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
Scale
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.
