This Fiery Chorizo + Fennel Artisan Pizza is where Italian finesse meets bold Spanish flavors. Crispy, golden crust loaded with spicy chorizo and sweet, tender fennel strikes the perfect balance for those who crave heat and heartiness in every bite.
Whether it’s a Friday night treat or a weekend gathering, the interplay of melty mozzarella, crumbled queso fresco, and aromatic basil brings culinary flair right to your table.
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
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1 lb pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
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6 oz spicy chorizo, removed from casing, crumbled
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1 small fennel bulb, thinly sliced
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1/2 cup tomato sauce
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1 cup shredded mozzarella
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1/4 cup crumbled queso fresco (or ricotta salata)
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1 small red onion, thinly sliced
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1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
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1 tbsp olive oil
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Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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Directions:
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Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C) and, if using, place a pizza stone inside to heat.
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In a skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and sauté chorizo until cooked through and slightly crisp, about 5 minutes. Drain excess fat.
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Add fennel and onion to the same skillet; cook for 3–4 minutes until softened, then season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Remove from heat.
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On a floured surface, stretch or roll pizza dough to your desired shape (~12″).
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Spread tomato sauce evenly over dough, leaving a small border for the crust.
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Sprinkle half the mozzarella, then evenly distribute the chorizo-fennel mixture. Top with remaining mozzarella and queso fresco.
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Slide the pizza onto the preheated stone or baking sheet and bake 10–12 minutes, until crust is golden and cheese is bubbly.
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Remove from oven, garnish with fresh basil, slice, and serve hot.
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Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 12 minutes | Total Time: 27 minutes | Kcal: ~380 kcal per slice (8 slices) | Servings: 4 servings
The Origin of Fiery Chorizo + Fennel Artisan Pizza
Pizza, at its heart, is a blank canvas that welcomes a world of flavors. While rooted in Italian tradition, its evolution globally has led to a wealth of creative interpretations. The Fiery Chorizo + Fennel Artisan Pizza draws from two distinct culinary cultures: the spicy, rich flavors of Spanish chorizo and the aromatic, slightly sweet notes of Italian fennel. Together, they create a harmonious marriage of bold, savory, and subtly sweet, layered on a rustic pizza base. This recipe is a tribute to how simple, quality ingredients from different regions can come together to form something greater than the sum of their parts.
Chorizo, a type of pork sausage traditionally seasoned with smoked paprika, garlic, and chili, offers a bold flavor that permeates the entire pizza. Meanwhile, fennel—a commonly used vegetable in Mediterranean cuisines—brings in balance with its light anise flavor, adding a fresh, almost herbal brightness that cuts through the richness of the sausage. This combination is ideal for those who want their pizza to pack a flavorful punch while still feeling gourmet and elevated.
Why This Pizza Works So Well
The balance of flavors is what makes this pizza so effective. Spicy and fatty elements from the chorizo are offset by the crispness of sautéed fennel and the sweetness of caramelized red onions. Add to that the stretchy, salty goodness of melted mozzarella and the creamy, tangy touch of queso fresco or ricotta salata, and you have a deeply satisfying flavor profile.
The heat level is approachable but noticeable—perfect for those who like a bit of spice but don’t want to overwhelm the palate. The fennel doesn’t just serve as a side note; it becomes a central component in making the pizza feel lighter and more complex. Fresh basil added at the end brings in a pop of green freshness and visual appeal, making this dish just as beautiful as it is delicious.
Another point in its favor is its adaptability. While this version leans into spicy, savory elements, it’s easy to dial back the heat or substitute other cheeses and herbs depending on your pantry or preference.
The Art of Artisan Pizza Making
This isn’t your average take-out pie. Artisan pizza is all about care and quality—starting with the dough. Whether you make it from scratch or use a high-quality store-bought version, the foundation is key. An artisan pizza dough is slightly chewy, with air pockets from fermentation that give it a light texture and a satisfying crunch once baked.
The cooking method also matters. Using a pizza stone or steel ensures that the bottom crust crisps up beautifully, while the toppings cook evenly and the cheese gets bubbly and golden. Preheating the oven to a high temperature, typically around 475–500°F, mimics the conditions of a wood-fired oven, resulting in a crust that’s cooked through and just blistered at the edges.
Each topping is carefully prepped. Chorizo is sautéed until slightly crisped to deepen its flavor, and fennel and onion are softened in the same pan to soak up all those spices. Even the cheese is layered thoughtfully—mozzarella for meltiness, and crumbled queso fresco or a firm ricotta salata for that creamy, slightly salty contrast.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
This pizza is best served hot from the oven, when the cheese is at its gooey peak and the crust is still crackling. Slice it into hearty wedges and serve with a simple side salad dressed in olive oil and lemon to keep the meal light and balanced.
For wine lovers, a chilled glass of rosé or a medium-bodied red like a Spanish Tempranillo or Italian Chianti pairs well, complementing the spice without overpowering it. If you prefer beer, opt for a crisp lager or a citrusy IPA to contrast the richness of the toppings.
This dish also lends itself well to a pizza night menu—serve it alongside a more traditional margherita, a veggie-loaded white pizza, or even a dessert pizza with Nutella and fresh fruit. It adds variety and a bit of surprise to any casual dinner gathering.
Health and Nutritional Notes
While this pizza isn’t necessarily a “diet” food, it does have some nutritional upsides. The fennel and red onion provide fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants, while the basil offers anti-inflammatory benefits. Choosing a whole wheat or sourdough crust adds complex carbs and gut-friendly properties to the base.
Chorizo is undeniably indulgent, but when used moderately, it offers protein and a satisfying depth of flavor that means you need fewer toppings overall. You can also make this recipe healthier by using turkey or plant-based chorizo alternatives and reducing the cheese content slightly.
If you’re catering to different dietary needs, this pizza can be made gluten-free with the right dough and lactose-free with dairy alternatives. It’s a flexible recipe that can work with various preferences and still retain its core identity.
Tips for Perfect Execution
To get the most out of this recipe, pay attention to your oven and your dough. If the dough is too cold, it’ll be hard to stretch and may tear. Letting it come to room temperature for at least 30 minutes helps it become pliable and easier to shape.
Also, don’t overload your pizza. Less is more when it comes to artisan-style pies. The idea is to let each ingredient shine rather than weigh it down with too many toppings. This also helps the crust cook evenly and stay crispy.
If you’re new to working with fennel, be sure to slice it thinly so it cooks quickly and integrates well into the topping mix. Its flavor becomes much more mellow and sweet once sautéed, complementing the spicy notes of chorizo perfectly.
Make-Ahead and Storage Notes
This pizza is best enjoyed fresh, but you can certainly prepare elements ahead of time. The dough can be made up to 48 hours in advance and stored in the fridge. The chorizo and fennel mixture can be sautéed and refrigerated the day before as well.
Leftover slices can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, avoid the microwave and opt for the oven or a skillet on medium heat to preserve the crust’s texture. It also makes for an excellent next-day breakfast with a fried egg on top!
Conclusion: A New Favorite for Bold Flavor Seekers
Fiery Chorizo + Fennel Artisan Pizza is a showstopper of a dish—full of vibrant flavors, textural contrasts, and visual appeal. It’s a pizza that breaks away from the usual pepperoni or cheese routine and introduces a more refined yet spicy twist. Whether you’re hosting friends, treating yourself on a Friday night, or just exploring new flavor combinations, this pizza delivers on all fronts.
It’s a culinary journey that starts in your kitchen and takes you across cultures, with just a handful of ingredients and a bit of care. From the spicy chorizo to the sweet fennel, every bite tells a flavorful story that’s as exciting as it is comforting. Give this artisan pizza a try and let your oven become the gateway to your next favorite homemade meal.