Sonoran Pizza
A Southwestern masterpiece inspired by Arizona's Sonoran Desert region. Spicy Mexican chorizo, roasted Hatch green chiles, and creamy queso come together on a crispy crust, finished with fresh queso fresco and cilantro.
Equipment Needed
Instructions
Make the dough: Dissolve yeast in warm water with a pinch of sugar. Let stand 5-10 minutes until foamy. Mix flour, salt, and cumin. Add yeast mixture and olive oil. Knead 8-10 minutes until smooth. Cover and let rise 1 hour.
Cook the chorizo: In a skillet over medium-high heat, crumble and cook chorizo until browned and crispy, about 8-10 minutes. Drain on paper towels and set aside.
Make the queso sauce: Melt butter in a saucepan, whisk in flour, and cook 1 minute. Gradually add milk, whisking constantly. Simmer until thickened, then remove from heat and stir in cheese and cumin until smooth.
Preheat oven: Place a pizza stone on the lowest rack and preheat to 500°F (260°C) for at least 30 minutes. The stone needs to be extremely hot.
Shape the pizza: Punch down dough and stretch or roll into a 14-inch round on a floured surface. Transfer to a cornmeal-dusted pizza peel.
Assemble: Spread queso sauce over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border. Scatter cooked chorizo and green chiles evenly over the top.
Bake: Slide pizza onto the hot stone and bake 10-12 minutes until crust is golden and cheese is bubbly. Rotate halfway through for even cooking.
Add fresh toppings: Remove from oven and immediately top with pickled jalapenos, crumbled queso fresco, and fresh cilantro.
Serve: Squeeze fresh lime juice over the pizza. Let rest 2 minutes, then slice and serve immediately. The contrast of hot pizza and cool fresh toppings is essential.
💡 Pro Tips & Variations
- Hatch chile season: In late summer, look for fresh Hatch green chiles from New Mexico. Roast and freeze them for year-round use.
- Cotija alternative: If you can't find queso fresco, cotija cheese makes an excellent substitute with its salty, crumbly texture.
- Add black beans: Scatter drained black beans on the pizza for a heartier, more filling version.
- Make it milder: Use mild green chiles and skip the jalapenos if you prefer less heat.
- Breakfast pizza: Add scrambled eggs and serve for a Sonoran-style breakfast pizza experience.
- Drizzle with crema: Mexican crema or sour cream drizzled on top adds richness and helps balance the spice.