If you’re looking for a truly mind-blowing way to enjoy flavorsome birria in a whole new form, you have to try this Crispy Oven-Baked Birria Pizza. Imagine the comforting chew of freshly baked dough, bathed in savory birria consommé, scattered with juicy, slow-cooked shredded beef, topped with melty cheese and fresh cilantro—every crispy, golden slice is both familiar and wildly exciting. Whether you’re a birria fanatic or just love bold, fusion pizza, this is the mashup you’ll find yourself craving again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s talk ingredients—each one plays a crucial role in creating the unforgettable taste and luscious texture of Crispy Oven-Baked Birria Pizza! Gather these simple elements and you’ll have the ultimate Mexican-American comfort food within reach.
- Prepared pizza dough: Go for a 12-inch dough—store-bought or homemade—this is our crispy canvas and it needs to be supple and easy to stretch.
- Birria shredded beef: Rich, juicy, slow-cooked beef is the heart of birria and infuses the pizza with tons of flavor in every bite.
- Birria consommé (reserved liquid): This deeply spiced broth works as a sauce, keeping the crust flavorful and moist.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Classic for melt and stretch, mozzarella brings that familiar pizza gooeyness.
- Shredded Oaxaca or Monterey Jack cheese: These cheeses bring a luscious, creamy finish and a subtle Mexican flair.
- Diced red onion: A pop of color and raw brightness—these balance the richness of the birria.
- Chopped fresh cilantro: Tossed on fresh at the end, cilantro gives the perfect herbal lift.
- Chili powder: For a gentle kick and beautiful color in your sauce base.
- Ground cumin: Adds earthy warmth and a recognizable Mexican touch to the spice blend.
- Olive oil: Helps crisp the bottom of your pizza with that coveted golden crunch.
- Lime wedges: Serve on the side—zesty squeezes right before eating brighten up every bite.
- Pickled jalapeños (optional): If you like a little heat and tang, toss these on top for a pop of flavor.
How to Make Crispy Oven-Baked Birria Pizza
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven and Heat the Sheet
Begin by cranking your oven up to 475°F and slip a pizza stone or sturdy baking sheet inside as it heats. Preheating the pan is truly the secret to getting that addictive, crunchy bottom—no soggy slices here!
Step 2: Shape the Pizza Dough
Turn out your pizza dough onto a lightly floured surface and gently roll or stretch it to a 12-inch circle. Take your time to keep it even—thin enough to crisp, but sturdy enough to hold all those toppings.
Step 3: Prep the Crust
Carefully (oven mitts, always!) remove the piping hot baking sheet. Brush it with olive oil—this step is key for a golden, crispy crust. Now, transfer your dough round onto the oiled, hot sheet. You’ll hear a satisfying sizzle. That’s the start of something beautiful!
Step 4: Sauce and Season
Spoon 2 to 3 tablespoons of birria consommé over the dough and spread it evenly, just like pizza sauce. Sprinkle chili powder and cumin over the base—it’ll bloom their aromas in the oven, tying all the flavors together.
Step 5: Layer Cheeses and Toppings
Scatter the mozzarella and Oaxaca (or Monterey Jack) cheeses generously for a fantastic melt. Distribute your shredded birria beef all around, then top it off with diced red onion. For extra juiciness and intensity, drizzle a little more consommé if you like.
Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection
Slide the pizza into the hot oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes. Watch as the cheese bubbles and browns, and the crust transforms into the crispy, golden goodness that makes this Crispy Oven-Baked Birria Pizza such a standout.
Step 7: Finish and Serve
Once it’s out of the oven, sprinkle a generous handful of fresh cilantro over the top. Slice into wedges and serve hot, with lime wedges and (if you dare) pickled jalapeños for that signature, tangy heat.
How to Serve Crispy Oven-Baked Birria Pizza
Garnishes
When it comes to finishing this beauty, bright and fresh flavors truly make it shine. Scatter fresh cilantro for a savory lift, serve with lime wedges for a citrusy pop, and don’t forget to sprinkle on optional pickled jalapeños—they’re perfect for spice lovers looking to amplify that birria flavor.
Side Dishes
Pair your Crispy Oven-Baked Birria Pizza with sides that highlight its bold spirit! A fresh Mexican street corn salad, tangy slaw, or a pile of crisp tortilla chips and guac make delicious accompaniments. Even a simple green salad with a lime vinaigrette works wonders.
Creative Ways to Present
For fun flair, serve slices family-style right on a wooden board with bowls of extra consommé for dipping. Hosting a gathering? Cut into smaller squares for shareable appetizers. You can even let guests garnish their own slices with cilantro, onions, or a choice of hot sauces at the table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Got a few slices left? Lucky you! Store leftover Crispy Oven-Baked Birria Pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The crust will soften a bit as it sits, but the flavor only gets deeper and more satisfying.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, you absolutely can. Let the pizza cool completely, then wrap individual slices in parchment and foil before tucking them into a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months for a quick lunch or midnight snack down the line.
Reheating
To restore that crispy bottom, reheat slices directly on a hot baking sheet in a 425°F oven for about 6–8 minutes. In a pinch, a toaster oven works too. Try to avoid the microwave if you want to keep that gorgeous crispiness intact!
FAQs
Can I use store-bought birria for this recipe?
Absolutely! Store-bought birria or leftover homemade birria both work beautifully in Crispy Oven-Baked Birria Pizza. The key is to have enough flavorful meat and consommé for your sauce and topping.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes—just use a gluten-free pizza dough and double-check that all your birria spices and consommé are gluten-free. You’ll barely notice the difference, especially with all those toppings!
What should I do if I want an even crispier crust?
For extra crunch, try par-baking your crust for 3 minutes before adding any toppings. You can also finish the baked pizza under the broiler for a minute or two to char the cheese edges a little—just watch closely!
Can I make Crispy Oven-Baked Birria Pizza ahead of time?
You can prep the dough and toppings ahead. For best results, assemble and bake right before serving to keep everything crispy and fresh. Leftovers still taste amazing, though!
What other toppings go well with birria pizza?
Go wild! Slices of avocado, crumbled queso fresco, roasted corn, or a sprinkle of cotija cheese all pair wonderfully. Just keep the balance so the birria flavor stays center stage.
Final Thoughts
I can’t think of a more irresistible way to blend two beloved comfort foods than with this Crispy Oven-Baked Birria Pizza. Bold, saucy, cheesy, and impossibly crispy, it’s a dish you’ll want to make again and again. Invite friends or family, serve up a big, hot pie, and let the flavor magic spark some joy around your table!
Print
Crispy Oven-Baked Birria Pizza Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the delicious fusion of Mexican birria flavors with the convenience of a crispy oven-baked pizza. This birria pizza features tender shredded beef, a blend of cheeses, and traditional spices for a unique and flavorful twist.
Ingredients
Pizza Dough:
- 1 prepared pizza dough (12-inch)
Toppings:
- 1 cup birria shredded beef (cooked and strained)
- 1/2 cup birria consommé (reserved from cooking)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded Oaxaca or Monterey Jack cheese
- 1/4 cup diced red onion
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Lime wedges for serving
- Optional pickled jalapeños for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat oven to 475°F with a pizza stone inside. Roll out dough and transfer to hot baking sheet brushed with olive oil.
- Layer Ingredients: Spread birria consommé on dough, sprinkle chili powder and cumin, add cheeses, beef, red onion, and more consommé if desired.
- Bake: Bake for 12–15 minutes until crust is golden and cheese is bubbly. Top with cilantro.
- Serve: Slice and serve with lime wedges and pickled jalapeños if desired.
Notes
- Store-bought or homemade birria can be used.
- For extra crispiness, par-bake crust for 3 minutes before adding toppings.
- For a charred cheese finish, broil for 1–2 minutes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/4 of pizza)
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
