a lightly floured work surface, gently stretch or roll out your pizza dough into a 12-inch circle. Take your time and don’t worry if it isn’t perfectly round—that’s part of homemade pizza’s charm. Once shaped, transfer the dough to a pizza peel or a parchment-lined baking sheet that’s been dusted with cornmeal or flour to help prevent sticking.
Step 3: Build Your Base
Spread the pizza sauce evenly over the dough, stopping just short of the edges to create a classic crust. This thin, even layer serves as the foundation for all the bold flavors to come. No sauce overload—just enough to coat!
Step 4: Add Cheese and Toppings
Sprinkle shredded mozzarella across your sauce, making sure every bite will get its fair share of melty goodness. Layer on the roasted red pepper strips and thin slices of red onion, then dollop generous spoonfuls of Calabrian chili paste around the pizza. Finally, scatter the crumbled goat cheese (or feta, if you prefer) for those creamy, tangy pops of flavor.
Step 5: Season and Drizzle
Give your pizza a quick drizzle of olive oil, then season it lightly with salt and cracked black pepper. This extra step locks in flavor and helps your toppings caramelize beautifully in the oven.
Step 6: Bake Until Gorgeous
Slide your pizza onto the preheated stone or into your hot oven, and bake for 12 to 15 minutes. You’re looking for a golden-brown crust, gooey bubbling cheese, and little pockets of char that make homemade pizza irresistible. Keep an eye on it near the end—it can go from golden to dark quick!
Step 7: Top with Basil and Serve
As soon as your Calabrian Chili Roasted Red Pepper Pizza comes out of the oven, top it with plenty of fresh basil leaves. The fragrance will hit you right away! Give it a minute to cool slightly, then slice and serve while everything is still deliciously hot and melty.
How to Serve Calabrian Chili Roasted Red Pepper Pizza
Garnishes
There’s no such thing as too much basil on this pizza—a handful of torn fresh leaves adds color and a burst of herbal freshness that balances the spiciness. For a final flourish, try a sprinkle of flaky salt, a light drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil, or even a dusting of grated parmesan if you like things extra cheesy.
Side Dishes
Pair your Calabrian Chili Roasted Red Pepper Pizza with a crisp arugula salad tossed in lemony vinaigrette or a platter of marinated olives for a true Italian experience. A bowl of simple tomato soup or a bright citrusy slaw would also complement the heat and tang of the pizza beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress? Slice your pizza into thin strips for a shareable appetizer, or serve it alongside boards of antipasti for a memorable dinner party. If you want individual pizzas, divide the dough into mini rounds and let each person top their own—you’ll have a Calabrian Chili Roasted Red Pepper Pizza party everyone talks about!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap any leftover slices tightly in foil or store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors will deepen, and the Calabrian chili’s heat will mellow just a touch, making sneak-peek lunches especially delightful!
Freezing
If you love a make-ahead option, flash-freeze individual pizza slices on a tray until firm, then transfer to freezer bags. They’ll keep their flavor for up to a month. When ready to eat, just reheat—no need to thaw in advance.
Reheating
For that fresh-from-the-oven experience, warm your leftover Calabrian Chili Roasted Red Pepper Pizza in a 400°F oven directly on the rack or on a baking sheet for about 8-10 minutes. This keeps the crust crisp and the cheese perfectly melty—microwave only if you’re in a rush!
FAQs
Can I use store-bought pizza dough?
Absolutely! Store-bought dough is a fantastic shortcut and works beautifully here. Just let it come to room temperature so it’s easy to stretch and your Calabrian Chili Roasted Red Pepper Pizza will taste bakery-fresh.
Is there a substitute for Calabrian chili paste?
If you can’t get your hands on authentic Calabrian chili paste, try using a mix of crushed red pepper flakes and olive oil, or a bit of harissa for heat. The flavor will be slightly different, but still delicious.
What cheeses work besides goat cheese or feta?
Ricotta is a fantastic mild substitute, bringing creaminess without tang, or you can stick with just mozzarella if you want to keep things classic. Feel free to mix and match your favorites!
Can I make this pizza vegan?
Definitely. Swap the cheese for your favorite plant-based versions, use a vegan dough, and you’ll have a Calabrian Chili Roasted Red Pepper Pizza with bold flavor and no compromise.
How spicy is this pizza?
It’s delightfully spicy but not overwhelming. Adjust the amount of Calabrian chili paste to your liking, and start with less if you’re unsure—you can always add more after baking if you want a bigger kick.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a pizza that’s bold, vibrant, and totally unforgettable, this Calabrian Chili Roasted Red Pepper Pizza is your new go-to. Don’t hesitate to play with toppings or the level of heat—let your creativity (and your appetite) take the lead. One bite and you’ll see why this has become my favorite to share with friends and family. Give it a try; your pizza nights will never be the same!
Print
Calabrian Chili Roasted Red Pepper Pizza Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 2–3 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the bold flavors of this Calabrian Chili Roasted Red Pepper Pizza, featuring a spicy kick from Calabrian chili paste balanced with the sweetness of roasted red peppers and the creaminess of goat cheese. A perfect marriage of flavors on a crispy pizza crust.
Ingredients
Pizza Dough:
- 1 pound pizza dough, at room temperature
Pizza Toppings:
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce
- 1 cup shredded low-moisture mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup roasted red peppers, sliced
- 1–2 tablespoons Calabrian chili paste (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 cup crumbled goat cheese or feta
- 1/4 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Cornmeal or flour, for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 475°F and place a pizza stone or baking sheet inside to heat.
- Prepare the Dough: Lightly flour a surface and stretch or roll the dough into a 12-inch circle. Transfer to a pizza peel or parchment-lined baking sheet dusted with cornmeal.
- Add Toppings: Spread pizza sauce, mozzarella cheese, roasted red peppers, red onion, Calabrian chili paste, and goat cheese/feta over the dough. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
- Bake: Transfer the pizza to the oven and bake for 12–15 minutes until golden and bubbly.
- Serve: Top with fresh basil leaves before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute goat cheese with ricotta for a milder flavor.
- Adjust the spiciness by adding more Calabrian chili paste or crushed red pepper flakes.
- Choose store-bought or homemade pizza dough based on your preference.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/3 pizza
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
