Spicy Chorizo Pizza Flavor

This spicy chorizo pizza combines the bold flavors of Spanish sausage with fresh vegetables and melty cheese for a homemade pizza that packs serious flavor. I created this recipe after being inspired by my favorite tapas restaurant, and it quickly became our Friday night tradition that even my picky teenagers request by name.

I first made this pizza during a rainstorm when we couldn't get delivery, and my family actually cheered when they tasted it. Now they specifically request "Mom's chorizo pizza" instead of takeout.

Ingredients

• Pizza Dough: Enough for one large pizza. Store bought works perfectly, but homemade gives you extra bragging rights
• Chorizo: 8 oz crumbled. Look for authentic Spanish chorizo for the best flavor profile
• Pizza Sauce: 1 cup. I recommend San Marzano tomato based sauce for sweetness
• Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: 2 cups. Use low moisture whole milk mozzarella that melts beautifully
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: 1/2 cup. Adds a sharp tangy contrast to the mild mozzarella
• Bell Peppers: 1 cup sliced red or yellow. The sweetness balances the spicy chorizo
• Onions: 1/2 cup sliced. Red onions provide the best flavor and color contrast
• Fresh Cilantro: For garnish. Adds a bright, fresh finish that cuts through the richness

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat Oven:

Turn your oven to 475°F with a pizza stone inside if you have one. The high heat creates that crispy restaurant quality crust. Let the oven preheat for at least 30 minutes to ensure it reaches full temperature throughout.

Cook The Chorizo:

Brown the crumbled chorizo in a skillet over medium high heat until the edges become crispy and the fat renders out. This takes about 5 minutes of cooking with occasional stirring. Drain excess fat on paper towels which prevents a soggy pizza base.

Prepare The Dough:

Roll your pizza dough on a well floured surface until it reaches your desired thickness. I recommend about 1/4 inch thick for the perfect balance of crispy and chewy. Create a slightly thicker edge around the perimeter to form a nice crust.

Layer The Base:

Spread pizza sauce in a thin, even layer across the dough leaving a 1/2 inch border. The border stays sauce free to create that classic pizza crust. Use the back of a spoon in a circular motion for even coverage.

Add Toppings:

Distribute the cooked chorizo evenly across the sauce, followed by an even layer of both cheeses. The choreography here matters. Add vegetables last so they can roast properly in the oven heat without being smothered by cheese.

Bake To Perfection:

Slide the pizza onto your preheated stone or place your baking sheet in the oven. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, rotating halfway through if your oven has hot spots. Look for golden brown crust edges and bubbly, slightly browned cheese.

Garnish And Serve:

Let the pizza rest for 2 minutes before adding fresh cilantro. This brief cooling period allows the cheese to set slightly so your toppings stay in place when you slice. Cut into 8 equal slices and serve immediately.

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My absolute favorite part of this pizza is how the chorizo oil mingles with the cheese creating pockets of incredible flavor. The first time I served this at a game night, three different friends asked for the recipe before the night was over.

Dough Secrets

While store bought dough works perfectly fine, letting it come to room temperature for at least 30 minutes before stretching makes a world of difference. Cold dough fights back and can tear, while room temperature dough stretches like a dream. If you're making homemade dough, a slow fermentation in the refrigerator overnight develops more complex flavors that elevate the entire pizza.

Chorizo Selection

There are two main types of chorizo available in stores. Spanish chorizo is cured and ready to eat, while Mexican chorizo is raw and must be cooked thoroughly. Both work in this recipe, but they create different flavor profiles. Spanish chorizo has a smoky paprika flavor, while Mexican chorizo brings a bright chili heat. My personal preference is Spanish chorizo for its concentrated flavor, but experiment with both to find your favorite.

Make It A Meal

Turn this pizza into a complete Spanish inspired feast by serving it alongside a simple green salad dressed with sherry vinaigrette. For drinks, a cold sangria or Spanish beer complements the spicy flavors perfectly. If serving to guests, consider making individual sized pizzas and letting everyone customize their own toppings for an interactive dinner party that's sure to impress.

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Try this spicy chorizo pizza for your next pizza night—it's guaranteed to be a hit!

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use pre-made pizza dough for this chorizo pizza?

Absolutely! Store-bought pizza dough works perfectly for this recipe and saves time. You can find ready-made dough at most grocery stores in the refrigerated section.

→ How can I make this chorizo pizza less spicy?

To reduce the spiciness, use a milder chorizo variety or substitute half the chorizo with sweet Italian sausage. You can also add more cheese to balance the heat.

→ What's the best cheese combination for chorizo pizza?

The recipe's combination of mozzarella and cheddar works wonderfully - mozzarella provides the perfect melt while cheddar adds sharpness. Other great additions include Monterey Jack for creaminess or a sprinkle of cotija for authentic flavor.

→ Can I prepare this pizza in advance?

You can prepare all the toppings in advance and even par-bake the crust for 3-4 minutes. When ready to serve, assemble the pizza with the prepared toppings and finish baking for 8-10 minutes until bubbly.

→ What sides pair well with chorizo pizza?

A simple green salad with vinaigrette dressing makes a perfect contrast to the rich pizza. Garlic knots, roasted vegetables, or a light soup also complement this spicy dish nicely.

→ How can I get a crispier crust on my pizza?

For a crispier crust, try preheating your baking sheet or pizza stone for at least 30 minutes before adding the pizza. You can also brush the outer crust with olive oil before baking.