Hello, food enthusiasts! My name is Andrés Sanchez, and I grew up in Mexico City, a place where street food is part of everyday life. From tacos to tortas and everything in between, I’ve had the pleasure of tasting some of the best Mexican cuisine there is. That’s why this recipe for Burrito Pizza is particularly relevant to me – it’s a unique twist on two classic dishes that combine the best of Italian and Mexican flavors. As a self-proclaimed foodie, I’m always on the lookout for new recipes to try, and this one has quickly become a favorite in my household.
Andrés Sanchez was born in Mexico City, where he grew up surrounded by a rich and diverse culinary culture. After completing his studies in architecture, he moved to Los Angeles to pursue his passion for photography and design. When he’s not behind a camera or screen, you can find him experimenting with new recipes in the kitchen.
Andrés Sanchez currently resides in the United States and grew up in Mexico.
The origins of this recipe are somewhat of a mystery, but it’s believed to have originated in the United States in the early 2000s. Some say it was first created by a small pizzeria in California, while others claim it was invented by a group of college students looking to combine their love of burritos and pizza. Whatever the case may be, it’s clear that this fusion recipe has become a popular choice for people looking to add some excitement to their mealtimes. The beauty of this recipe is that it can be adapted to suit a variety of tastes, allowing for endless possibilities and creative experimentation.
In today’s world, where cultural diversity is celebrated and fusion cuisine is trending, this Burrito Pizza is the perfect representation of the combination of flavors and cultures. It’s a great way to celebrate Cinco de Mayo, a holiday that commemorates Mexico’s victory over the French in 1862, and to showcase the influence of Mexican cuisine on American food culture. It’s also a fun and easy recipe to make with family and friends, providing an opportunity for bonding and creativity in the kitchen. So why not spice up your pizza game this Cinco de Mayo with this delicious and unique recipe?
What you need
Get ready to celebrate Cinco de Mayo with a twist on a classic American favorite! This burrito pizza is a delicious fusion of Mexican and Italian flavors, featuring the best of both worlds. With spicy enchilada sauce, protein-packed black beans, juicy cherry tomatoes, and sweet corn, this pizza is packed with exotic flavors that are sure to tantalize your taste buds. And let’s not forget the creamy mozzarella cheese that pulls everything together! The best part? It’s easy to make! Simply roll out the pizza dough, top with the sauce and cheese, add the toppings, sprinkle with seasonings, and bake. And when it comes out of the oven, garnish with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice for a delicious and refreshing finish. This Cinco de Mayo, impress your family and friends with this unique and tasty burrito pizza that’s sure to be a hit!
Ingredients:
- Pizza dough – The base of our burrito pizza, the pizza dough can be store-bought or homemade. You can swap it for a gluten-free or whole wheat crust as per your preferences.
- Enchilada sauce – Enchilada sauce adds a Mexican flare to the pizza, and can be used in place of the pizza sauce.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese – Mozzarella cheese adds the perfect amount of creaminess to this pizza. You can use a plant-based cheese substitute to make this pizza vegan.
- Black beans – Our protein choice for the pizza, black beans can be substituted with chickpeas or tofu for a vegetarian alternative.
- Corn – Sweet corn kernels add a delightful crunch to this pizza, and can be replaced by sliced bell peppers or zucchini for a change in texture.
- Fresh cilantro – Cilantro adds an herbaceous and slightly citrusy flavor to the pizza. You can replace it with chopped parsley, basil or arugula for a milder taste.
- Red onion – The red onion adds a sharpness that perfectly balances the sweetness of the corn. You can use a regular onion, shallot, or scallions instead.
- Cherry tomatoes – Fresh cherry tomatoes add a burst of juicy acidity to this pizza. You can use sliced sun-dried tomatoes or roasted peppers as a substitute.
- Ground cumin – Cumin is a common spice used in Mexican cuisine, and adds a slight smokiness to the pizza. You can replace it with chili powder or smoked paprika for added depth of flavor.
- Salt – Salt enhances the different flavors of the pizza, so make sure to add it as per your taste.
- Lime wedges – To add an extra burst of tanginess, serve with a sprinkle of lime juice.
Utensils:
- Rolling pin
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Large baking sheet
- Spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
Enchilada sauce, the Mexican twist to your Pizza
I love adding a Mexican twist to my American dishes, and that’s exactly what this pizza does with the addition of enchilada sauce. Made primarily with dried chilies, garlic, and tomato, the sauce has a mildly spicy and smoky flavor that pairs well with the mozzarella cheese and toppings. The sauce also adds a beautiful red hue to the pizza, making it all visually appealing as well. I prefer to make my enchilada sauce at home, using dried chilies that are reconstituted in water and blended with spices. However, store-bought enchilada sauce works just as well when you’re short on time. And for those who can’t handle the spice, you can use a milder sauce or substitute it with traditional pizza sauce.
Fresh cilantro, the herbaceous twist to your Pizza
Cilantro is one of those herbs that can instantly transform a dish into something exotic and magical. Its citrusy flavor and herbal notes complement the flavors of the corn, beans, and enchilada sauce in this pizza beautifully. I know some people find cilantro to be polarizing, with some even referring to it as tasting like soap. However, if you’re a fan of cilantro like me, you’ll love how it ties all the flavors together. Cilantro is also packed with health benefits, as it’s a great source of antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties. Adding it to your diet can help reduce the risk of heart disease and several other chronic illnesses. So don’t be afraid to sprinkle a little extra cilantro on your burrito pizza!
What to serve it with?
I love pairing this Burrito Pizza with a classic Mexican beverage, such as a refreshing horchata or a zesty michelada. The horchata, made from rice milk and cinnamon, helps to balance out the spiciness in the pizza and provides a great sweetness to cut through the rich flavors of the cheese and toppings. Alternatively, the michelada, made from beer, lime juice, and spices, adds an additional layer of heat and tanginess, complementing the strong flavors of the enchilada sauce and black beans. Both of these options bring me back to my roots and enhance the overall Mexican-inspired theme of the meal. Plus, they’re a great way to cool down and relax with friends and family on a hot summer day!
Summary
Well, there you have it – my take on the ultimate Cinco de Mayo recipe! I hope you try it out and enjoy this fusion of flavors as much as I do. I’d love to hear your thoughts and see your creations, so be sure to leave a comment below with your favorite toppings or modifications to the recipe. And if you’re interested in more Mexican-inspired dishes, or photography and design, be sure to follow me on my social media channels! Until next time, buen provecho!
Here’s the recipe:
The Ultimate American Cinco de Mayo Recipe: Burrito Pizza
Equipment
- Rolling Pin
- Knife
- cutting board
- Large baking sheet
- spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
- 1 Pizza dough
- 1/3 cup Enchilada sauce
- 2 cups Shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup Black beans
- 1/2 cup Corn
- 1/4 cup Fresh cilantro
- 1/2 cup Red onion
- 1 cup Cherry tomatoes
- 1 tsp Ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- 5-6 Lime wedges
Instructions
- Preheat the oven - Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C).
- Roll out the dough - Dust a clean surface with flour and roll out the pizza dough to approximately 12-14 inches in diameter. Transfer the dough to a large baking sheet.
- Top with enchilada sauce and cheese - Spread enchilada sauce over the pizza dough and sprinkle 1 and 1/2 cups of mozzarella cheese over it evenly.
- Add toppings - Sprinkle the black beans, corn, red onion, and cherry tomatoes over the cheese.
- Sprinkle with seasonings - Sprinkle ground cumin and salt over the toppings.
- Add the remaining cheese - Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese over the toppings.
- Bake the pizza - Bake the pizza in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and serve - Remove the pizza from the oven and sprinkle fresh cilantro over it. Cut the burrito pizza into slices and serve hot with lime wedges.
