Choriqueso Pizza Recipe

Preheat Oven

Position an oven rack in the lower-middle position and preheat the oven to 475°F (245°C). If using a pizza stone, place it in the oven while preheating.

Prepare the dough: if using refrigerated dough, let it sit at room temperature 20–30 minutes so it relaxes. On a lightly floured surface, shape the dough into a 12-inch round. Transfer to a piece of parchment or a lightly oiled pizza peel.

Brush the dough lightly with 1 tablespoon olive oil, leaving a small outer rim uncoated. Spread 1 tablespoon tomato sauce evenly over the center, leaving the rim for a crisp crust.

Cook the chorizo: heat 1 teaspoon olive oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add the 6 oz raw chorizo (removed from casing) and break up with a spatula. Cook 5–7 minutes until fully cooked, browned in places, and most moisture has evaporated. Taste and season with a pinch of salt and a few grinds of black pepper. Drain on paper towel to remove excess grease.

Slice and prepare vegetables: thinly slice 1/2 red onion into half-moons and cut 1/2 green bell pepper into thin strips or small dice. If you prefer softer vegetables, sauté them 2–3 minutes in the same skillet over medium heat (add a quick splash of water if needed) until slightly softened, then remove from heat. Otherwise use them raw for more crunch.

Assemble the pizza: sprinkle 1 to 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella evenly over the sauced dough. Distribute the cooked chorizo across the cheese in small clusters. Scatter the sliced red onion and green pepper evenly over the pizza. Sprinkle optional 1/4 cup crumbled queso fresco or cotija over the top if using. Finish with a light pinch of red pepper flakes if you want extra heat.

Bake: transfer the pizza (on parchment or peel) to the preheated oven/pizza stone. Bake for 10–12 minutes, rotating once halfway through, until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbling and beginning to brown.

Rest and finish: remove pizza from oven and let rest 2–3 minutes. Scatter 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro over the top if desired. Slice and serve immediately.