If you’re craving a pizza that bursts with bold Southwestern flair, then this Flavorful Green Chile Pizza with Chorizo Sausage Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. Combining the smoky heat of roasted green chiles, the savory punch of Mexican chorizo, and the creamy melty goodness of fresh mozzarella, this pizza delivers layers of incredible flavor in every bite. Whether you’re a seasoned pizza maker or trying something new, this recipe brings together simple ingredients, vibrant colors, and tantalizing textures that will make your taste buds dance and leave everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this pizza starts from the quality and simplicity of its ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in building the perfect harmony of smoky, spicy, and cheesy goodness with a beautiful fresh finish.
- 1 pizza dough (room temperature, about 11-13 inch circle): Your sturdy base that crisps up delightfully when baked to perfection.
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil: Adds luscious richness and helps infuse the dough with flavor.
- 1 clove garlic (unpeeled): Grated directly into the oil, it gives a subtle yet fragrant touch without overpowering.
- â…“ cup fresh mozzarella cheese, torn into small balls or strips: Melts beautifully to create creamy, gooey pockets throughout the pizza.
- ¼ cup ground Mexican chorizo, pre-cooked: Brings a spicy, smoky depth with a little kick in every bite.
- ¼ cup roasted green chile: The star ingredient delivering that signature Southwestern heat and vibrant color.
- 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro: Freshness that brightens and balances all the flavors perfectly.
How to Make Flavorful Green Chile Pizza with Chorizo Sausage Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Pizza Oven
Get your pizza stone sizzling hot by heating it to 700°F if you’re aiming for a Neapolitan-style crust or 550°F for a thicker New York-style crust. Waiting until the stone is fully preheated is key to crafting a crust that’s both crispy on the outside and tender inside, giving your pizza that authentic pizzeria allure.
Step 2: Infuse Olive Oil with Garlic
Pour the extra virgin olive oil into a small bowl and grate the unpeeled garlic clove directly into it. Mixing it gently lets the oil soak up that fragrant garlic essence, which will subtly flavor the pizza base and make every bite more irresistible.
Step 3: Shape the Dough and Layer the Toppings
Lightly dust your wooden pizza peel with flour to prevent sticking, then gently stretch and shape your dough into an 11 to 13-inch circle right on the peel. Brush the garlic-infused olive oil evenly over the dough, adding a delicious glisten and flavor. Next, layer on the torn mozzarella first, followed by the roasted green chile, and finally sprinkle the pre-cooked ground chorizo, creating an enticing mix of creamy, spicy, and smoky layers.
Step 4: Test the Slide and Adjust
Before transferring, give your pizza a little back-and-forth shimmy on the peel to make sure it moves freely. If it sticks, lift half the pizza and sprinkle more flour under the peel. This simple test ensures your pizza slides effortlessly onto the stone without losing any of those precious toppings during transfer.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Slide the pizza onto your super-hot pizza stone and bake. For Neapolitan style, rotate the pizza every 7 to 10 seconds using a turning peel to cook evenly near the flames. Your wait time will be around 60 to 90 seconds until the crust is beautifully puffed, crisped, and sporting slight char marks that add irresistible texture and flavor.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Once baked, carefully transfer the pizza onto a serving surface. Sprinkle generously with chopped cilantro for a fresh, herbal bite. If you like, a little Maldon or your favorite finishing salt adds a perfect crunch and flavor boost before slicing. Now you’re ready to enjoy a slice of sunshine and spice in every bite!
How to Serve Flavorful Green Chile Pizza with Chorizo Sausage Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh chopped cilantro is the go-to topping here because it lifts the flavors and adds a bright contrast to the rich chorizo and smoky chile. If you want to experiment, a squeeze of fresh lime or a scattering of thinly sliced red onions would complement beautifully without overpowering the main ingredients.
Side Dishes
This pizza pairs wonderfully with light, refreshing sides to balance its richness. A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or a simple cucumber and tomato salad can add freshness and crunch. For something heartier, roasted vegetables or a bowl of black bean soup complement the Southwestern vibe perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a casual get-together, serve the pizza whole on a large wooden board with a pizza cutter at the side, inviting everyone to help themselves. Alternatively, cut into smaller squares for a party platter. You could even sprinkle extra cilantro or drizzle a little avocado crema for an elevated presentation that will wow your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any pizza left (though that rarely happens), wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or store slices in an airtight container in the fridge. It will keep well for up to 2 days, retaining much of its close-to-fresh flavor.
Freezing
While freshly baked pizza is best, you can freeze leftovers by wrapping each slice individually in foil and placing them in a freezer-safe bag. This way, you can enjoy your Flavorful Green Chile Pizza with Chorizo Sausage Recipe another day without sacrificing much in taste or texture.
Reheating
The best way to bring your pizza back to life is in a hot skillet over medium heat—this crisps the crust perfectly without drying out the toppings. Alternatively, use your oven set to 375°F for about 8-10 minutes or until heated through. Avoid the microwave to keep the crust from getting soggy.
FAQs
Can I use canned green chilies instead of roasted green chile?
Absolutely! While fresh roasted green chile delivers a smokier, more authentic flavor, canned green chilies are a convenient substitute that still bring good heat and color to the pizza.
Is it necessary to pre-cook the chorizo?
Yes, pre-cooking the ground chorizo ensures it is thoroughly cooked and safe to eat, plus it reduces excess fat before topping the pizza, which helps avoid sogginess.
Can I make this pizza without a pizza stone or pizza oven?
Definitely! You can bake the pizza on a preheated baking sheet or pizza pan in a conventional oven set to its highest temperature, though the results might be slightly different in texture and crust crispiness.
Can I use other types of cheese?
Fresh mozzarella is preferred for its meltability and mild flavor, but you could experiment with a mix of mozzarella and Monterey Jack or even a sprinkle of queso fresco for a Southwestern twist.
What should I do if my pizza dough is too sticky to handle?
Lightly flour your hands and work surface, but avoid adding too much flour which can toughen the dough. Letting the dough rest a few extra minutes at room temperature can also help make it easier to stretch.
Final Thoughts
This Flavorful Green Chile Pizza with Chorizo Sausage Recipe is truly a celebration of bold, vibrant flavors paired with comforting, melty goodness. It’s a fantastic way to bring a taste of the Southwest right into your home kitchen, whether it’s a weeknight treat or the star of your next gathering. I can’t wait for you to whip it up and savor the unique combination of smoky, spicy, and fresh notes—trust me, this pizza quickly earns its spot in your recipe rotation!
Print
Flavorful Green Chile Pizza with Chorizo Sausage Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 1 pizza (11-13 inch)
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-American Fusion
Description
This Flavorful Green Chile Pizza with Chorizo Sausage combines a crisp, slightly charred crust with the rich flavors of pre-cooked Mexican chorizo, roasted green chile, fresh mozzarella, and a garlic-infused olive oil base. Finished with fresh cilantro for a burst of brightness, this pizza delivers a perfect balance of smoky, spicy, and creamy elements in every bite.
Ingredients
Pizza Base
- 1 pizza dough (room temperature, about 11–13 inch circle)
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 clove garlic (unpeeled)
Toppings
- â…“ cup fresh mozzarella cheese, torn into small balls or strips
- ¼ cup ground Mexican chorizo, pre-cooked
- ¼ cup roasted green chile
- 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Prepare your pizza oven by heating the pizza stone to 700°F for Neapolitan style pizza or 550°F for New York style. Ensure it is fully preheated to achieve an optimal crust texture and cooking performance.
- Infuse the olive oil with garlic: In a small bowl, pour the olive oil. Using a fine cheese grater, grate one unpeeled garlic clove directly into the oil. Stir gently to combine and infuse the oil with a mellow garlic flavor.
- Prepare the pizza dough and apply toppings: Lightly coat your wooden pizza peel with flour to prevent sticking. Gently shape the pizza dough into an 11 to 13 inch circle directly on the peel. Brush the garlic-infused olive oil evenly over the dough, using as much as desired. Layer the torn fresh mozzarella cheese first, then add the roasted green chile, followed by the pre-cooked ground chorizo.
- Check for easy transfer: Test the pizza’s slide on the floured peel by gently sliding it back and forth to ensure it moves freely. If it sticks, lift half the pizza and add more flour underneath the peel, repeating on both sides if needed. When the pizza slides easily, it’s ready for the oven.
- Bake the pizza: Slide the pizza onto the hot pizza stone inside the oven. For Neapolitan style, rotate the pizza every 7 to 10 seconds using a turning peel to ensure even cooking near the fire. Bake for 60 to 90 seconds or until the crust edges are evenly cooked, slightly charred, and the toppings are melted and heated through.
- Finish and serve: Remove the pizza from the oven and transfer it to a serving surface. Garnish generously with chopped cilantro. Optionally, sprinkle Maldon salt or your preferred finishing salt before slicing and serving immediately.
Notes
- Using pre-cooked chorizo shortens cooking time and ensures even heating.
- Grating the unpeeled garlic directly into the olive oil mellows the garlic flavor without overpowering the pizza.
- Proper preheating of the pizza stone is key to achieving a crispy crust with desired charring.
- Flouring the pizza peel adequately prevents sticking and allows for smooth transfer onto the stone.
- Customization tip: Add extra toppings like sliced onions or jalapeños for additional heat and texture.
- For a New York style pizza, bake at 550°F for a longer time until edges are cooked, typically 8-12 minutes.
