Delta Tamale Pizza
A unique fusion celebrating the Mississippi Delta's beloved hot tamale tradition, featuring spiced tamale filling, rich chili sauce, and melted cheese on a crispy crust.
Equipment Needed
Ingredients
Pizza Dough
Chili Sauce Base
Tamale Filling & Toppings
Instructions
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Prepare the Dough
Dissolve yeast and sugar in warm water, let stand 5 minutes until foamy. Mix flour, salt, and cumin in a large bowl. Add yeast mixture and olive oil, stir until combined. Knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Cover and let rise for 1 hour.
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Make the Chili Sauce
Heat oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in chili powder and flour, cook for 1 minute. Slowly whisk in beef broth until smooth. Add cumin, garlic powder, oregano, and salt. Simmer for 10-15 minutes until thickened. Set aside.
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Prepare Tamale Filling
Brown ground beef in a skillet, breaking into crumbles. Drain excess fat. Add chili powder, cumin, and cayenne. Stir in masa harina and enough water to create a moist, spreadable mixture. Cook for 5 minutes until flavors meld. Season to taste.
The masa harina gives the authentic tamale texture - add water gradually to achieve the right consistency. -
Preheat Oven
Place pizza stone in oven and preheat to 475F (245C) for at least 30 minutes. A thoroughly heated stone ensures a crispy crust that can support the hearty toppings.
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Shape the Crust
Punch down dough and roll out on a floured surface to a 14-inch circle. Transfer to a cornmeal-dusted pizza peel. Create a slightly raised edge around the perimeter.
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Add Sauce and Cheese Base
Spread chili sauce evenly over the crust, leaving a half-inch border. Sprinkle half of the cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses over the sauce.
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Add Tamale Filling
Drop spoonfuls of the tamale filling across the pizza. Use the back of the spoon to create irregular mounds, mimicking pieces of tamale. The filling should be evenly distributed but not completely covering the cheese.
Don't flatten the filling - the irregular texture adds visual appeal and creates varied textures. -
Top with Remaining Cheese
Sprinkle the remaining cheddar and Monterey Jack over the tamale filling. This second layer of cheese helps bind everything together.
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Bake the Pizza
Slide pizza onto the hot stone. Bake for 12-15 minutes until the crust is golden brown and cheese is bubbling and beginning to brown in spots. The tamale filling should be heated through.
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Garnish and Serve
Remove pizza from oven and let rest for 2 minutes. Top with sliced green onions and a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes. Drizzle with additional chili sauce if desired. Slice into 8 pieces and serve hot.
Tips for Perfect Delta Tamale Pizza
Delta Tamale History
Hot tamales have been a Mississippi Delta tradition since the early 1900s, brought by Mexican workers and adapted by local cooks. Delta tamales are smaller and spicier than Mexican versions, often simmered in chili-spiced water.
Authentic Chili Sauce
For more authentic Delta flavor, add a touch of cinnamon and cocoa powder to your chili sauce - these are traditional secret ingredients in many Delta tamale recipes.
Shortcut Option
If short on time, use purchased hot tamales from the Delta or canned tamales. Remove the corn husks, chop the tamales, and use as your topping.
Extra Toppings
Some Delta-style additions include pickled jalapenos, diced onions, or a drizzle of hot sauce. A dollop of sour cream on each slice is also popular.
Meat Variations
Traditional Delta tamales can use pork, beef, or a combination. Feel free to substitute ground pork or use pulled pork for a different texture.
Side Suggestions
Serve with coleslaw, saltine crackers (a Delta tamale tradition), or cornbread. A cold glass of sweet tea completes the Southern experience.