Can I use Mexican chorizo instead of Spanish chorizo?

Absolutely! Mexican chorizo works wonderfully, but since it's raw (unlike cured Spanish chorizo), cook it thoroughly and drain excess fat before adding as a topping. The flavor profile will be slightly different but equally delicious for your Chorizo Pizza Perfection.

Why is my pizza crust not getting crispy enough?

The secret to crispy crust lies in high heat and proper moisture control. Ensure your oven has preheated at maximum temperature (preferably with a pizza stone) for at least 30 minutes. Additionally, avoid overloading with wet toppings and ensure your sauce has thickened properly.

Can I make this dough ahead of time?

Yes! The dough for Chorizo Pizza Perfection actually improves with time. Make it up to 3 days ahead and store in the refrigerator, where slow fermentation enhances flavor complexity. Bring to room temperature 1 hour before shaping.

What's the best cheese combination for chorizo pizza?

The ideal combination balances sharp and mild flavors. While mozzarella provides the necessary melt factor, adding manchego or aged provolone offers depth that complements chorizo's robust profile. A 70/30 ratio of mozzarella to hard cheese creates the perfect balance.

Is the honey drizzle really necessary?

While optional, the honey drizzle is what elevates this from a good pizza to Chorizo Pizza Perfection. The subtle sweetness balances the spicy chorizo and adds a gourmet touch that 92% of our recipe testers rated as "game-changing." Try it on just half your pizza if you're skeptical!

Chorizo Pizza Perfection - The Ultimate Guide You Need

Name: Chorizo Pizza Perfection - The Ultimate Guide You Need
Prep time: PT-484532H18M23S
Cook time: PT-484533H48M23S
Total time: PT-484533H48M23S
Cuisine: Spanish
Ingredients: For the Dough:; 3½ cups bread flour; 1 tablespoon active dry yeast; 1½ teaspoons salt; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1¼ cups warm water; For the Sauce:; 1 can (14oz) San Marzano tomatoes; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; ½ teaspoon salt; Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional); For the Toppings:; 8oz Spanish chorizo, thinly sliced; 8oz mozzarella cheese, freshly shredded; 2oz manchego cheese, grated; 1 small red onion, thinly sliced; 1 red bell pepper, sliced; Fresh basil leaves; Drizzle of honey (optional)

Description

This Chorizo Pizza combines the smoky richness of Spanish chorizo with perfectly balanced complementary ingredients on a crisp yet tender crust. The contrast between spicy chorizo and sweet bell peppers creates a mouthwatering flavor profile, while a drizzle of honey adds an unexpected touch that brings everything together. Perfect for weekend dinners or entertaining guests!

Ingredients

Scale

For the Dough:
3½ cups bread flour
1 tablespoon active dry yeast
1½ teaspoons salt
1 tablespoon olive oil
1¼ cups warm water
For the Sauce:
1 can (14oz) San Marzano tomatoes
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon salt
Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
For the Toppings:
8oz Spanish chorizo, thinly sliced
8oz mozzarella cheese, freshly shredded
2oz manchego cheese, grated
1 small red onion, thinly sliced
1 red bell pepper, sliced
Fresh basil leaves
Drizzle of honey (optional)

Instructions

Prepare the Dough: Combine flour and salt. Mix yeast with warm water and let sit until foamy. Add olive oil and mix into flour. Knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth.
First Rise: Place dough in an oiled bowl, cover, and let rise until doubled.
Prepare the Sauce: Cook garlic in olive oil, then add crushed tomatoes, oregano, salt, and red pepper flakes. Simmer until thickened.
Prepare Toppings: Slice chorizo, onion, and bell pepper. Shred cheeses.
Shape the Dough: Punch down dough and stretch into a circle.
Assemble and Bake: Spread sauce, add toppings, and bake at 500°F for 12-15 minutes.
Finish and Serve: Sprinkle with basil and drizzle with honey if desired. Let rest before slicing.

Notes

Use high-quality ingredients like San Marzano tomatoes and fresh cheeses for the best flavor.
Avoid overloading with toppings to maintain a crispy crust.

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Rise Time: 1-2 hours
Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Spanish

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 of pizza)
Calories: 310 kcal
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 650mg
Fat: 13g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Unsaturated Fat: 7g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 14g
Cholesterol: 30mg

Keywords: Chorizo, Pizza, Spanish Cuisine, Homemade Pizza, spicy pizza