Sweet & Savory Chorizo Onion Pizza

If you’ve never experienced the unparalleled delight of a deep dish cast iron pizza, then prepare for a culinary revelation! This Chorizo and Caramelized Onion Skillet Pizza recipe combines the irresistible sweetness of slow-cooked caramelized onions with the vibrant, spicy kick of chorizo sausage, all nestled on a soft, wonderfully fluffy whole wheat pizza crust. It’s a harmonious blend of flavors and textures that will redefine your homemade pizza experience.

*Please note* this post was originally published in 2018. I’ve since redone the text but the recipe remains the same, a timeless classic worth revisiting.

As the winter chill persists, with temperatures plummeting to -25°C here in Calgary, thoughts of warmer days and outdoor dining become a vivid dream. It’s only January, yet the post-holiday blues have me yearning for the freedom of summer, envisioning afternoons spent in the backyard, sipping a cold drink under the sun. While those sun-drenched days may still be a few months away (and likely filled with the delightful chaos of a new baby!), I find comfort in hearty, warming meals that turn my kitchen into a cozy sanctuary. This exceptional Cast Iron Caramelized Onion and Chorizo Pizza is exactly the kind of satisfying dish that makes cold evenings bearable, much like my beloved lazy perogies.

Unveiling the Magic of Cast Iron Pizza: A Deep Dish Delight

If you’ve yet to discover the sheer brilliance of cooking pizza in a cast iron skillet, allow me to enthusiastically encourage you to try it! This method creates the most exquisitely crisp, deep-dish style crust you could ever imagine. The secret lies in adding a generous amount of oil to the bottom of the skillet. This oil, combined with the intense heat of the cast iron, works wonders, frying the crust to a golden perfection that delivers that coveted, authentic take-out taste right in your home kitchen. It truly is a game-changer, elevating homemade pizza to an entirely new level. My wonderful neighbors introduced me to this technique last summer, and it has since become a regular fixture in our meal rotation. This Chorizo and Caramelized Onion Skillet Pizza, in particular, has quickly become a family favorite, especially with the kids who are always enthusiastic about sausage on their pizza!

Beyond the incredible texture, a cast iron skillet offers superior heat retention and distribution, ensuring your pizza cooks evenly from the center to the edges. This means no soggy bottoms and a consistently delicious bite every time. The rustic charm of serving a piping hot pizza directly from the skillet also adds to the dining experience, making any meal feel special. It’s a simple technique that yields profoundly delicious results, transforming a familiar dish into something extraordinary.

Mastering the Flavor: How to Make Cast Iron Chorizo Pizza

The journey to this delectable cast iron pizza begins with the caramelized onions. This step is non-negotiable and utterly transforms the pizza’s flavor profile. While caramelizing onions demands patience – typically around an hour – the rich, sweet, and deeply savory notes they impart are absolutely worth every minute. I often caramelize a larger batch of onions at once, as they are incredibly versatile. They keep well in the fridge and can be reheated for sandwiches, burgers, or as a luxurious topping for almost anything. Their velvety texture and profound sweetness provide a perfect counterpoint to the spicy chorizo, making them indispensable for this recipe.

To achieve perfectly caramelized onions, use a wide skillet (cast iron or stainless steel works best) over medium-low heat. The key is slow cooking, allowing the natural sugars in the onions to develop and brown without burning. Stir them every 8-10 minutes, scraping up any “fond” (the browned bits) that collect at the bottom of the pan, as these bits are packed with flavor. Once they reach a beautiful golden-brown color and a soft, jam-like consistency, a splash of red wine, balsamic vinegar, or even water can be used to deglaze the pan, capturing all those precious flavors. Let them cool slightly, and they’re ready to make your pizza unforgettable.

Crafting the Ultimate Whole Wheat Pizza Crust

For the foundation of this incredible pizza, I rely on my tried-and-true whole wheat pizza dough recipe. However, feel free to use any 12-inch pizza dough recipe you’re comfortable with. My recipe calls for 100% whole wheat flour, which might sound dense, but when combined with the generous olive oil in the cast iron skillet and the high baking temperature, it yields a remarkably light, fluffy dough with an unbelievably crispy, golden crunch. I confess, I’m usually one to leave the crusty edges of a pizza behind, but with this cast iron creation, I savor every single bite!

The whole wheat flour adds a lovely nutty depth of flavor and additional fiber, making this pizza a more wholesome option without sacrificing taste or texture. If you prefer a lighter crust, you can certainly substitute all-purpose flour for the whole wheat flour, or use a 50/50 blend of both. The dough preparation method remains the same, ensuring a consistent and delicious result regardless of your flour choice. The important thing is to let the yeast proof properly and give the dough ample time to rise, creating that perfect airy interior.

Assembling Your Flavorful Masterpiece: Topping with Chorizo and More

Once your dough is ready and onions are caramelized, the rest of the toppings are delightfully simple and entirely customizable. While you can certainly opt for a different meat if chorizo isn’t your preference, I highly recommend a spicy sausage. The robust, smoky heat of chorizo creates an exquisite contrast with the deep sweetness of the caramelized onions and the salty tang of crumbled feta cheese. This dynamic flavor combination is what makes this cast iron pizza truly sing!

Start with a thin, even layer of quality tomato paste, which provides a concentrated tomato flavor without making the crust soggy. A sprinkle of chili flakes adds an extra layer of warmth and complements the chorizo beautifully. Next, generously spread shredded mozzarella cheese, followed by your cooked and crumbled (or sliced) chorizo sausage, thinly sliced green bell pepper, and finally, the crumbled feta and those glorious caramelized onions. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, building layers of flavor and texture that result in a pizza that is both comforting and exciting. This easy-to-assemble, flavor-packed pizza will have you reaching for it over any store-bought frozen option in no time.

FAQs and Pro Tips for Your Cast Iron Pizza

Can I double the recipe for this chorizo pizza?

Yes, absolutely! This recipe is easily doubled. If you’re fortunate enough to own two cast iron skillets of similar size, you can prepare and bake both pizzas simultaneously, making it ideal for feeding a crowd or ensuring you have leftovers. If you only have one skillet, simply bake one pizza, carefully slide it out onto a cutting board, and then immediately prepare and bake the second one. The skillet retains heat exceptionally well, making it efficient for back-to-back baking.

Do you have to use a cast iron skillet for the pizza?

While a cast iron skillet is highly recommended for achieving that signature deep-dish crispness, it’s not strictly mandatory. If you don’t have a cast iron skillet or simply prefer not to use it, you can certainly bake this pizza on a pizza stone or a standard circular pizza pan. The cooking time will remain approximately the same, but you’ll want to keep a close eye on the crust, as it might brown differently. Additionally, if you’re not using a cast iron skillet, you will need significantly less oil on the bottom of your pan, as the non-stick properties and heat retention will differ.

How long does leftover pizza last?

Any leftover pizza can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. For best results when reheating, a toaster oven or a warm skillet will help restore some of that lovely crispness to the crust, far better than a microwave.

Fridays, or any day for that matter, are made for pizza, aren’t they?! While I might still be dreaming of eating this masterpiece in my sunny backyard, for now, I’ll happily settle for my cozy slippers and an extra layer of warmth indoors. Every bite is a delightful reminder that simple pleasures, like a perfectly made homemade pizza, can bring immense joy even on the chilliest days. Happy weekending, and happy baking!

Also, be sure to check out some of my other favorite chorizo and pizza recipes from the blog:

• gluten-free zucchini pizza
• pear and goat cheese pizza
• chorizo frittata
• queso fundido with chorizo

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