Pizza Bases, Sauces and Toppings

How to make Spicy Nduja Pizza

A fiery Calabrian-style pizza with nduja, mozzarella and honey or chilli.

What it is

Spicy Nduja Pizza in the kitchen

A spicy pizza build where nduja melts into the sauce and seasons the whole surface.

Why make it

Make this when you want a pizza option with a clear purpose: a fiery calabrian-style pizza with nduja, mozzarella and honey or chilli. It helps your pizza section cover traditional, artisan, family, meat-heavy, vegetarian and shortcut cooking needs.

Best with

Neapolitan, sourdough, thin crust and meat lovers.

Method

Step-by-step

  1. Step 1

    Heat the oven as high as possible with a tray, steel or stone inside for at least 30 minutes.

    Look for: The baking surface should be fully hot before the pizza goes in. Tip: Use baking paper if launching feels difficult. Avoid: A lukewarm tray gives a pale, soft base.
  2. Step 2

    Stretch or place the base, then add sauce, cheese and toppings in thin even layers.

    Look for: The pizza should look generous but not buried. Tip: Put delicate fresh leaves, cured ham and honey on after baking. Avoid: Piling toppings high traps steam and stops crisping.
  3. Step 3

    Bake until the base is browned underneath, the cheese bubbles and the toppings are cooked.

    Look for: Look for a golden underside and small browned cheese spots. Avoid: Do not rely only on the top colour; check the base.
  4. Step 4

    Rest for 1–2 minutes, then finish with herbs, oil, lemon, honey, chilli or parmesan depending on the style.

    Look for: The finish should add freshness, shine or contrast. Avoid: Cutting immediately can drag the cheese and toppings off the base.
Variations

Other ways to make it

Use these variations to match the dish, season, occasion or texture you want.

Thin crust version

Thin crust version

Use a lighter sauce layer and slice toppings thinner so the base stays crisp.

Tray bake version

Tray bake version

Scale the toppings up and bake on a Roman, Sicilian or focaccia-style base.

Extra fresh finish

Extra fresh finish

Add herbs, rocket, lemon, honey, chilli oil or parmesan after baking for contrast.

Storage

Make ahead and storage

Storage

Cooked pizza is best eaten hot, but leftovers can be cooled quickly, covered and refrigerated for up to 2 days. Reheat on a dry tray or skillet until the base crisps again.

Make ahead

Doughs can usually be made the day before and refrigerated after the first rise. Sauces can be made 2-3 days ahead. Toppings should be sliced shortly before baking if they release water.

Freezing

Most plain dough balls freeze well for up to 2 months after the first rise. Freeze individually, thaw overnight in the fridge and bring to room temperature before stretching.