A Chorizo Pizza combines the rich, spicy flavors of chorizo sausage with the classic comforts of pizza. It’s a great way to elevate your pizza night with a bit of heat and savory goodness. Here’s a delicious recipe for making your own Chorizo Pizza from scratch, or you can easily adapt it if you’re using store-bought dough.
🍕 Chorizo Pizza Recipe
✅ Ingredients:
For the Pizza Dough (or store-bought dough):
- 2¼ tsp active dry yeast
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1¼ cups warm water
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp olive oil
For the Topping:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 lb (about 225g) chorizo sausage (either Spanish or Mexican, depending on your preference), casings removed and crumbled
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup pizza sauce (or tomato sauce seasoned with a little oregano and garlic)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for extra flavor)
- 1-2 fresh jalapeños (optional, for added spice)
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional, for garnish)
- Chili flakes (optional, for extra heat)
🔪 Instructions:
1. Prepare the Dough:
- Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, mix the warm water with the sugar and active dry yeast. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes, until it becomes frothy.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Make a well in the center, and pour in the yeast mixture and olive oil. Stir to combine.
- Knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes on a floured surface until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until it doubles in size.
2. Prepare the Chorizo:
- While the dough is rising, heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the crumbled chorizo and cook, stirring occasionally, until it’s fully cooked and browned (about 5-7 minutes). Use a slotted spoon to remove the chorizo from the skillet, leaving any excess grease behind.
- Set the cooked chorizo aside.
3. Assemble the Pizza:
- Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C).
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into two portions if you prefer smaller pizzas, or keep it as one large pizza.
- Roll out the dough on a floured surface to your desired thickness (thin crust or thicker, depending on preference).
- Transfer the rolled dough to a pizza stone, baking sheet, or pizza pan lined with parchment paper.
4. Add the Toppings:
- Spread a thin layer of pizza sauce over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges for the crust.
- Evenly distribute the cooked chorizo, red onion, and jalapeños (if using) on top of the sauce.
- Sprinkle the pizza with the mozzarella cheese and cheddar cheese (if using).
5. Bake the Pizza:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- If you like a crispy, slightly charred crust, turn on the broiler for the last 1-2 minutes of baking, but keep an eye on it!
6. Garnish and Serve:
- Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro and a sprinkle of chili flakes for added heat if desired.
- Slice and serve!
🍽️ Serving Suggestions:
- Pair with a cold beer or a spicy margarita for a delicious combo!
- Add a side of guacamole or sour cream for extra flavor and creaminess to balance the spiciness of the chorizo.
💡 Tips and Variations:
- Vegetarian Version: Substitute chorizo with spicy veggie sausage or roasted vegetables like peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms.
- Cheese Options: You can swap the mozzarella and cheddar for pepper jack cheese for a spicier bite.
- Crust Ideas: If you want a garlic-butter flavor, brush the edges of the pizza with garlic butter before baking for an extra burst of flavor.
This Chorizo Pizza brings a deliciously spicy kick to your pizza night, combining savory chorizo with melted cheese and the perfect balance of tangy pizza sauce. If you love a little heat with your pizza, this one is definitely worth trying!