If you’ve been dreaming of a dish that perfectly blends the rich, spicy flavors of traditional birria with the irresistible crunch of pizza, you are in for a real treat. This Crispy Oven-Baked Birria Pizza Recipe brings together tender, shredded birria beef nestled under a gooey layer of melting cheese, all resting on a golden, crispy crust. Each bite offers a delightful combination of savory consommé-infused sauce, fresh herbs, and that signature smoky aroma that makes birria so beloved. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will quickly become your go-to for a fun weeknight dinner or an impressive dish to share with friends and family.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Crispy Oven-Baked Birria Pizza Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredient list. Each component plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor and texture—from the cheesy melt atop the rich birria beef to the fresh pop from the cilantro and the subtle crisp from the crust edges.
- 1 pre-made pizza crust or 1 pound pizza dough: Choose whichever you prefer for convenience or a fresh dough base.
- 1 1/2 cups shredded birria beef: Tender, flavorful meat forms the heart of this pizza.
- A few spoonfuls of birria consommé: Use it both to drizzle and for the sauce base, giving a juicy punch.
- 1/2 cup birria consommé (for sauce): Acts as the base sauce, infusing the crust with savory depth.
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Adds gooey texture and mild creaminess.
- 1/2 cup shredded Oaxaca or Monterey Jack cheese: Offers a buttery, slightly spicy cheese melt.
- 1/4 red onion (thinly sliced): Provides sharpness and a slight crunch contrast.
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro: Brightens up the pizza with fresh herbal notes.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano: Adds an earthy, aromatic layer.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or melted butter: Brushed on the crust edges for extra golden crisp.
- Lime wedges (optional): Perfect for squeezing over the finished pizza to add zest.
How to Make Crispy Oven-Baked Birria Pizza Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Oven
Start by heating your oven to a sizzling 475°F and placing a pizza stone or baking sheet inside. This ensures the baking surface is super hot, which is essential for achieving that coveted crispy crust on your Crispy Oven-Baked Birria Pizza Recipe.
Step 2: Shape the Dough and Prep the Crust
On a piece of parchment paper, roll out your pizza dough to your preferred thickness. Whether you like a thin, cracking crust or something a little thicker and chewy, this is your canvas. Don’t forget to lightly brush the edges with olive oil or melted butter to encourage a golden, savory finish during baking.
Step 3: Add the Sauce and Cheese Layers
Spread a thin, even layer of birria consommé across the base like you would with your classic pizza sauce. Next, sprinkle your shredded mozzarella and Oaxaca or Monterey Jack cheeses on top. These two cheeses melt beautifully together, creating a luscious, stringy texture that will make every bite a delight.
Step 4: Top It With Birria Beef and Vegetables
Generously scatter the shredded birria beef across the cheesy surface, ensuring every slice will have that burst of uniquely seasoned meat. Follow up with thin slices of red onion and a sprinkle of dried oregano for aromatic complexity.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Carefully transfer the pizza (using the parchment paper) to your hot baking stone or sheet. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the crust turns golden, crispy, and the cheese melts into bubbly perfection. Keep an eye on it — that crispiness is what makes this Crispy Oven-Baked Birria Pizza Recipe incredible!
Step 6: Finish and Garnish
Once out of the oven, sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro on top and drizzle a little more consommé over for extra juiciness and brightness. Serve right away with lime wedges on the side to squeeze over the slices, bringing a fresh and zingy balance to the rich flavors.
How to Serve Crispy Oven-Baked Birria Pizza Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh cilantro and lime wedges are the ultimate finishing touch for this pizza. The herb’s bright flavor cuts through the richness while lime adds a zesty pop that livens every bite. If you like a little extra heat, consider adding thin slices of fresh jalapeño or a sprinkle of chili flakes.
Side Dishes
This birria pizza pairs wonderfully with simple sides such as a crisp green salad tossed with a lime vinaigrette or a bowl of Mexican street corn salad. The sides don’t compete but complement the robust flavor profile of your pizza beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this pizza alongside a small ramekin of warm birria consommé for dipping each slice. This brings the traditional taco birria experience to your pizza plate, making each bite even more indulgent and interactive.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your pizza, wrap any leftovers tightly in foil or place them in an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, they’ll stay fresh for 2 to 3 days without losing that lovely birria flavor.
Freezing
If you want to prep ahead, consider freezing your assembled, unbaked pizza. Wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 1 month. When ready to enjoy, bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Reheating
To keep that irresistible crunch when reheating, place leftover slices on a baking sheet and warm them in a preheated oven at 375°F for about 8 to 10 minutes. This method revives the crisp crust and melty cheese far better than a microwave.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought birria for this recipe?
Absolutely! Using store-bought or leftover birria beef is a fantastic shortcut that saves time without sacrificing flavor in this Crispy Oven-Baked Birria Pizza Recipe.
Is it necessary to use a pizza stone?
While a pizza stone helps achieve the best crispy crust, a heavy baking sheet will also work well if you don’t have one on hand.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, substitute the pizza crust with your favorite gluten-free brand or homemade dough to tailor this dish to your needs.
What cheeses work best besides mozzarella and Oaxaca?
Monterey Jack is a great alternative if you can’t find Oaxaca. You can also mix in some sharp cheddar for a bit more bite, but keep mozzarella as the base for best melt quality.
How spicy is this recipe?
The spice level depends on your birria beef and consommé. Traditional birria has a warm, smoky heat but feel free to add fresh chilies or hot sauce if you want to turn up the heat.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly magical about combining the beloved flavors of birria with the comfort and crunch of pizza, and this Crispy Oven-Baked Birria Pizza Recipe does just that spectacularly. It’s an easy-to-make, crowd-pleasing dish that’s full of bold flavors and satisfying textures. Give it a whirl — I promise it’ll become a treasured favorite in your kitchen, perfect for sharing and savoring with those you love.
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Crispy Oven-Baked Birria Pizza Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
- Diet: Nut-Free
Description
This Crispy Oven-Baked Birria Pizza is a delicious fusion dish combining traditional Mexican birria beef with a crunchy pizza crust, melted cheeses, and flavorful toppings. The pizza is baked to golden perfection, allowing the rich birria consommé to infuse the crust and toppings, resulting in a juicy and savory experience perfect for a satisfying main course.
Ingredients
Pizza Base and Sauce
- 1 pre-made pizza crust (or 1 pound pizza dough)
- 1/2 cup birria consommé (for sauce)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or melted butter (for brushing crust)
Cheese and Toppings
- 1 1/2 cups shredded birria beef (with a few spoonfuls of consommé for drizzling)
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded Oaxaca or Monterey Jack cheese
- 1/4 red onion (thinly sliced)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
To Serve
- Lime wedges (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Surface: Preheat the oven to 475°F and place a pizza stone or baking sheet inside to heat thoroughly. This ensures a crispy crust by cooking it evenly from below.
- Shape the Dough: Roll out the pizza dough on a piece of parchment paper to your preferred thickness. This makes transferring the pizza to the oven easier and helps prevent sticking.
- Brush Crust: Lightly brush the edges of the rolled-out crust with olive oil or melted butter. This adds flavor and promotes browning for a golden, crispy crust edge.
- Apply Sauce and Cheese: Spread a thin layer of birria consommé over the pizza base to serve as the sauce. Then, evenly distribute shredded mozzarella and Oaxaca or Monterey Jack cheeses over the surface.
- Add Toppings: Scatter the shredded birria beef evenly over the cheese. Add thinly sliced red onion and sprinkle dried oregano on top for additional flavor.
- Bake the Pizza: Carefully transfer the pizza, along with the parchment paper, onto the preheated pizza stone or baking sheet. Bake for 10–12 minutes until the crust is golden and crispy, and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the pizza from the oven and immediately top with chopped fresh cilantro. Drizzle a bit more birria consommé over the pizza if desired. Serve hot with lime wedges on the side for an optional citrusy twist.
Notes
- For an extra crispy crust, par-bake the pizza dough for 5 minutes before adding toppings.
- You can use store-bought birria or leftover birria taco filling to save time.
- Serve with extra birria consommé on the side for dipping.
- Using a pizza stone helps achieve a crispier base but a baking sheet works as an alternative.
