Tejas Chipotle Pizza: A Spicy Southwest-Inspired Delight
Description:
The Tejas Chipotle Pizza is a bold and vibrant recipe that blends the smoky heat of chipotle peppers with the rich creaminess of jalapeño jack cheese. It’s a zesty, southwestern take on a classic pizza, making it perfect for those who enjoy a little extra spice in their meals. This recipe combines ground turkey, sautéed vegetables, and a smoky chipotle sauce on a crispy crust. Served with a side of fresh green salad, it makes for a delightful meal that’s quick and easy to prepare.
This pizza has a fantastic balance of spicy and savory flavors, with an optional tweak of using two cans of crescent rolls to create a thicker, more substantial crust. You can also switch things up by making this recipe on a traditional pizza crust or even turn it into quesadillas for a fun variation. Whether you’re making this for a busy weeknight dinner or a party treat, this pizza is sure to impress!
Ingredients for Tejas Chipotle Pizza
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Ground turkey | 1 lb |
| Olive oil | 1 tbsp |
| Garlic clove, minced | 1 clove |
| Frozen peas | 1/2 cup |
| Frozen corn | 1/2 cup |
| Zucchini, chopped | 1/2 medium |
| Onion, chopped | 1/2 medium |
| Bell pepper, chopped | 1/2 medium |
| Red bell pepper, chopped | 1/4 medium |
| Fresh black pepper | 1/2 tsp |
| Fresh sage, chopped | 1/2 tbsp |
| Honey | 1/2 tbsp |
| Salt | 1 tsp |
| Chipotle chile in adobo | 1 whole |
| Adobo sauce | 1 tbsp |
| Jalapeño Jack cheese, grated | 1 1/2 cups |
| Crescent rolls (for dough) | 8 oz (2 cans) |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 376.2 kcal |
| Fat | 17.7 g |
| Saturated Fat | 7.5 g |
| Cholesterol | 86.3 mg |
| Sodium | 397.3 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 31.2 g |
| Fiber | 3.1 g |
| Sugar | 4.2 g |
| Protein | 23.7 g |
Instructions for Making Tejas Chipotle Pizza
-
Brown the Turkey:
Start by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground turkey and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned and fully cooked. Drain the excess fat and set the turkey aside. -
Sauté the Vegetables:
In the same skillet, add olive oil and sauté the garlic, peas, corn, zucchini, onion, bell pepper, and red bell pepper. Cook until the vegetables are tender and fragrant, about 5–7 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking. -
Add the Flavors:
Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the chipotle chile, sage, adobo sauce, salt, honey, and 4 oz of grated jalapeño jack cheese. Mix everything well to ensure the cheese melts and coats the veggies and turkey, creating a flavorful filling. -
Prepare the Dough:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a pizza pan with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Open the cans of crescent rolls and unroll them onto a clean surface. Form a rectangle by pressing the seams of the crescent rolls together. Using a rolling pin, gently roll the dough into a freeform circle (you can use a little flour if necessary to prevent sticking). -
Shape the Pizza:
Transfer the dough onto the prepared pizza pan. Gently press the dough into the pan, shaping it as evenly as possible, ensuring the dough covers the pan entirely. -
Assemble the Pizza:
Spoon the turkey and vegetable mixture onto the dough, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining 4 oz of grated jalapeño jack cheese on top of the mixture. Make sure the cheese is evenly distributed for a melty, gooey finish. -
Bake the Pizza:
Place the pizza into the preheated oven and bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly. -
Serve:
Once baked, remove the pizza from the oven and allow it to stand for about 5 minutes. This will help it set and make slicing easier. -
Slice and Enjoy:
Cut the pizza into 8 wedges, serve, and enjoy the spicy, southwest-inspired flavors of your Tejas Chipotle Pizza.
Tips and Variations:
- Crust Options: If you prefer a thicker, more substantial crust, consider using two cans of crescent rolls, which will prevent the dough from being too thin. Alternatively, you can use a pre-made pizza dough or a gluten-free crust for a different twist.
- Add More Heat: If you’re a fan of extra spice, consider adding some finely chopped fresh jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the turkey mixture for even more heat.
- Vegetable Variations: Feel free to mix up the vegetables based on what you have on hand. Bell peppers, onions, and zucchini are key here, but you can also add mushrooms, spinach, or other favorites to suit your taste.
- Make it a Quesadilla: If you’re looking for a fun twist, you can spread the meat and vegetable mixture on tortillas, sprinkle with cheese, and fold them into quesadillas. Grill until crispy and golden for a portable version of this dish.
Serving Suggestions:
This pizza pairs beautifully with a simple green salad dressed with olive oil and lemon juice to balance the spiciness. If you’re serving it for a casual gathering, try it alongside a cool cucumber or avocado salad. For dessert, a light sorbet or fresh fruit would be a great way to cleanse the palate after the heat of this flavorful dish.
Enjoy your spicy, southwestern Tejas Chipotle Pizza, and don’t forget to share it with friends and family for a unique and tasty meal!
This Tejas Chipotle Pizza offers a delicious and hearty combination of flavors that will bring a southwest flair to your next meal. Its quick preparation time makes it perfect for busy weeknights, and with the option to adjust the crust or toppings, it can be customized to suit everyone’s preferences. Whether you stick with the classic crescent roll crust or try something different, this pizza will be sure to impress with its smoky, spicy, and savory profile.
