Southwest Pizza
A flavorful Southwest-inspired pizza featuring green chilies, peppers, cilantro, and a cheesy topping, perfect for casual gatherings and spice lovers seeking a quick, tasty meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F.
- Sprinkle cornmeal onto the bottom of a greased 10 x 15-inch jelly roll pan.
- Spread the pizza dough into the pan and pre-bake for 5 minutes.
- Mix the tomato sauce with chili powder and spread evenly over the pre-baked crust.
- Top with diced green and red peppers, drained green chilies, and shredded cheese tossed with chopped cilantro.
- Bake for 15 to 20 minutes or until the crust is golden brown.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier kick, consider adding jalapeños or using spicy tomato sauce. You can substitute the pizza crust with a gluten-free version if needed. Fresh lime juice can enhance the flavor of the toppings. If you want a cheesier pizza, try adding a blend of Mexican cheeses. For a lighter option, use a whole wheat crust.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Southwest Pizza hot, garnished with extra cilantro and a drizzle of lime juice. It pairs wonderfully with sides like Texas Style Spanish Rice or Guacamole Salad for a complete meal. For a fun twist, cut the pizza into smaller squares for appetizers or party snacks.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Southwest Pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place slices on a baking sheet and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes, or until heated through. This helps retain the crispiness of the crust.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Southwest Pizza contains roughly 269 calories, with 8g protein, 55g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (112% of the Daily Value), iron (87% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 482mg per serving (21% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of crust for this recipe?
Yes, you can use any type of pizza crust you prefer, including homemade, gluten-free, or even a cauliflower crust for a healthier option. Just be mindful of the baking times, as they may vary depending on the type of crust you choose.
How can I make this pizza vegetarian?
This recipe is already vegetarian, but you can enhance it with additional vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or black olives. Just be sure to adjust the baking time if you add extra toppings to ensure everything cooks evenly.
What kind of cheese works best on this pizza?
A blend of Monterey Jack and cheddar cheese is perfect for a Southwest flavor. You can also experiment with pepper jack for added spice or use vegan cheese for a plant-based option. Just ensure the cheese melts well for the best texture.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).