Spicy Diavola Pizza

Ignite your taste buds with this fiery Spicy Diavola Pizza, featuring a bold combination of spicy salami, chili flakes, and a touch of heat from jalapeños. It's a classic Neapolitan-style pizza with a serious kick.

Spicy Diavola Pizza
  • Prep time: 25 minutes
  • Cook time: 14 minutes
  • Total time: 39 minutes
  • Servings: 4
  • Difficulty: Medium
  • Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

  • 1 ball (16-ounce) pizza dough, at room temperature
  • 1/4 cup tomato sauce (San Marzano preferred)
  • 4 ounces spicy salami (such as soppressata or pepperoni), thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup shredded low-moisture mozzarella cheese
  • 1/4 cup sliced pickled jalapeños
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If using a pizza stone or steel, place it in the oven while it preheats.
  2. On a lightly floured surface, stretch or roll out the pizza dough to your desired thickness and shape (about 12-14 inches).
  3. Transfer the dough to a pizza peel or a piece of parchment paper. Spread the tomato sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border for the crust.
  4. Scatter the shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce.
  5. Arrange the spicy salami slices evenly over the cheese.
  6. Distribute the sliced pickled jalapeños and red pepper flakes over the salami.
  7. Drizzle the tablespoon of olive oil over the toppings.
  8. Carefully slide the pizza onto the preheated pizza stone or steel (or bake directly on a baking sheet). Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  9. Remove the pizza from the oven. Garnish with fresh basil leaves, if desired, before slicing and serving.

Tips

  • Use a good quality spicy salami for the best flavor and heat.
  • Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes and jalapeños to control the spice level.
  • A very hot oven is crucial for achieving a crispy crust and properly cooked toppings.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is 'Diavola' pizza?

'Diavola' translates to 'devil' in Italian, referring to the spicy nature of the pizza. It typically includes spicy salami and chili peppers.

Can I use fresh mozzarella instead of shredded?

You can, but low-moisture mozzarella melts better on pizza and prevents sogginess. If using fresh mozzarella, ensure it's well-drained and pat it dry before adding.

How can I make this pizza less spicy?

Reduce or omit the red pepper flakes and jalapeños. You can also use a milder salami like Genoa salami instead of spicy soppressata or pepperoni.