Crispy Oven-Baked Birria Pizza

Name: Crispy Oven-Baked Birria Pizza
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 1 h 20 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 lb fresh pizza dough, store-bough or homemade — you can definitely make your own, but most grocery stores sell fresh dough in the refrigerated section near shredded cheeses; Cornmeal, about 2-3 Tbsp; 1½ cups birria consommé, divided; 2 cups shredded Oaxaca or Mozzarella cheese; 1½ cups leftover beef birria; ½ medium red onion or white onion, peeled halved, and thinly sliced into half moons; Fresh cilantro, for serving; Lime wedges, optional for serving

By funsmagcom@gmail.com

August 18, 2024

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Crispy Oven-Baked Birria Pizza

Birria pizza is a mouthwatering fusion of Mexican flavors and Italian culinary tradition, bringing together the richness of birria with the comfort of crispy, oven-baked pizza. This unique dish combines tender, slow-cooked birria, savory consomé, melty cheese, and a crispy pizza crust to create a truly unforgettable dining experience. Whether you’re a fan of traditional Mexican cuisine or a pizza lover looking for something new, crispy oven-baked birria pizza is sure to become a favorite.

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What is Birria?

Birria is a traditional Mexican dish, originally from the state of Jalisco. It’s a savory stew, typically made with goat or beef, that’s slow-cooked until the meat is tender and flavorful. The dish is deeply seasoned with a blend of spices like dried chilies, garlic, cumin, and oregano, creating a rich and complex flavor profile.

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Birria is often served with consomé, a flavorful broth made from the juices of the cooked meat, and it’s commonly enjoyed as a taco filling. Recently, birria tacos, often dipped in consomé, have become incredibly popular, leading to the creation of innovative dishes like birria pizza.

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Why Birria Pizza?

Combining birria with pizza creates a unique culinary experience that marries the best of both worlds. The crispy pizza crust serves as the perfect base for the juicy, flavorful birria, and when topped with melty cheese and fresh herbs, it becomes a dish that’s hard to resist. The consomé can be used as a dipping sauce, adding an extra layer of richness to each bite.

Birria pizza is perfect for those who love bold flavors and are looking for a creative twist on traditional dishes. It’s a great way to enjoy the flavors of birria in a new and exciting form.

Ingredients for Crispy Oven-Baked Birria Pizza

To make a delicious birria pizza, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Birria:

Beef: 2 pounds of beef chuck roast, cut into chunks (you can also use a mix of beef shank, short ribs, or brisket).
Dried Chilies: 3 dried guajillo chilies, 2 dried ancho chilies, and 2 dried pasilla chilies.
Tomatoes: 2 medium ripe tomatoes, roughly chopped.
Onion: 1 large white onion, chopped.
Garlic: 5 cloves of garlic, peeled.
Spices: 1 tablespoon of cumin, 1 tablespoon of dried oregano, 2 bay leaves, 1 cinnamon stick, and 1 teaspoon of ground black pepper.
Vinegar: 1/4 cup of white vinegar.
Beef Broth: 4 cups of beef broth or water.
Salt and Pepper: To taste.

For the Pizza:

Pizza Dough: 1 pound of pizza dough (store-bought or homemade).
Cheese: 2 cups of shredded Oaxaca or mozzarella cheese.
Onion: 1 small red onion, thinly sliced.
Cilantro: 1/2 cup of fresh cilantro, chopped.
Lime: 1 lime, cut into wedges.
Birria Consomé: Reserved from cooking the birria, for dipping.

Step-by-Step Recipe for Crispy Oven-Baked Birria Pizza

Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s walk through the process of making crispy oven-baked birria pizza from start to finish.

Step 1: Prepare the Birria

1. Rehydrate the Chilies

Start by removing the stems and seeds from the dried chilies. Place the chilies in a bowl and cover them with hot water. Let them soak for about 15-20 minutes, or until they are soft and pliable.

2. Blend the Marinade

In a blender, combine the soaked chilies (drained), chopped tomatoes, onion, garlic, cumin, oregano, bay leaves, cinnamon stick, black pepper, and white vinegar. Blend until smooth. You may need to add a little water to help the blending process.

3. Marinate the Beef

Season the beef chunks with salt and pepper. Place the beef in a large mixing bowl and pour the chili marinade over it. Make sure the beef is well-coated with the marinade. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for the best flavor.

4. Slow-Cook the Birria

Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Transfer the marinated beef to a large Dutch oven or heavy oven-safe pot. Add the beef broth, making sure the meat is mostly submerged. Cover the pot with a lid and cook in the preheated oven for 3-4 hours, or until the beef is fork-tender and falls apart easily.

5. Shred the Beef and Reserve the Consomé

Once the beef is done, remove it from the pot and use two forks to shred it into bite-sized pieces. Strain the cooking liquid to remove any solids and reserve it as consomé for dipping.

Step 2: Prepare the Pizza Dough

1. Preheat Your Oven and Pizza Stone

Preheat your oven to its highest temperature (usually around 500°F or 260°C) and place a pizza stone inside to heat up. If you don’t have a pizza stone, you can use a baking sheet.

2. Roll Out the Dough

On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pizza dough into a round or rectangular shape, depending on your preference. Aim for a thickness of about 1/4 inch (6 mm) for a crispy crust.

3. Par-Bake the Dough

Carefully transfer the rolled-out dough to a piece of parchment paper. Slide the dough (with the parchment) onto the preheated pizza stone or baking sheet. Par-bake the dough in the oven for about 5-7 minutes, or until it starts to set and develop a slight crust.

Step 3: Assemble and Bake the Birria Pizza

1. Add the Cheese and Birria

Remove the par-baked pizza crust from the oven. Evenly distribute the shredded cheese over the crust, leaving a small border around the edges. Next, scatter the shredded birria beef over the cheese.

2. Bake the Pizza

Return the pizza to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and crispy, and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

3. Garnish the Pizza

Once the pizza is baked to perfection, remove it from the oven. Sprinkle the thinly sliced red onion and chopped cilantro over the top. Squeeze fresh lime juice over the pizza for a burst of citrusy flavor.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

1. Slice and Serve

Slice the pizza into wedges or squares and serve it hot. The crispy crust, tender birria, and melted cheese make for an irresistible combination.

2. Dip in Consomé

Serve the reserved consomé in small bowls on the side. Dip each slice of birria pizza into the consomé for an extra layer of rich, savory flavor.

Tips for the Perfect Birria Pizza

Creating the perfect birria pizza requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to help you achieve the best results:

1. Use the Right Cut of Meat

For the most tender and flavorful birria, choose a cut of beef with a good amount of marbling, such as chuck roast or short ribs. The fat content will help keep the meat moist and add depth to the flavor.

2. Marinate for Maximum Flavor

While you can marinate the beef for as little as 2 hours, marinating it overnight will give the birria an even deeper, more complex flavor.

3. Par-Bake the Crust

Par-baking the pizza crust before adding the toppings helps prevent it from becoming soggy. This step is especially important when using juicy toppings like birria.

4. Don’t Overload the Pizza

While it might be tempting to pile on the toppings, be careful not to overload the pizza. Too many toppings can make the pizza heavy and prevent the crust from cooking evenly.

5. Serve with Consomé

The consomé is a crucial part of the birria experience. Make sure to serve it on the side for dipping. The rich broth adds a burst of flavor that complements the pizza perfectly.

Variations and Customizations

Birria pizza is a versatile dish that can be customized to suit your taste preferences. Here are some ideas for variations:

1. Cheese Choices

While Oaxaca cheese is traditional, you can use mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even a blend of cheeses for a different flavor profile.

2. Spice Level

If you enjoy a bit of heat, add some sliced jalapeños or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes to the pizza before baking.

3. Additional Toppings

Add extra toppings like sliced avocado, pickled red onions, or fresh arugula for added texture and flavor.

4. Meat Alternatives

While beef is the traditional choice for birria, you can experiment with other meats like lamb, pork, or chicken. Each will bring a unique flavor to the pizza.

5. Gluten-Free Crust

For a gluten-free option, use a gluten-free pizza dough or cauliflower crust. The toppings will still shine on a gluten-free base.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

Birria pizza is a hearty dish that can stand on its own, but you can also serve it with side dishes and drinks to create a complete meal.

Side Dishes:

Mexican Rice: A side of Mexican rice complements the flavors of the birria and adds a satisfying texture.
Refried Beans: Creamy refried beans are a classic Mexican side dish that pairs well with the rich flavors of the pizza.
Guacamole and Chips: Serve fresh guacamole with tortilla chips for a light and refreshing contrast to the hearty pizza.

Beverage Pairings:

Mexican Beer: A cold Mexican beer like Modelo, Pacifico, or Corona is the perfect beverage to wash down a slice of birria pizza.
Margarita: A classic margarita, with its tart lime flavor, pairs beautifully with the savory and spicy notes of the birria.
Horchata: For a non-alcoholic option, try horchata, a sweet and creamy rice-based drink that balances the bold flavors of the pizza.

Conclusion

Crispy oven-baked birria pizza is a delicious and creative way to enjoy the rich, complex flavors of birria in a new format. This dish brings together the best of Mexican and Italian cuisine, creating a fusion that’s both satisfying and full of flavor. Whether you’re serving it at a casual dinner with friends or as a show-stopping dish for a special occasion, birria pizza is sure to impress.

With a little time and effort, you can create this flavorful dish at home and enjoy the perfect combination of crispy pizza crust, tender birria beef, and melted cheese. Don’t forget the consomé for dipping – it’s the finishing touch that takes this pizza to the next level.

So why not try something new for your next pizza night? Crispy oven-baked birria pizza might just become your new favorite way to enjoy pizza!

Yield: 4