Create the Perfect Dolce Diavolo Pizza - Sweet, Spicy & Delicious

Instructions

Now that we’ve got the ingredients ready, it's time to jump into the fun part, making the pizza! Follow each step carefully to ensure a perfect crust, flavorful sauce, and a topping combination that’s both spicy and sweet. Let’s get started!

Prepare the Dough

The dough is the base of any great pizza, and Neapolitan dough is known for its light, airy texture and crispy crust. Here’s how to make it:

1. Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, warm water is combined with sugar and instant yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes until it becomes frothy; this activates the yeast and allows it to help the dough rise.
2. Mix the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, place the flour and salt, creating a well in the middle. Pour the mixture of yeast and olive oil inside. Stir everything together until your dough starts to come together.
3. Knead the Dough: Transfer and knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 8 to 10 minutes. It should feel smooth and elastic, not sticky. If it starts to stick, add some more flour; if it is too dry, add a little water.
4. Let the Dough Rise: Make a ball out of the dough, put it into an oiled bowl, and cover with a clean towel. Let it rise in a warm place for about 1 to 1.5 hours, until it is double in size.

Prepare the Sauce

The Dolce Diavolo sauce adds a rich depth of flavor with the perfect mix of sweetness and acidity, making the pizza extra special. Here's how to make it:

1. Cook the Garlic: In a saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, be careful not to burn it.
2. Add Tomatoes and Honey: Add the San Marzano tomatoes to the saucepan, crushing them gently with the back of a spoon. Stir in balsamic vinegar and honey to balance the sauce with sweetness and acidity.
3. Simmer and Season: Let the sauce simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. The sauce should thicken slightly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Blend (Optional): For a smoother sauce, blend the mixture with an immersion blender or regular blender until it’s creamy and well-combined.

Prepare the Toppings

Now that the dough and sauce are ready, it’s time to prepare the toppings for your Dolce Diavolo Pizza. Slice the spicy salami (or pepperoni) into thin pieces for those perfect spicy bites, then thinly slice the red onion and roasted red pepper to add a sweet and smoky flavor. Finally, tear the fresh mozzarella into chunks so it melts evenly across the pizza.

Assemble the Pizza

Now, the creations demand assembly. Preheat your oven to 250°C (475°F) and set in the pizza stone while you carry on with the dough. Go ahead and punch it down, dividing it into two lots. Each lot is then rolled out or stretched into about a 10-12 inch circle. Very generously apply homemade sauce over the dough, leaving a little border for the crust, and then layer your pizza with fresh mozzarella, hot salami or pepperoni, slices of red onion, and roasted red peppers. Top the pizza with more chili flakes if you want the heat to go off!

Bake the Pizza

The time has come for that perfect baking job. Place the pizza onto the preheated pizza stone or baking sheet and bake for about 7-10 minutes, until the crust turns a nice golden brown color, the cheese melts delightful, and the edges get slightly charred. Once out of the oven, dribble a little honey to get that sweet underscore that charms Dolce Diavolo.