What is Hot Oil Pizza and How to Make it

A Spicy and Savory Delight for Pizza Lovers

Pizza so good, so hot and spicy that it feels like a fiery party in your mouth. Ever tasted something like that? Well, If not, you cannot miss out the oh-so-yum delight of hot oil pizza. 

Hot oil pizza is a thin-crust pizza topped with its main ingredient hot chili oil. Hot chili oil is made with a blend of hot pepper, garlic, and other spices that gives hot oil pizza a spicy kick. This pizza originated in Connecticut state of United States. 

This pizza variety has absolutely rocked the pizza world and If you’re wondering If you could make one? I’d say: You legit can! It’s extremely simple to make. You need pizza dough, some chili oil, some garlic, and a whole lot of cheese, and there! you’ve got yourself covered for the hot oil pizza recipe.

In this blog, we will delve deeper into the nooks of hot oil pizza, its history, and how to make one for yourself at home. 

What is Hot Oil Pizza?

Hot oil pizza is prepared by drizzling a chile oil mixture on the pizza either before or after baking. Chili flakes, garlic, and oil are the traditional ingredients in the chili oil blend. You can also freely customize this seasoning blend according to your need by adding or subtracting components like dry herbs, black pepper, and Parmesan cheese.

The origins of hot oil pizza are somewhat unclear, but it is believed to have originated in the northeastern United States, specifically in New Jersey. It has made its way in pizzerias nationwide and has gained a devoted following.

However, If you wish to make it at home, you totally can. This is a very simple pizza recipe made with a few easily available ingredients. So, let’s get Italian and cook hot oil pizza with the recipe below: 

How to Make Hot Oil Pizza

Making hot oil pizza is fairly easy, and you can customize it to your liking. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to make hot oil pizza at home:

Ingredients

  • Pizza dough (store-bought or homemade
  • Tomato sauce
  • Mozzarella cheese
  • Chili flakes
  • Garlic cloves
  • Olive oil
  • Salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 450°F.
  2. Roll out your hot oil pizza dough on a lightly floured surface.
  3. Spread tomato sauce on the dough, leaving about an inch of space around the edge.
  4. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the sauce.
  5. Heat 1/2 cup of olive oil over medium heat in a small saucepan.
  6. Add 2-3 minced garlic cloves to the oil and stir for 30 seconds.
  7. Add 1-2 teaspoons of chili flakes to the oil and stir for another 30 seconds.
  8. Remove the chili oil mixture from the heat and let it cool.
  9. Drizzle the chili oil mixture over the pizza, and spread it evenly.
  10. Bake the pizza in the oven for 10-12 minutes or until the crust is crispy and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  11. Pull the pizza from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

Tips for Making Hot Oil Pizza

  • Use a pizza stone or a baking sheet for cooking your pizza to evenly distribute heat across the pizza 
  • There is no hardcore rule for baking a hot oil pizza. Adjust the amount of chili flakes and garlic as per your taste preferences 
  • You can ramp up your pizza by adding different toppings, such as sliced onions, peppers, or mushrooms.
  • Serve the hot oil pizza with a side of ranch dressing or blue cheese dressing to balance the spiciness.
  • When rolling out the dough, it is advisable to sprinkle cornmeal on the cutting board, so the dough does not stick.
  • To avoid messing your clothes with oil drips, it is recommended that you flip your slice over before eating it due to the way it is prepared.
  • Here is an idea: Hot oil, one of Pizza Hut’s original pizzas, has a thin crust cooked in oil rather than in an oven, you can try this as well.
  • Hot oil pizza gets even more flavorsome with the right choice of toppings, although you can go for any kind of toppings, pepperoni, and sausage are the most common.
  • If you are cooking cheese burst, a version of hot oil pizza, then you should load the crust with cheese. It melts when heated, making the pizza even more delicious. 
  • Use a quality dough that would make a sturdy crust for holding the hot oil.
  • Avoid soggy crust, put a light layer of sauce. 

The Best Toppings For Hot Oil Pizza

Unique and savory, hot oil pizza is normally created with a considerable amount of spicy oil drizzled over a freshly cooked pizza. While hot oil pizza can be enjoyed on its own, toppings can kick up your whole pizza game. Here are some of the greatest toppings for pizza cooked in hot oil:

  • Spicy sausage- Hot oil pizza ought to be spicy, yet adding spicy sausage is an excellent way of complimenting the heat and enhancing the flavor.
  • Peppers- Whether you prefer bell peppers, jalapenos, or banana peppers, slicing some peppers and putting them on your hot oil pizza will provide color and texture.
  • Onions- Onions are a classic pizza topping that goes well with any pizza, especially pizza made with hot oil.
  • Mushrooms- If you enjoy mushrooms, adding sautéed mushrooms to your pizza with heated oil will give it a rich, earthy flavor that nicely matches the spicy oil.
  • Pepperoni- It is a popular pizza topping that pairs nicely with virtually any pie, and hot oil pizza is no exception.
  • Garlic- Garlic is an essential pizza ingredient and is especially great on hot oil pizza. Depending on your preference, you may use fresh or roasted garlic.
  • Cheese- Lastly, no pizza is complete without cheese, and the same holds true for a hot oil pizza. Mozzarella is a typical cheese that works well on pizza made with hot oil, but you can also experiment with provolone, Parmesan, and even feta.

When it comes to toppings for hot oil pizza, experimenting can never fail. Don’t be afraid to mix and match with various topping combinations to get the ideal pizza.

Things to Consider When Making Pizza

  1. To prepare pizza, you will need a saucepan with a lid.
  2. Pour 1-2 inches of oil into the pot and place it on the fire over medium heat.
  3. Once the ideal oil temperature is attained, carefully place the dough in the oil.
  4. Fried the dough for two to three minutes per side. It is done as the dough becomes golden brown and begins to float.

Conclusion

It is easy to see why pizza cooked in hot oil is such a famous meal in many different regions of Italy. The humble pie crisp of the crust, the dripping cheese, and the savory spice complimented with spicy oil drip make this pizza impossible to resist. 

Hot oil pizza is a spicy and flavorsome twist on the classic pizza recipe that everyone adores! Hence, if you are seeking a simple dinner plan that will delight everyone in the family, you should try the recipe for hot oil pizza tonight. You’ll be glad you did!