If you’re craving a pizza that packs a punch with bold, savory flavors and a lovely hint of sweetness, this Spicy Chorizo Fennel Pizza Recipe is your new best friend. The zesty chorizo brings a fiery kick, perfectly balanced by the subtle anise aroma of fresh fennel, all melted together with layers of gooey mozzarella and sharp parmesan. This combination creates an irresistible medley that’s both adventurous and comforting, making it a standout on any pizza night.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting your hands on the right ingredients is the secret behind this mouthwatering pizza. Each component plays a crucial role, from the spicy chorizo that provides rich depth to the crunchy fennel offering a refreshing crunch that complements the cheese and sauce beautifully.
- Pizza dough ball: Whether store-bought or homemade, this forms the delicious base that holds all flavors together.
- Tomato sauce (½ cup): A tangy foundation that balances the richness of the chorizo.
- Chorizo sausage (½ lb): Choose spicy or mild depending on your heat preference; it infuses the pizza with bold, smoky flavor.
- Fennel bulb (1 small, thinly sliced): Adds an herby, slightly sweet crunch that plays beautifully against the spice.
- Mozzarella cheese (1 ½ cups shredded): Melts perfectly to create that classic pizza gooeyness.
- Parmesan cheese (½ cup grated): Offers a sharp, nutty punch for extra flavor complexity.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon plus extra): Enhances the crust’s texture and adds a silky finish to the toppings.
- Red pepper flakes (½ teaspoon, optional): For an extra layer of heat, sprinkle lightly.
- Fresh parsley (2 tablespoons, chopped): A bright garnish that brings vibrancy to the finished pizza.
- Salt and pepper: To taste, essential for seasoning both dough and toppings.
- All-purpose flour (2 ½ cups): Vital for making a tender, chewy crust if preparing dough from scratch.
- Active dry yeast (1 packet – about 2 ¼ teaspoons): The magic that makes your dough rise wonderfully fluffy.
- Warm water (1 cup): Activates the yeast and helps bind ingredients in the dough.
- Sugar (1 teaspoon): Feeds the yeast and balances savory notes in the dough.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Essential for flavoring the dough and balancing sweetness.
How to Make Spicy Chorizo Fennel Pizza Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Dough
If you’re using store-bought dough, you’re already halfway there! For homemade dough, start by activating the yeast: stir the warm water, sugar, and yeast together and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy. This step ensures your dough will be light and airy. Then, mix in the flour, salt, and olive oil, kneading for about 5-7 minutes until you get a smooth, elastic dough. Set it aside to rise for 1-2 hours – patience here means a crust with perfect texture.
Step 2: Cook Chorizo and Slice Fennel
While the dough is rising, get your chorizo sizzling. Cook it in a skillet over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes until nicely browned and fragrant. This step renders the fat and intensifies its spicy notes. At the same time, prepare your fennel by slicing it thinly. The freshness and crunch of raw fennel will contrast wonderfully with the cooked toppings later.
Step 3: Preheat Your Oven
Set your oven to a scorching 475°F (or 245°C) to ensure your crust crisps beautifully and your cheese melts to bubbly perfection. Whether you’re using a pizza stone or a baking sheet, this heat level delivers that professional pizzeria crunch right at home.
Step 4: Roll Out the Dough
On a floured surface, roll your dough to about 12 inches in diameter. This size balances crispy edges with plenty of surface to showcase your toppings. Transfer the rolled-out dough carefully onto your pizza stone or lined baking sheet—it’s the canvas for all your culinary art.
Step 5: Assemble the Pizza
Begin by spreading a thin, even layer of tomato sauce across the surface of your dough – not too much, or the crust might get soggy. Next, sprinkle the mozzarella generously, then scatter the browned chorizo pieces and thin fennel slices on top. Don’t forget your parmesan cheese for that extra pop of flavor. Drizzle a tablespoon of olive oil and add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a spicy flourish.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Pop your pizza into the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes. Watch for the crust to turn golden brown and the cheese to become bubbly and lightly browned. This is when all the flavors meld together, creating an irresistible aroma that’ll have everyone eagerly waiting.
Step 7: Final Touches and Serve
Once out of the oven, sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over your masterpiece. The green burst adds a fresh note that brightens the rich toppings. Slice it up while it’s still hot, and get ready to fall in love bite by bite.
How to Serve Spicy Chorizo Fennel Pizza Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is a classic, but you can also add a few torn basil leaves or a drizzle of good-quality extra virgin olive oil to elevate your pizza’s flavor and presentation. For heat lovers, another light sprinkle of red pepper flakes on top adds an exciting finish.
Side Dishes
This spicy, savory pizza pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette to balance the richness. Roasted vegetables or a simple garlic bread can also complement the meal, offering variety in textures and flavors without overpowering the star pizza.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your Spicy Chorizo Fennel Pizza Recipe on a wooden pizza paddle for rustic charm or on a colorful plate to brighten your table. You can slice it into classic wedges or get creative with squares for a casual party vibe. Offering some dips like sour cream or a fresh herb yogurt sauce can also boost the indulgence factor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap leftover pizza slices tightly in plastic wrap or store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Properly stored, they stay fresh for up to 3-4 days, perfect for quick lunches or midnight snacks.
Freezing
If you want to save some for much later, freezing works well. Freeze uncooked assembled pizza on a baking sheet first, then move into a freezer bag or container. Cooked leftover pizza slices also freeze beautifully and can be reheated easily when needed.
Reheating
To keep the crust crispy when reheating, warm your pizza in a skillet on medium heat or bake in the oven at 375°F until heated through. Avoid microwaving if you want to retain that lovely crispness and cheesy texture.
FAQs
Can I substitute chorizo with another sausage?
Absolutely! While chorizo provides unique spiciness and flavor, Italian sausage or even spicy ground beef can work as tasty alternatives, just remember to adjust seasonings accordingly.
Is fennel necessary in this recipe?
Fennel adds a distinctive sweetness and crunch that balances the spicy chorizo wonderfully. If you’re not a fan, thinly sliced onions or bell peppers can be good substitutes, though the flavor profile will shift slightly.
Can I make the dough completely from scratch?
Yes! This recipe includes simple ingredients like active yeast, flour, water, and salt that allow you to make fresh dough at home. It’s rewarding and yields a wonderfully fresh crust that’s worth the extra few minutes.
How spicy is the pizza with or without red pepper flakes?
The chorizo itself brings a moderate spice level, especially if you choose the spicy variety. Adding red pepper flakes amps up the heat, but you can always reduce or omit them to suit your palate.
What is the best way to slice this pizza for serving?
Slicing into classic triangular wedges works perfectly after garnishing. A sharp pizza cutter or knife will help keep those slices neat, making serving easier and less messy.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something magical about the combination of spice, crisp fennel, and melted cheese that brings this Spicy Chorizo Fennel Pizza Recipe to life. Whether you’re impressing friends or treating yourself, it’s a vibrant, flavorful choice that is sure to become one of your favorites. Give it a try—you won’t be disappointed!
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Spicy Chorizo Fennel Pizza Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Spicy Chorizo Fennel Pizza is a bold and flavorful pizza that combines spicy chorizo sausage with the aromatic crunch of thinly sliced fennel. Topped with a blend of mozzarella and parmesan cheeses, and finished with fresh parsley, this pizza delivers a perfect balance of spice, freshness, and cheesy goodness on a crispy homemade or store-bought crust.
Ingredients
Pizza Dough (Homemade)
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet active dry yeast (about 2 ¼ teaspoons)
- 1 cup warm water
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
Toppings
- ½ cup tomato sauce
- ½ lb chorizo sausage (spicy or mild)
- 1 small fennel bulb, thinly sliced
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: If using store-bought dough, you can skip to the next step. For homemade dough, activate the yeast by mixing warm water, sugar, and yeast in a bowl. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy. In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt, then add the yeast mixture and olive oil. Mix and knead the dough for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Cover and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours until doubled in size.
- Cook Chorizo and Prepare Fennel: While the dough is rising, cook the chorizo in a skillet over medium heat for 5-7 minutes until browned and cooked through. Drain excess fat if necessary. Thinly slice the fennel bulb and set aside.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C) to ensure a crispy crust. If using a pizza stone, place it inside to preheat as well.
- Roll Out Dough: Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out on a floured surface into a 12-inch circle. Transfer it onto a pizza stone or a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Add Toppings: Spread a thin, even layer of tomato sauce over the dough. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly, then add the cooked chorizo and thinly sliced fennel on top. Sprinkle the grated parmesan cheese over the pizza. Drizzle with olive oil and, if desired, sprinkle red pepper flakes for extra heat. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Bake the Pizza: Place the pizza in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbling.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the pizza from the oven and sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top. Slice and serve hot for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- For a milder flavor, use mild chorizo instead of spicy.
- If fennel is unavailable, thinly sliced onions can be a substitute.
- Using a pizza stone helps achieve a crispier crust but is optional.
- Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes according to your spice preference.
- Leftover dough can be refrigerated for up to 2 days or frozen for longer storage.
