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Overhead view of pineapple red chili cilantro pizza with golden crust, fresh herbs, and spicy chilies on a wooden board

Pineapple, Red Chili & Cilantro Pizza

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 34 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Keyword: CaliforniaPizza, LAPizza, LAStylePizza, pineapplepizza, Pizza, SpicyPizza
Servings: 4 people
Author: Jay Trabelsi

Ingredients

Dough:

  • 1 ball of pizza dough about 10 oz, homemade or store-bought
  • Flour for dusting

Sauce:

  • 1/3 cup tomato passata or pizza sauce
  • 1 garlic clove finely grated
  • 1/2 tsp chili flakes optional

Toppings:

  • 3/4 cup fresh pineapple cut into small chunks
  • 1 red chili pepper thinly sliced (Fresno or Thai chili recommended)
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/4 cup red onion thinly sliced
  • Fresh cilantro leaves a handful
  • Olive oil for drizzling
  • Sea salt and cracked black pepper to taste
  • Optional: chili oil or hot honey for drizzling after baking

Instructions

Preparation:

  • Preheat your oven to 500°F (260°C) or as hot as it can go. If using a pizza stone, preheat it in the oven as well.
  • Lightly flour a clean surface and stretch or roll out the dough to a 10–12 inch circle. Place it on parchment paper for easy handling.
  • Lightly char the pineapple chunks in a dry skillet or grill pan for 2–3 minutes, just until slightly caramelized. Set aside.
  • In a small bowl, mix the tomato passata with grated garlic and chili flakes (if using). Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.

Assembly:

  • Spread the sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border for the crust.
  • Sprinkle mozzarella over the sauce, then scatter on the pineapple, red onion, and sliced red chili.
  • Carefully transfer the pizza to the hot pizza stone or baking sheet.
  • Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbling and slightly browned.
  • Remove from the oven and immediately top with fresh cilantro leaves and a drizzle of olive oil—or chili oil/hot honey if you’re feeling spicy.

Notes

  • Balance is key: If you’re spice-sensitive, use less chili or choose a milder pepper like red jalapeño.
  • Add protein: Grilled chicken or shrimp pairs wonderfully with this tropical-spicy flavor.
  • Make it vegan: Swap out the mozzarella for your favorite vegan cheese.
  • Make ahead tip: Char and store the pineapple in the fridge a day ahead to save time.
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