Manchego and Chorizo Pizza

Change up pizza night with the bold and savory flavors of our Manchego and Chorizo Pizza! This recipe features a delicious pairing of two Spanish favorites: the rich and nutty Manchego cheese and the smoky, spiciness of chorizo. The creamy, melt-in-your-mouth Manchego perfectly complements the zesty kick of the chorizo. Great for a quick and easy weeknight dinner or an appetizer for game time.

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Unique Pizzas

There is a diverse and exciting array of flavors and ingredients when you push the boundaries of traditional pizza making. Flavors that focus on global inspired recipes highlight the best of cuisines around the world. So why settle for an ordinary pizza when you can have one that's unique, flavorful, and with something other than the usual Italian toppings?

There are pizzas inspired by Asian flavors like this Thai Chicken Pizza, or down-home southern favorites like BBQ Pulled Pork Pizza, and there’s even a pizza for breakfast, the deliciously spicy Shakshuka pizza! Now add a pizza with a Spanish influence like this out-of-the-ordinary chorizo pizza, and it will redefine your idea about what pizza can be.

Why You'll Love This Spanish Chorizo Pizza

Quick and easy – just 30 minutes start to finish

Incredible flavor – not your standard Italian but a spicy cheesy alternative

Plenty of melted ooey gooey cheese with a nutty flavor from the Manchego

Rich spicy, smoky flavor from the slices of Spanish chorizo

Easy to customize with different toppings, cheeses and meats

Ingredients

Here's what you'll need to make this tasty pizza:

• Pizza dough - store-bought, preferably fresh from the bakery, or opt to make this homemade KitchenAid Pizza Dough that's super easy and delicious!
• Fresh spinach - adds a bit of veggies to the mix and adds in making the cheese seem creamier
• Salt - to enhance flavors
• Cornmeal - for easy rolling of dough and releasing from pizza stone
• Olive oil
• Spanish chorizo sausage - purchase the cured chorizo, either in a log form or slices, usually found packaged by the pepperoni, as it cooks up beautifully and has more of the smokiness and paprika flavor than the raw option. If raw is chosen it will need to be pre-cooked prior to adding to pizza.
• Manchego cheese - gives the toppings a nutty flavor. If you can't find this cheese Pecorino Romano would be a good substitute.
• Plum tomatoes - adds moistness and flavor
• Red onion - adds color and a little spiciness to the pizza
• Parmesan cheese - adds rich, bold and tangy flavor

Equipment Needed

This can be made with or without a pizza stone but one is well worth the investment. I use mine all the time and it always makes the crust so crispy.

How to Make Chorizo Pizza

Here are the simple steps to make this chorizo pizza recipe. While the pizza stone is preheating in the oven, start prepping the spinach.

1. Heat a large skillet and place spinach and a tablespoon of water into the pan.
2. Stir until spinach wilts. Remove from the pan and place in a colander to cool slightly. When cool, squeeze extra moisture from the spinach and pat dry with paper towels. Coarsely chop and season with a little salt.

Steps to assemble pizza:

3. Sprinkle a flat surface with cornmeal and roll out pizza dough into a circle slightly smaller than the size of your pizza stone. Sprinkle cornmeal on a cookie sheet (one without sides) and transfer the pizza dough to it.
4. Pour olive oil on the dough and spread evenly with a pastry brush.
5. Sprinkle the manchego cheese on the crust.
6. Top with spinach, tomatoes, and red onion slices.
7. Add slices of chorizo.
8. Top with grated Parmesan cheese.

9. Remove the hot pizza stone carefully from the oven and place it on the stovetop. Sprinkle generously with cornmeal and carefully slide the loaded pizza dough onto the stone.

10. Bake 10-15 minutes or until the crust is brown and crispy.

Recipe Tips

• Dough Prep: While store-bought pizza dough is a time-saver, it's essential to let it come to room temperature before rolling it out. This will ensure that it stretches easily and evenly. Taking it out of the refrigerator about an hour before baking should do the trick.
• Preheating the Pizza Stone: Preheat your pizza stone in the oven for at least 30 minutes at 500°F. A hot stone ensures a crispy crust from the bottom up.
• Olive Oil Layer: Before adding your toppings, brush your rolled-out dough with a thin layer of olive oil. This not only adds flavor but also creates a barrier to prevent sogginess from the toppings.
• Chorizo Selection: Opt for cured Spanish chorizo which is typically more firm and easier to slice thinly compared to the uncured version. This ensures an even cook and better texture in every bite. Good news! There's now a sliced chorizo on the market that's perfect for pizzas!
• Shredding Manchego: Manchego cheese can be a bit crumbly. To make it easier to spread over the pizza, consider grating it on the larger holes of a box grater.
• Monitor Your Bake: Ovens can vary, so while 500°F is the recommended temperature, keep an eye on your pizza as it bakes. The edges should be golden and the cheese bubbly and slightly browned. If you notice one side browning faster than the other, you may want to rotate your pizza halfway through the baking process.
• Finishing Touches: Once out of the oven, consider drizzling with a little more olive oil or sprinkling with red pepper flakes for an added kick. A sprinkle of fresh herbs like basil or parsley or a few leaves of arugula can also elevate the flavors.

What to Serve with Spanish Chorizo Pizza

When it comes to pairing dishes and drinks with a vibrant and flavorful Chorizo Pizza, you'll want something that complements the rich flavors of the pizza without overshadowing them. Here are some delightful options:

• Spanish Red Wine: As mentioned, a glass of Spanish red wine like Tempranillo is a natural pairing. The wine's earthy and fruity notes will enhance the deep flavors of the chorizo and cheese. Other Spanish reds like Garnacha or Monastrell can also work beautifully.
• Light Green Salad: Balance out the richness of the pizza with a crisp green salad. Consider a mix of arugula, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and a light lemon vinaigrette. The peppery notes of arugula and the acidity from the lemon will refresh your palate between slices.
• Chilled Gazpacho: This cold Spanish tomato soup is a refreshing counterpart to the warm, spicy chorizo. Its coolness can help mellow out the heat while still staying within the Spanish culinary theme.
• Spanish Olives and Tapenade: A small plate of mixed Spanish olives, perhaps marinated in garlic and herbs, or an olive tapenade served with crusty bread, can be a delightful appetizer before diving into the pizza.

How to Store, Freeze, and Reheat Pizza Leftovers

Leftover pizza is a quick and easy meal that's great for lunch or dinner on a busy day during the week. Here's what to do to save and enjoy it later.

Storing Pizza Leftovers

1. Before storing, allow the pizza to cool to room temperature (but don’t leave it out for more than 2 hours).
2. Place a piece of parchment paper or wax paper between slices. This prevents slices from sticking together. Then, wrap the stack of pizza slices tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
3. Place the wrapped pizza slices in the refrigerator. It will last up to 4 days.

Freezing Pizza Leftovers

1. If you plan to enjoy slices one at a time, it's best to wrap them individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. This makes it easier to grab, thaw, and reheat a single slice later.
2. For added protection, place the individually wrapped slices in a resealable freezer bag. Make sure to squeeze out as much air as possible before sealing.
3. Using a permanent marker, label the bag with the date and type of pizza. This way, you can easily keep track of how long it's been in the freezer. For the best quality, consume frozen pizza within 2 months.

Reheating Pizza Leftovers

Oven or Toaster Oven (Recommended Method): Preheat your oven or toaster oven to 375°F. Place the pizza slice(s) on a baking sheet or directly on the oven rack for a crispier crust. Bake for about 10 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Skillet (For a Crispy Crust): Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Place the pizza slice(s) in the skillet and cover with a lid. Heat for about 2 to 4 minutes, or until the bottom is crispy and the cheese is melted.

Microwave (Fastest, But Less Crispy): Place the pizza slice(s) on a microwave-safe plate. For a less soggy crust, insert a microwave-safe mug filled with a little water alongside the plate. The steam will help prevent the pizza from becoming too chewy. Heat in 30-second intervals until the cheese is melted.

Always be cautious when reheating food to ensure it reaches a safe temperature. Using a food thermometer, ensure the internal temperature reaches at least 165°F.

More Pizza Recipes

Can't get enough pizza? Try these pizza-inspired recipes:

• Air Fryer Pizza Bites
• Pepperoni Pizza Pockets
• Pizza Chicken
• Pizza Pasta Casserole
• Puff Pastry Pizza Twists

Find lots of easy dinner recipes right here on 2CM!

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This post has been updated with new photos and more helpful information. It was first published on April 26, 2015.