Pizza has always been a go-to comfort food, but why not spice things up with a fresh, vibrant twist? Enter chimichurri pizza, where the classic crust meets the bold, garlicky flavors of Argentina. This chimichurri pizza recipe is simple yet full of flavor, bringing together crispy dough, fresh tomatoes, melty cheese, and, of course, the star of the show: chimichurri sauce. So, grab your ingredients and prepare for a pizza night like no other!
Ingredients
To make this mouthwatering chimichurri pizza, you’ll need the following ingredients:
For the Pizza Dough:
- 2 ½ cups bread flour (or all-purpose flour)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 packet active dry yeast (2 ¼ tsp)
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 cup warm water (about 110°F)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
For the Chimichurri Sauce:
- 1 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes
- 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
- ½ cup olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Pizza Toppings:
- 2-3 whole tomatoes (Roma or plum tomatoes work best)
- 1 ½ cups mozzarella cheese, shredded (or cheese of your choice)
- Olive oil for drizzling
Optional Ingredients for Customization:
- Grilled meats like chicken or steak for a hearty pizza.
- Vegetables such as spinach, red onions, or bell peppers to add color and flavor.
- Fresh herbs like basil or thyme for added aroma.
Now that we’ve gathered our ingredients, let’s dive into making this irresistible chimichurri pizza.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create your chimichurri pizza from scratch!
Step 1: Prepare the Pizza Dough
- Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, mix 1 cup of warm water (about 110°F) with 1 tsp of sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the water and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes, or until it becomes frothy.
- Mix the dough: In a large bowl, combine 2 ½ cups of flour and 1 tsp of salt. Pour the yeast mixture and 2 tbsp of olive oil into the bowl. Stir until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough: Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes, until it’s smooth and elastic.
- Let the dough rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise for 1 to 1.5 hours or until it doubles in size.
Step 2: Prepare the Chimichurri Sauce
- Chop the ingredients: Finely chop 1 cup of fresh parsley and mince 4 cloves of garlic.
- Combine the ingredients: In a bowl, combine the parsley, garlic, 1 tsp of red pepper flakes, 2 tbsp of red wine vinegar, and ½ cup of olive oil. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Let it rest: Allow the chimichurri sauce to sit for 5-10 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
Step 3: Prepare the Tomatoes
- Blanch and peel the tomatoes: Bring a pot of water to a boil. Make small “x” slits at the bottom of the tomatoes and dip them in the boiling water for about 30-45 seconds. Transfer them to an ice bath to cool. Peel the skin off and remove the seeds.
- Slice the tomatoes: Cut the peeled tomatoes into thin rounds or slices.
Step 4: Assemble the Chimichurri Pizza
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 475°F (245°C) and place a pizza stone or baking sheet inside to heat.
- Roll out the dough: Punch down the risen dough and transfer it to a floured surface. Roll it out into a circle or your desired shape, ensuring the dough is an even thickness.
- Add the chimichurri sauce: Spread a thin layer of chimichurri sauce over the rolled-out dough, leaving a small border for the crust.
- Layer the tomatoes: Arrange the thinly sliced tomatoes evenly on top of the sauce.
- Add the cheese: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the tomatoes and chimichurri sauce.
- Drizzle with more chimichurri: For an added punch, drizzle a little more chimichurri sauce on top before baking.
Step 5: Bake the Pizza
- Transfer to the oven: Carefully place the assembled pizza onto the preheated stone or baking sheet in the oven.
- Bake: Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbling and slightly browned.
- Remove and rest: Take the pizza out of the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. This ensures the toppings set nicely and prevents any sizzling hot sauce from spilling.
Notes and Additional Tips
- Flour choices: If you prefer a lighter, fluffier crust, consider using all-purpose flour. Bread flour yields a more substantial, chewy texture, which is great for a pizza that holds up well with toppings.
- Dough alternatives: If you’re short on time, you can use store-bought dough. However, the homemade dough in this recipe brings greater flavor and texture that store-bought dough cannot match.
- Cheese options: While mozzarella is the classic choice for pizza, feel free to use goat cheese, feta, or provolone for a unique twist on this dish. Mix and match cheeses for a more complex flavor profile.
- Chimichurri sauce variations: You can adjust the chimichurri sauce to your liking. Add extra garlic for a more intense flavor or increase the vinegar if you prefer a tangier sauce. For a spicier kick, boost the red pepper flakes.
- Pre-baking tip: To prevent soggy crust, avoid putting too much sauce or toppings. Bake your pizza on a preheated pizza stone or baking sheet to help achieve that crisp crust.
Nutrition Facts
For a standard slice of chimichurri pizza (1 slice from a 12-inch pizza cut into 8 slices), here are the approximate nutritional values:
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 14g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fat: 15g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 550mg
(Note: These values may vary depending on the size of the pizza and ingredient substitutions.)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can the Pizza Dough Recipe Using Flour Be Made in Advance?
Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time. Once it has risen, place the dough in the fridge to slow the fermentation process. Allow the dough to come to room temperature before rolling it out to bake.
How Do I Prevent My Chimichurri Pizza from Becoming Soggy?
To avoid sogginess, do not overload your pizza with too many wet ingredients. Be sure to drain the tomatoes well and bake the pizza on a preheated pizza stone or baking sheet to ensure a crisp crust.
Can I Prepare the Chimichurri Sauce Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Chimichurri sauce actually benefits from sitting for a while as the flavors meld together. You can make it up to a week in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
What Kind of Whole Tomatoes Work Best for Chimichurri Pizza?
Roma or plum tomatoes are the best choice for pizza. Their firmer texture and low moisture content make them ideal for pizza toppings, preventing excess liquid from making the crust soggy.
Can I Make a Dairy-Free Version of Chimichurri Pizza?
Yes! Simply swap the cheese with a dairy-free variety like vegan mozzarella, or skip the cheese altogether for a vegan-friendly option. The chimichurri sauce and fresh tomatoes provide all the flavor needed.
Conclusion
In conclusion, chimichurri pizza offers a delightful twist on the classic pizza we all know and love. With bold flavors from the chimichurri sauce, the freshness of whole tomatoes, and the perfect balance of cheese and crispy crust, this pizza is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.
Whether you’re hosting a pizza night with friends or just craving a unique meal, this chimichurri pizza is easy to prepare and delivers a flavor-packed experience. Try it out today and enjoy the bold, tangy goodness that chimichurri brings to every bite.
Ingredients List for Chimichurri Pizza:
- Dough: flour, yeast, olive oil, salt, water
- Chimichurri sauce: parsley, garlic, red wine vinegar, olive oil, red pepper flakes
- Whole tomatoes: Roma or plum
- Mozzarella cheese (or cheese of your choice)
- Olive oil for drizzling
Step-by-Step for Instructions:
- Prepare the dough and let it rise.
- Mix the chimichurri sauce and set aside.
- Prepare and slice the tomatoes.
- Assemble the pizza with chimichurri sauce, tomatoes, and cheese.
- Bake at 475°F for 12-15 minutes until golden.
Notes and Additional Tips for Chimichurri Pizza:
- Allow the dough to rise slowly for better texture.
- Adjust the chimichurri sauce flavors as you like.
- Use a pizza stone for an extra crispy crust.
Nutrition Facts for Chimichurri Pizza:
- Calories per slice: 320
- Protein: 14g
- Carbs: 36g
- Fat: 15g
Leave a Comment or Ask a Question about Your Chimichurri Pizza Creation:
We’d love to hear about your chimichurri pizza experience! Share your thoughts, tweaks, and any questions you might have in the comments below. Enjoy your pizza-making adventure!