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Indulge in the mouthwatering symphony of flavors with this sensational roasted Red Pepper Pizza recipe! Discover the perfect harmony of smoky, charred red peppers atop a bed of perfectly baked dough, adorned with creamy mozzarella cheese and aromatic herbs. Each bite is a delightful dance of tangy sweetness and savory goodness, leaving your taste buds in a state of pure bliss.
Can you put red pepper on pizza?
Roasted red peppers on pizza are an absolute game-changer, and here’s why you can—and should—indulge in this delectable combination.
Firstly, roasted red peppers bring a unique, smoky flavor that adds depth and complexity to any pizza. They have a natural sweetness while infused in them with a delightful charred essence. This flavor profile creates a perfect balance between tangy and savory notes, enhancing the overall taste experience.
Secondly, red peppers offer a vibrant burst of color to your pizza, transforming it into a visually appealing masterpiece. Their rich, ruby-red hue creates an inviting contrast against the golden crust and creamy cheese, making each slice irresistible.
Lastly, red pepper pizza is not only delicious but also a crowd-pleaser. Its unique combination of flavors appeals to a wide range of palates, making it an excellent choice for gatherings, parties, or simply when you want to impress your loved ones with a memorable meal.
Ingredients Needed
- Whole Plum Tomatoes – Canned whole peeled tomatoes are essential for creating the perfect pizza sauce. They provide convenience, consistent quality, and balanced acidity and sweetness. With their ready-to-use nature, they save time and also make preparing the sauce easy.
- Roasted Red Peppers – Roasted red peppers are a must and can easily be found jarred. They add smoky sweetness, delightful texture, vibrant color, and versatile flavor pairing. They also bring nutritional benefits, making your pizza both delicious and wholesome.
- Pizza Dough – Make your own or use store-bought, either will work well. Homemade offers customization, while store-bought saves time, but I often opt for using store-bought to save time.
- Mozzarella Cheese – When melted, mozzarella forms a luscious layer that binds the toppings together and creates that iconic stretchy, cheesy goodness we all crave. Choose a low-moisture fresh mozzarella to avoid a watery pizza center.
- Ricotta Cheese – Ricotta cheese is a delightful addition to red pepper pizza, imparting a creamy and luxurious element that elevates the overall flavor and texture. Its smooth, mild, and slightly sweet taste offers a pleasant contrast to the smoky intensity of the roasted red peppers.
How to Make Red Pepper Pizza
- Prepare the sauce. Drain the whole peeled tomatoes from the can, reserving the liquid (for another use). In a blender or food processor, combine the drained tomatoes, half of the roasted red peppers, olive oil, garlic clove, dried oregano, and salt and pepper to taste. Blend until you achieve a smooth and well-incorporated sauce.
- Roll out the pizza dough. Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface to your desired thickness. Transfer it to a prepared baking sheet or pizza stone.
- Brush with olive oil. Brush the surface of the dough with olive oil, ensuring even coverage to prevent sticking and enhance browning. I like to also season my pizza dough with pizza seasoning.
- Prepare the pizza. Spread a generous amount of the red pepper sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges of the crust. Tear the mozzarella cheese and spread it evenly over the sauce.
- Add the remaining toppings. Dollop small spoonfuls of ricotta cheese on top of the mozzarella, distributing it evenly across the pizza. Add the remaining roasted red peppers and sprinkle dried oregano over the entire pizza.
- Bake the pizza. Place the pizza in the oven preheated to 500 degrees and bake for 12 to 20 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
FAQS
Certainly! While roasted red peppers add a distinct smoky flavor to red pepper pizza, you can definitely use fresh red peppers as a substitute. Fresh red peppers will bring a slightly different taste and texture to your pizza, but they can still offer a delicious and vibrant addition.
Yes, you can make a red pepper pizza without tomato sauce by using flavorful pesto, drizzling olive oil, creamy white sauce, or spreading hummus on the dough. Adjust toppings for a delicious twist on traditional flavors.
Tips and Tricks
- Don’t Overload with Toppings: While it can be tempting to pile on the toppings, be mindful not to overload your pizza. Too many toppings can make the crust soggy and prevent even cooking.
- Use Cornmeal or Semolina: Sprinkle cornmeal or semolina on your pizza peel or baking sheet before placing the dough on it. This helps prevent sticking and creates a crispier crust.
- Monitor Cooking Time: Keep a close eye on your pizza while it’s baking to avoid overcooking. The exact cooking time will vary depending on your oven and dough thickness, so check for a golden-brown crust and melted bubbly cheese.
- Let it Rest: Allow your red pepper pizza to rest for a few minutes after removing it from the oven. This helps the flavors meld together and prevents the toppings from sliding off when you slice them.
More Pizza Recipes
Red Pepper Pizza Recipe
Equipment
- Blender or Food Processor
- Rolling Pin optional
- Pizza Cutter
Ingredients
Sauce
- 1 28 ounce can Whole Peeled Tomatoes drained
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil
- 1 jar Roasted Red Peppers divided
- 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano
Pizza
- 1 Pizza Dough
- 4 ounces Mozzarella Cheese
- 1/4 cup Ricotta Cheese
- Fresh Basil
Instructions
- Prepare the sauce. Drain the whole peeled tomatoes from the can, reserving the liquid (for another use). In a blender or food processor, combine the drained tomatoes, half of the roasted red peppers, olive oil, garlic clove, dried oregano, and salt and pepper to taste. Blend until you achieve a smooth and well-incorporated sauce.
- Roll out the pizza dough. Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface to your desired thickness. Transfer it to a prepared baking sheet or pizza stone.
- Brush with olive oil. Brush the surface of the dough with olive oil, ensuring even coverage to prevent sticking and enhance browning. I like to also season my pizza dough with pizza seasoning.
- Prepare the pizza. Spread a generous amount of the red pepper sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges of the crust. Tear the mozzarella cheese and spread it evenly over the sauce.
- Add the remaining toppings. Dollop small spoonfuls of ricotta cheese on top of the mozzarella, distributing it evenly across the pizza. Add the remaining roasted red peppers and sprinkle dried oregano over the entire pizza.
- Bake the pizza. Place the pizza in the oven preheated to 500 degrees and bake for 12 to 20 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
Notes
- Don’t Overload with Toppings: While it can be tempting to pile on the toppings, be mindful not to overload your pizza. Too many toppings can make the crust soggy and prevent even cooking.
- Use Cornmeal or Semolina: Sprinkle cornmeal or semolina on your pizza peel or baking sheet before placing the dough on it. This helps prevent sticking and creates a crispier crust.
- Monitor Cooking Time: Keep a close eye on your pizza while it’s baking to avoid overcooking. The exact cooking time will vary depending on your oven and dough thickness, so check for a golden-brown crust and melted bubbly cheese.
- Let it Rest: Allow your red pepper pizza to rest for a few minutes after removing it from the oven. This helps the flavors meld together and prevents the toppings from sliding off when you slice them.
