Crispy Oven-Baked Birria Pizza

Crispy Oven-Baked Birria Pizza combines two of the most irresistible dishes into one ultimate fusion recipe. Imagine the bold, savory flavors of traditional Mexican birria—tender, slow-cooked meat soaked in rich, spicy consommé—transformed into a crispy pizza with gooey melted cheese and a golden crust. This dish is the perfect marriage of Mexican and Italian cuisines, offering the best of both worlds with every bite.

What sets this birria pizza apart is the way it incorporates the flavors of birria in every layer. The pizza dough is brushed with a consommé base, giving the crust a beautiful golden hue and extra flavor. A layer of melted cheese and shredded birria beef creates the heart of the pizza, while the finishing touches of onions, cilantro, and a drizzle of consommé bring authenticity and brightness to the dish. The pizza is baked until crispy and bubbling, offering a perfect balance of flavors and textures.

Whether you’re hosting a party, looking to wow your family, or just craving something adventurous and delicious, Crispy Oven-Baked Birria Pizza is guaranteed to impress. This recipe is easy to make, customizable, and so flavorful that it’s sure to become a new favorite in your home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Bold and Unique Flavors: The deep, savory spices of birria combined with the crispy texture of pizza are irresistible.
• Perfect Fusion: Combines the richness of Mexican cuisine with the universal appeal of Italian pizza.
• Customizable: Adjust toppings, spice levels, or even the type of meat to suit your preferences.
• Great for Entertaining: A unique and visually stunning dish that’s perfect for impressing guests.
• Repurpose Leftovers: This recipe is a fantastic way to use leftover birria or birria consommé.
• Kid-Friendly: The cheesy, crispy pizza format is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, even for picky eaters.
• Meal Prep Friendly: You can prepare the birria ahead of time, making assembly quick and easy.
• Restaurant Quality: Offers gourmet flavors and textures without the need for fancy equipment or advanced skills.

Preparation Time and Servings

• Prep Time: 30 minutes (if birria is pre-made)
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes (or up to 6 hours if making birria from scratch)
• Yield: 2 pizzas (12-inch each)
• Serving Size: 1-2 slices per person (serves 6-8 people)

Nutritional Information (per slice)

• Calories: 320 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 25 g
• Protein: 18 g
• Fat: 18 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Sugar: 2 g

Ingredients

For the Birria (Meat and Consommé):

• 2 pounds beef chuck roast or short ribs (or a mix of beef, goat, or lamb)
• 1 tablespoon kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for searing)
• 1 medium onion, quartered
• 4 garlic cloves, smashed
• 4 dried guajillo chilies, stems and seeds removed
• 3 dried ancho chilies, stems and seeds removed
• 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 cup water
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

For the Pizza Base:

• 2 pre-made or homemade pizza doughs (12-inch each)
• ½ cup birria consommé (reserved from cooking the birria)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

For the Pizza Toppings:

• 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1 ½ cups shredded birria meat (from the cooked birria)
• 1 medium red onion, thinly sliced
• ½ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• ½ cup crumbled queso fresco (optional)
• Lime wedges (for serving)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Make the Birria (If Starting from Scratch)

1. Season the Meat: Pat the beef dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt and black pepper on all sides.
2. Sear the Meat: Heat vegetable oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Sear the meat on all sides until browned, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove the meat and set aside.
3. Prepare the Sauce: In the same pot, sauté the onions and garlic until fragrant and softened, about 3 minutes. Add the dried chilies and toast for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
4. Blend the Sauce: Transfer the onions, garlic, and chilies to a blender. Add the chipotle peppers, beef broth, cumin, oregano, cinnamon stick, and apple cider vinegar. Blend until smooth.
5. Cook the Birria: Return the meat to the pot and pour the blended sauce over it. Add bay leaves and enough water to cover the meat. Bring to a simmer, then cover and cook on low heat for 3-4 hours, or until the meat is tender and shreds easily. Alternatively, cook in a slow cooker on low for 6-8 hours.
6. Shred the Meat: Remove the meat from the pot and shred it with two forks. Strain the consommé (cooking liquid) to remove solids and set it aside for later.

Step 2: Prepare the Pizza Dough

1. If using homemade dough, prepare it according to your recipe and allow it to rise until ready to use.
2. Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C) and place a pizza stone or baking sheet inside to heat.

Step 3: Assemble the Pizza

1. Roll Out the Dough: On a floured surface, roll out one pizza dough into a 12-inch circle. Transfer it to a piece of parchment paper for easy handling.
2. Brush with Consommé: Mix ½ cup of birria consommé with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Brush a generous layer of this mixture over the pizza dough to infuse it with flavor.
3. Add Cheese and Meat: Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the dough. Distribute ¾ cup of shredded birria meat on top of the cheese.
4. Top with Red Onion: Scatter thinly sliced red onion over the pizza for added crunch and flavor.

Step 4: Bake the Pizza

1. Carefully transfer the parchment paper with the pizza onto the preheated pizza stone or baking sheet. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and crispy, the cheese is melted, and the toppings are bubbling.
2. Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for 1-2 minutes.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

1. Sprinkle the baked pizza with fresh cilantro and crumbled queso fresco, if using.
2. Serve with lime wedges on the side for an extra burst of flavor.
3. Repeat the process for the second pizza dough and toppings.

Ingredient Background

• Birria: A traditional Mexican dish often made with goat, lamb, or beef. The meat is slow-cooked in a flavorful consommé of chilies, garlic, and spices until tender and juicy.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Melts beautifully to create a gooey and stringy texture, perfect for pizza.
• Red Onion: Adds crunch and a mild, sweet bite to balance the richness of the birria.
• Cilantro: Provides a fresh and herbal contrast to the bold flavors of the meat and cheese.
• Queso Fresco: A crumbly, mild Mexican cheese that adds a creamy and slightly tangy finish.

Technique Tips

• Use High Heat for Baking: Preheating the pizza stone or baking sheet ensures a crispy crust.
• Avoid Overloading: Don’t overload the pizza with too many toppings to prevent it from becoming soggy.
• Rest the Pizza Dough: Allow the dough to rest at room temperature before rolling it out to make it easier to handle.
• Customize the Spice Level: Adjust the amount of chipotle peppers or red pepper flakes for more or less heat.

Alternative Presentation Ideas

• Birria Flatbreads: Use naan or flatbreads as a quick and easy base for individual birria pizzas.
• Stuffed Birria Pizza: Fold the pizza over to create a calzone stuffed with birria meat and cheese.
• Birria Nachos: Skip the pizza dough and layer birria, cheese, and toppings over tortilla chips for a Mexican-inspired twist.

Additional Tips for Success

• If you’re short on time, use store-bought rotisserie chicken or leftover shredded beef instead of making birria from scratch.
• Double the consommé recipe and freeze extra for future use—it’s perfect for tacos, soups, or even dipping sandwiches.
• For an ultra-crispy crust, par-bake the dough for 5 minutes before adding the toppings.

Recipe Variations

• Vegan Option: Substitute the birria with seasoned jackfruit and use vegan cheese.
• Cheesy Birria Pizza: Add a mix of cheeses, like cheddar, Monterey Jack, and Oaxaca, for extra cheesiness.
• Spicy Birria Pizza: Sprinkle diced jalapeños or drizzle with hot sauce for an extra kick.

Freezing and Storage

• Storage: Store leftover pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Freeze fully assembled and baked pizzas. Reheat directly from frozen at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes.
• Reheating: Reheat pizza slices in the oven or air fryer for a crispy crust.

Healthier Twist Ideas

• Use whole wheat pizza dough for added fiber and nutrients.
• Substitute half the mozzarella with a lower-fat cheese to reduce calories.
• Add vegetables like bell peppers or spinach to the toppings for a nutrient boost.

Serving Suggestions for Events

• Serve Crispy Oven-Baked Birria Pizza as the centerpiece of a Mexican-Italian fusion dinner party.
• Pair with a light side salad dressed with lime vinaigrette to balance the richness of the pizza.
• Offer margaritas or Mexican beers to complement the bold flavors of the birria.

Special Equipment

• Pizza stone or baking sheet for a crispy crust.
• Blender for making the birria sauce.
• Rolling pin for shaping the pizza dough.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Can I use store-bought birria?
Yes! Many stores and restaurants sell pre-made birria, which is a convenient option for this recipe.

Q2: What if I don’t have a pizza stone?
Use a heavy-duty baking sheet and preheat it in the oven for similar results.

Q3: Can I use a different type of meat?
Absolutely! Chicken, lamb, pork, or goat are excellent alternatives to beef in this recipe.

Q4: Is birria consommé necessary?
The consommé adds authentic flavor to the pizza, but you can substitute it with enchilada sauce or a seasoned tomato sauce.

Q5: Can I make the pizza dough from scratch?
Yes, homemade dough adds an extra layer of freshness. Prepare it ahead of time to save effort during assembly.

Q6: How do I prevent the pizza from becoming soggy?
Brush a thin layer of consommé on the dough and avoid overloading with toppings. Baking at a high temperature also helps.

Q7: Can I cook this on a grill instead of the oven?
Yes, grilling the pizza on a hot grill gives it a smoky flavor and crispy texture.

Q8: Can I make this pizza gluten-free?
Use a gluten-free pizza dough and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.

Conclusion

Crispy Oven-Baked Birria Pizza is a creative and delicious fusion dish that showcases the rich flavors of Mexican birria in a unique way. With its bold consommé-infused crust, tender shredded meat, and gooey melted cheese, this pizza is a guaranteed hit for any occasion. Whether you’re entertaining guests, repurposing leftover birria, or simply craving something different, this recipe will not disappoint. Try it today and enjoy the magic of combining two beloved cuisines into one unforgettable dish!

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