Calabrese from PizzaExpress features spicy Italian sausage, roasted red peppers, and melted mozzarella atop a crispy, thin crust, delivering a bold and savory pizza experience with vibrant colors and hearty flavors.
Equipments
- Oven (pizza oven or conventional)
- Pizza stone or baking tray
- Rolling pin
- Mixing bowl
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Ladle or large spoon
- Cheese grater
- Pizza cutter or large sharp knife
Ingredients
- For the Calabrese PizzaExpress pizza:
- 10 oz (283g) pizza dough
- ⅓ cup tomato passata or pizza sauce
- 4 oz (115g) spicy Calabrese or Nduja sausage
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup roasted red peppers (jarred or homemade)
- ¼ red onion
- 1 fresh red chili
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh basil leaves
- Salt
- Black pepper
When preparing your Calabrese pizza, use authentic spicy Calabrese or Nduja sausage to capture the bold, savory flavors typical of this recipe. Fresh mozzarella provides a creamy texture that melts perfectly over the thin crust, while roasted red peppers add sweetness and vibrant color. Slicing a fresh red chili enhances the dish with an extra kick of heat tailored to your preference. Quality olive oil and fresh basil leaves elevate the dish, balancing the spicy and savory elements. This Calabrese from PizzaExpress copycat menu allows you to recreate the restaurant's signature, flavorful experience at home using these essential ingredients.
Instructions
- Preheat oven with pizza stone or baking tray inside.
- Prepare all ingredients on cutting board (slice sausage, onion, red chili; grate cheese; drain & slice roasted red peppers).
- Roll out pizza dough on floured surface to desired thinness using rolling pin.
- Place dough on parchment paper or floured peel.
- Spread tomato passata or pizza sauce over dough with ladle or large spoon.
- Evenly sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over sauce.
- Distribute spicy sausage, roasted red peppers, sliced onion, and chili atop cheese.
- Drizzle olive oil, and season with salt & black pepper.
- Slide pizza onto preheated pizza stone or hot baking tray.
- Bake until crust is crisp and cheese is bubbling and golden (8-12 minutes).
- Remove pizza from oven; top with fresh basil leaves.
- Slice using pizza cutter or sharp knife.
- Serve immediately.
Substitution
Calabrese from PizzaExpress copycat menu captures the essence of spicy Italian sausage paired with roasted red peppers and melted mozzarella on a crispy thin crust. If Calabrese or Nduja sausage is unavailable, you can substitute with spicy Italian sausage or chorizo for a similar bold flavor. Roasted red peppers can be replaced with jarred marinated peppers or fresh bell peppers roasted at home for convenience. When preparing the dough, using a pizza stone helps achieve a crispier crust, but a baking tray works well as an alternative. You can adjust the level of heat by controlling the amount of fresh red chili or omitting it entirely if you prefer a milder pizza.
Tips
Make sure the oven and pizza stone or baking tray are fully preheated to achieve a crispy crust and evenly cooked toppings. When rolling out the pizza dough, use enough flour to prevent sticking but avoid over-flouring, which can affect texture. Distribute the toppings evenly to ensure balanced flavors and prevent sogginess in any area of the pizza. After baking, slicing the pizza immediately helps preserve the melted cheese's texture and enhances your overall eating experience.
Nutritions
Calabrese pizza combines protein-rich spicy Italian sausage and mozzarella cheese, providing a good source of calcium and essential amino acids. The tomato passata is rich in antioxidants like lycopene, which supports heart health. Roasted red peppers add dietary fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants, enhancing the pizza's nutritional profile. You can enjoy this flavorful dish knowing it includes a balance of protein, healthy fats from olive oil, and vitamins from fresh ingredients.
Storage
Store your leftover Calabrese pizza in an airtight container or wrap it tightly with aluminum foil to maintain freshness and prevent it from drying out. Refrigerate the pizza promptly and consume it within 2-3 days for optimal taste and food safety. Reheat slices in a preheated oven at 375degF (190degC) on a pizza stone or baking tray for 5-7 minutes to restore the crispy crust and melted cheese texture.
Variation or Alternatives
You can substitute the spicy Calabrese sausage with spicy Italian chorizo or pepperoni for a different flavor profile. Roasted red peppers can be replaced with charred bell peppers or sun-dried tomatoes to add sweetness and texture. For a smokier taste, roast the sliced red onion and chili briefly before adding them to the pizza. Using a pizza stone preheated in the oven improves crust crispiness but a preheated baking tray can be an effective alternative if you don't have one.
Allergies
Calabrese PizzaExpress pizza contains common allergens such as dairy from mozzarella cheese and gluten from pizza dough, which may affect those with lactose intolerance or gluten sensitivity. The spicy Calabrese or Nduja sausage could contain preservatives or spices that trigger allergies in sensitive individuals. If you have food allergies, carefully check the sausage ingredients and avoid contact with red chili and onions if you are prone to sensitivities.
Why this recipe?
The Calabrese menu from PizzaExpress stands out for its rich, authentic flavors combining spicy Calabrian chili with traditional Italian ingredients, creating a balanced and vibrant taste experience. The use of high-quality mozzarella, tangy San Marzano tomatoes, and a perfectly thin, crispy crust delivers a satisfying texture that appeals to many pizza lovers. You will appreciate the distinctive spicy kick and fresh toppings that set the Calabrese apart from ordinary pizzas, making it a rewarding challenge to replicate at home. Crafting a copycat version allows you to customize spice levels and ingredient freshness, ensuring every bite matches your personal preference.