Get ready to transform your pizza night with a mind-blowing fusion of Portuguese and American flavors that will have your taste buds dancing! This Chourico Cheddar Deep Dish Pizza isn't just another pizza recipe - it's a culinary adventure that combines the spicy, rich flavors of traditional chourico sausage with the comforting depth of a classic deep-dish pizza. Imagine a crispy, golden crust packed with melted cheddar, zesty sausage, and vibrant bell peppers that will make your family and friends beg for seconds!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb chourico sausage, crumbled
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup pizza sauce
- 1/2 cup sliced bell peppers
- 1/2 cup sliced onions
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C). If using a pizza stone, place it in the oven during preheating to ensure a crispy crust.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the crumbled chourico sausage until it's browned and slightly crispy, approximately 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat on paper towels and set aside.
- Grease a 12-inch deep dish pizza pan or cast-iron skillet with olive oil to prevent sticking and promote a golden crust.
- Stretch the pizza dough to fit the deep dish pan, pressing it up the sides to create a thick, high-edged crust. Let the dough rest for 5 minutes to prevent shrinking.
- Spread the pizza sauce evenly across the bottom of the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Layer half of the shredded cheddar cheese over the sauce, creating a cheese base.
- Distribute the cooked chourico sausage evenly across the cheese layer.
- Sprinkle sliced bell peppers and onions over the sausage.
- Top with the remaining cheddar cheese and dust with Italian seasoning.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from oven and let the pizza rest for 5-10 minutes to set and cool slightly.
- Slice into 8 wedges and serve hot, garnishing with fresh herbs if desired.
Tips
- Ensure your chourico is well-browned and crispy before adding to the pizza for maximum flavor intensity.
- Use a deep dish pan or cast-iron skillet to achieve that authentic, thick-crusted pizza experience.
- Let the pizza rest for 5-10 minutes after baking to allow the cheese to set and make cutting easier.
- For extra crispy crust, preheat your pizza stone or baking sheet in the oven before adding the pizza.
- Don't be afraid to customize - add additional toppings like fresh herbs or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for extra kick.
- If using store-bought pizza dough, let it come to room temperature for easier stretching.
- Drain the excess fat from the chourico to prevent a greasy pizza bottom.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 75mg
