This Spicy Chorizo & Fennel Pizza is a bold, flavor-packed dish that combines smoky chorizo, zesty tomato sauce, creamy mozzarella, and aromatic herbs atop a crispy crust. Perfect for weeknight meals or casual entertaining, this pizza balances spice, savory, and freshness in every bite. You can customize it easily and even use naan or store-bought crust for a quick fix, making it a go-to gourmet recipe that’s deceptively easy to prepare.

Full Recipe: 

Ingredients

• 1 lb pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)

• 1 cup tomato sauce (thick style for best results)

• 1–1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese

• 10–20 slices spicy or mild chorizo sausage (dry/cured)

• Olive oil (for brushing)

• 1 tsp dried oregano (optional)

• ½ tsp garlic powder (optional)

• Fresh basil leaves or parsley (for garnish, optional)

Directions

1. Preheat Oven:

   • Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C).

   • If using a pizza stone, place it in the oven while preheating.

2. Roll Out Dough:

   • On a floured surface, roll the dough to your desired thickness.

   • Transfer to a pizza peel or parchment-lined baking sheet.

3. Add Toppings:

   • Spread tomato sauce over dough, leaving a small border.

   • Sprinkle mozzarella evenly over sauce.

   • Arrange chorizo slices on top.

   • Brush crust with olive oil and sprinkle with oregano and garlic powder (optional).

4. Bake:

   • Pizza stone: Slide pizza onto stone and bake 10–12 minutes.

   • Baking sheet: Bake 12–15 minutes until crust is golden and cheese is bubbly.

5. Finish & Serve:

   • Remove from oven and let cool slightly.

   • Garnish with fresh basil or parsley.

   • Slice and serve warm.

Nutrients (Per Slice, Estimated for 1/8 of Pizza)

• Calories: 192 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 29 g

• Protein: 8 g

• Fat: 5 g

• Saturated Fat: 2 g

• Cholesterol: 12 mg

• Sodium: 643 mg

• Fiber: 1 g

• Sugar: 5 g

• Calcium: 79 mg

• Iron: 2 mg

The Perfect Balance of Bold and Bright

What sets this pizza apart is its beautiful contrast of flavors and textures. The chorizo brings a smoky, slightly spicy richness that’s deeply savory, while the tomato sauce adds tang and zest to keep it vibrant. The mozzarella melts into gooey pools that blanket the toppings, and a sprinkle of fennel (whether from the sausage itself or as a seasoning) cuts through the fat with a subtle anise-like sweetness. Each element plays a role in creating a flavor profile that is bold but balanced.

This pizza is an excellent example of how just a few quality ingredients—when paired thoughtfully—can create a dish that feels luxurious without being fussy. Even better, you can customize it to match your preferred spice level and available ingredients.

Chorizo: The Star Ingredient

Chorizo is a standout topping that elevates this pizza beyond the usual. Opt for Spanish-style dry or cured chorizo, which has a firm texture and is rich in smoked paprika, garlic, and spices. It crisps up beautifully in the oven, delivering bursts of spicy flavor in every bite. You can slice it thin for a milder presence or cut it slightly thicker if you want a chewier, meatier bite.

For a subtler version, use mild chorizo or substitute with Italian sausage or pepperoni. Want more heat? Add sliced jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes for a kick.

Why Fennel Makes a Difference

Fennel isn’t always the first flavor that comes to mind for pizza, but it’s an unsung hero in Italian-style cooking. It brings a subtle sweetness and mild licorice note that brightens up fatty meats like chorizo. Many high-quality sausages already contain fennel seeds, but you can also sprinkle crushed fennel on the pizza yourself. It rounds out the flavor and adds a gourmet twist that surprises and delights.

If you’re a fennel fan, consider adding thinly shaved fresh fennel bulb to the pizza just before serving for a refreshing crunch and mild herbal flavor.

An Easy Base for Customization

This pizza is perfect for experimenting. The base ingredients—dough, tomato sauce, mozzarella, and chorizo—are just a canvas. Here are a few creative ways to customize your pizza:

• Add thinly sliced red onions for sharpness and color.

• Use burrata or fontina for a richer, creamier melt.

• Add a drizzle of hot honey or balsamic glaze for a sweet-heat contrast.

• Top with arugula or baby spinach after baking for freshness.

• Substitute naan or flatbread for the dough to make individual mini pizzas in minutes.

This flexibility makes the recipe ideal for using what you have on hand, pleasing picky eaters, or just creating something new every time you make it.

Tips for the Best Crust

Whether you’re using store-bought or homemade dough, a great crust makes all the difference. Here are a few tips:

• Use high heat: Baking at 475°F ensures a crispy base and bubbly cheese.

• Preheat your pizza stone or steel: This gives the bottom of your crust a lovely crunch and mimics a wood-fired oven.

• Don’t overload the toppings: Too many wet ingredients can make the crust soggy.

• Brush the edges with olive oil: This adds flavor and helps the crust brown beautifully.

Rolling the dough on a floured surface and transferring it to parchment paper or a well-floured pizza peel ensures it won’t stick.

Make It Weeknight-Friendly

This pizza might taste like something from a high-end bistro, but it’s a practical option for a busy weeknight. With store-bought dough and pre-sliced chorizo, you can have dinner on the table in under 30 minutes. Using naan or pita as the base cuts prep time even further. The ingredients are simple, and the process is straightforward—perfect for nights when you want something homemade but don’t want to cook all evening.

It’s also a fun meal to make with kids or guests, especially when everyone builds their own personal pizza with custom toppings.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

Spicy Chorizo & Fennel Pizza shines on its own, but it pairs beautifully with light sides and refreshing drinks. A simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette adds brightness and balance. A glass of dry red wine, like a Rioja or Chianti, complements the richness of the chorizo. For a non-alcoholic option, try sparkling water with citrus or a crisp apple cider.

For a complete meal, consider serving with:

• Roasted garlic parmesan cauliflower or broccoli

• Tomato basil soup or Italian minestrone

• Marinated olives and crusty bread as appetizers

Nutritional Overview

With around 192 calories per slice (for 1/8 of a pizza), this dish is reasonably balanced for a satisfying entrée. The mozzarella provides protein and calcium, while the tomato sauce contributes antioxidants like lycopene. Chorizo adds protein and healthy fats, though it can be higher in sodium and saturated fat—so moderation is key if you’re watching your intake.

To lighten the recipe:

• Use part-skim mozzarella.

• Choose leaner sausage or reduce the amount of meat.

• Add more vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms to bulk it up with fiber.

Conclusion

Spicy Chorizo & Fennel Pizza is the kind of meal that bridges gourmet flair with everyday ease. It’s bold in flavor, simple in preparation, and endlessly adaptable—everything you could want in a modern homemade pizza. Whether you’re enjoying a cozy night in, hosting friends, or just craving something better than takeout, this pizza delivers with crispy crust, melty cheese, and layers of savory, spicy, aromatic goodness. Try it once, and it just might become your new go-to for pizza night.