There is something absolutely magical about combining the rich, slow-cooked flavors of birria beef with the irresistible crunch of a perfectly baked crust in this Crispy Oven-Baked Birria Pizza Recipe. This dish brings together the best of Mexican-American fusion—a golden, crispy pizza crust layered with melty cheeses, tender birria beef, and aromatic spices, all finished off with a drizzle of warm consommé that elevates every bite. Whether you have leftover birria or want to indulge in a flavorful twist on your classic pizza night, this recipe promises a comforting and wildly delicious experience that’s sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make the Crispy Oven-Baked Birria Pizza Recipe, you’ll want some straightforward ingredients that each play an important role in bringing the dish to life. From the soft mozzarella and Oaxaca cheeses that provide gooey goodness to the spices that awaken your taste buds, every component is essential.
- Prepared pizza dough: Your base for crispy, golden crust—store-bought or homemade works beautifully.
- Shredded birria beef (pre-cooked): The star protein full of savory, slow-cooked flavor.
- Birria consommé: Adds an aromatic, rich drizzle that keeps the pizza moist and flavorful.
- Mozzarella cheese: Melts perfectly for that classic pizza stretch and creaminess.
- Oaxaca or Monterey Jack cheese: Offers a smooth, mild flavor that pairs wonderfully with mozzarella.
- Thinly sliced red onions: Bring a sharp, fresh bite and subtle crunch.
- Chopped fresh cilantro: Adds a bright herbal note to finish the pizza.
- Chili powder: Sprinkled on the crust for a touch of smoky heat.
- Cumin: Enhances the earthiness of the birria flavors on the pizza.
- Olive oil: Helps achieve that golden crust and keeps the dough moist during baking.
- Lime wedges (optional): A fresh squeeze just before eating balances the richness with zesty brightness.
How to Make Crispy Oven-Baked Birria Pizza Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Begin by heating your oven to a sizzling 475°F. This high temperature ensures a crispy crust that still stays soft inside. Place a pizza stone or baking sheet in the oven to get it nice and hot—this little trick mimics professional pizza ovens and is essential for achieving that coveted crunch.
Step 2: Shape and Season the Dough
On a lightly floured surface, roll out your pizza dough into a 12-inch circle. Transferring it to parchment paper makes handling the pizza much easier. Brush the surface with olive oil to encourage browning and add a subtle richness. Then, lightly sprinkle the chili powder and cumin over the dough to infuse early layers of spicy, earthy flavor, building a foundation for the toppings.
Step 3: Layer the Cheese and Birria
Now, the fun part: sprinkle the mozzarella and Oaxaca cheeses evenly over the dough to create a decadent, melty layer. Next, distribute the shredded birria beef in a way that each bite gets that rich, tender meat. Scatter the thinly sliced red onions on top—they add a perfect contrast in texture and a mild sharpness that elevates the whole pie.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Carefully slide the parchment paper along with your pizza onto the preheated stone or baking sheet. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the crust is beautifully golden and the cheese bubbles enticingly. The high heat and hot surface help form that crispy crust every great pizza deserves.
Step 5: Final Touches
Once out of the oven, drizzle the warm birria consommé over the pizza—this step is what makes the Crispy Oven-Baked Birria Pizza Recipe truly sensational. Finish with a generous sprinkle of chopped cilantro for an herby freshness and serve immediately with lime wedges on the side for a zesty pop if you like.
How to Serve Crispy Oven-Baked Birria Pizza Recipe
Garnishes
A simple sprinkle of fresh cilantro adds color and a bright herbal note that balances the pizza’s rich and meaty intensity. Lime wedges served alongside invite each eater to customize their experience with a fresh, citrusy zing that cuts through the richness beautifully.
Side Dishes
Serve your pizza alongside light, complementary sides like a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or a simple Mexican street corn salad to keep the meal vibrant. These sides add layers of texture and freshness, keeping the whole meal balanced and exciting.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun party twist, cut the pizza into smaller squares for easy sharing or create individual mini pizzas with the same ingredients. Another idea is to offer small bowls of birria consommé for dipping each slice, giving your guests control over how much soulful sauce they want to enjoy with their pizza.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers from your Crispy Oven-Baked Birria Pizza Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep well for up to 3 days, maintaining their delicious flavors and textures.
Freezing
While the pizza is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze baked slices wrapped tightly in foil or plastic wrap. Freeze for up to one month and thaw in the fridge before reheating to keep the crust from becoming soggy.
Reheating
To bring back that irresistible crispiness on leftover pizza, reheat slices in a hot oven or toaster oven at 375°F for about 8 minutes. Avoid microwaving when possible, as it tends to make the crust chewy instead of crunchy.
FAQs
Can I use fresh birria beef for this pizza?
Absolutely! Using fresh birria beef will infuse your pizza with incredible flavors. Just make sure it’s well shredded and drained of excess juices to prevent the crust from becoming soggy.
What can I substitute for Oaxaca cheese?
If Oaxaca cheese is hard to find, Monterey Jack or a mild mozzarella are excellent substitutes that melt well and complement the beef beautifully.
Is it necessary to use a pizza stone?
While a pizza stone helps achieve the crispest crust by evenly distributing heat, a preheated baking sheet works as a practical alternative if you don’t have one.
Can I add extra toppings to my birria pizza?
Of course! Jalapeños, sliced avocado, or even a drizzle of hot sauce can add extra heat and texture, making the pizza uniquely yours.
How spicy is the Crispy Oven-Baked Birria Pizza Recipe?
The spice level is moderate thanks to the chili powder and cumin, but it can be easily adjusted up or down depending on your preference by adding more or less chili powder or by serving with spicy salsa on the side.
Final Thoughts
This Crispy Oven-Baked Birria Pizza Recipe is a game-changer that marries the warmth of birria beef with the comforting charm of pizza in the most delicious way. It’s easy to prepare, impressive to serve, and absolutely satisfying to eat. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and savor every crispy, cheesy, flavorful bite that has quickly become one of my absolute favorites!
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Crispy Oven-Baked Birria Pizza Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Description
This Crispy Oven-Baked Birria Pizza combines the rich, flavorful shredded birria beef with melty mozzarella and Oaxaca cheeses on a perfectly crisp pizza crust. Drizzled with warm birria consommé and garnished with fresh cilantro and red onions, this Mexican-American fusion dish is a delicious way to transform leftover birria into a comforting, indulgent main course.
Ingredients
Pizza Base
- 1 prepared pizza dough (about 12-inch)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cumin
Toppings
- 1 cup shredded birria beef (pre-cooked)
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded Oaxaca or Monterey Jack cheese
- 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onions
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
To Serve
- 1/2 cup birria consommé (for drizzling, warmed)
- Lime wedges (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 475°F (245°C) and place a pizza stone or baking sheet inside to allow it to heat thoroughly. This step ensures a crispy crust.
- Roll Out Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the prepared pizza dough into a 12-inch circular shape. This will be the base for your pizza.
- Prepare the Crust: Transfer the dough onto a piece of parchment paper to facilitate easy transfer to the oven. Brush the dough evenly with olive oil, then lightly sprinkle the chili powder and cumin evenly over the surface for added flavor.
- Add Cheese Layers: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the dough first, followed by the shredded Oaxaca or Monterey Jack cheese. This combination gives a rich, gooey cheese layer.
- Add Toppings: Distribute the shredded birria beef evenly over the cheese layer, and scatter the thinly sliced red onions on top for a touch of sharpness.
- Bake the Pizza: Carefully slide the parchment paper with the pizza onto the preheated stone or baking sheet. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbling.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the pizza from the oven and immediately drizzle the warm birria consommé over the top. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro. Slice and serve hot with lime wedges on the side if desired to add a zesty brightness.
Notes
- Using leftover birria and consommé makes this a quick and easy recipe perfect for utilizing dinner leftovers.
- For an extra crispy crust, bake directly on the preheated pizza stone without parchment paper once you are comfortable handling it.
- To add heat, consider topping with jalapeños or serving with your favorite hot sauce alongside.
