jamaican jerk pizza recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best jamaican jerk pizza recipe

I have to tell you about this Jamaican jerk pizza recipe that has become a total staple in our house. My family loves pizza night, but I was getting bored with the same old pepperoni and cheese. I wanted something with a little more kick and a lot more flavor. That is when I decided to bring the bold, spicy taste of Jamaican jerk seasoning to a classic pizza. The result was amazing.

The smoky heat from the jerk seasoning pairs perfectly with the gooey cheese and crispy crust. It is a fun twist on a familiar favorite that everyone from my husband to my picky youngest kid absolutely devours. This recipe is perfect for any occasion. Whether it is a casual weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering with friends, this pizza always gets rave reviews. I love that I can make it from scratch using simple ingredients.

The jerk seasoning brings a wonderful warmth without being overwhelmingly spicy. It is balanced by the sweetness of the pineapple and the creaminess of the cheese. Plus, it is a great way to sneak in some vegetables like bell peppers and onions. The whole thing comes together in under an hour, which is a win for any busy mom. The key to this recipe is the homemade jerk sauce.

It is so easy to make with pantry staples like allspice, thyme, and scotch bonnet peppers. You can adjust the heat level to suit your family. I usually go for a medium heat so the kids can enjoy it too. The sauce gets brushed on the dough before adding the toppings, which gives the whole pizza that authentic jerk flavor. I also like to add a sprinkle of fresh cilantro after baking for a burst of freshness.

It really takes the pizza to the next level. Health wise, this pizza is a solid choice. I use whole wheat flour for the dough to add some fiber. The toppings include lean protein from the chicken and plenty of veggies. The jerk seasoning itself has anti-inflammatory properties from the allspice and thyme.

And since I control the amount of cheese and oil, I can keep the calories in check. It is a satisfying meal that does not leave you feeling heavy. My family loves it, and I feel good about serving it. That is a win win in my book.

Jamaican Jerk Pizza

4.8 from 1654 votes

A bold and flavorful pizza topped with spicy jerk chicken, sweet pineapple, and colorful bell peppers. This recipe brings the taste of the Caribbean to your dinner table in under an hour.

Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time25 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time45 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 380 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Jerk Sauce

2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1/4 cup chopped green onions
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
1 scotch bonnet pepper, seeded and minced (or 1 habanero for less heat)
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon lime juice
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 teaspoon ground allspice
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the Pizza

1 pound pizza dough (store bought or homemade)
1 cup cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
1/2 cup pineapple chunks, drained
1/2 cup red bell pepper, thinly sliced
1/2 cup green bell pepper, thinly sliced
1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped

👨‍🍳Directions

1Make the jerk sauce.
2Heat vegetable oil in a small saucepan over medium heat.
3Add green onions, garlic, and ginger and cook for 2 minutes until fragrant, stirring often.
4Add the scotch bonnet pepper, soy sauce, lime juice, brown sugar, allspice, thyme, cinnamon, nutmeg, and black pepper to the saucepan.
5Stir well and bring to a simmer.
6Cook for 5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly, then remove from heat and let cool.
7Preheat your oven to 475°F.
8If using a pizza stone, place it in the oven to heat.
9Lightly flour a work surface and roll out the pizza dough into a 12 inch circle, about 1/4 inch thick.
10Transfer the dough to a lightly oiled baking sheet or a pizza peel dusted with cornmeal.
11Use a pastry brush to spread 3 tablespoons of the jerk sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a 1 inch border for the crust.
12Sprinkle half of the mozzarella cheese over the sauce.
13Arrange the cooked chicken, pineapple chunks, bell peppers, and red onion evenly on top.
14Add the remaining cheese.
15Bake the pizza for 12 to 15 minutes until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and melted.
16The edges should be crisp and the bottom lightly browned.
17Let the pizza cool for 5 minutes before slicing.
18Garnish with fresh cilantro and drizzle any remaining jerk sauce over the top if desired.
19Slice into 8 pieces and serve hot.

🔧Equipment

Small saucepan
Baking sheet or pizza stone
Rolling pin
Pastry brush
Chef’s knife
Cutting board

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 380 kcal🧈Total Fat: 14g💛Saturated Fat: 6g❤️Cholesterol: 55mg🧂Sodium: 720mg🌾Total Carbs: 40g🥦Dietary Fiber: 3g🍬Sugars: 8g🥩Protein: 22g

📝Notes

For a milder version, use half a scotch bonnet or substitute with a jalapeno. You can also use store bought jerk seasoning paste to save time. Leftover jerk sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.

This Jamaican jerk pizza is always a good idea for any occasion. It works perfectly for family gatherings because it is easy to customize and feeds a crowd. I love that I can make it ahead and it still tastes amazing.

For storage, let any leftover pizza cool completely, then wrap it in foil and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, I pop it in a 375°F oven for about 8 minutes until the crust is crispy again. You can also reheat individual slices in a skillet on the stovetop for a quick lunch.

For serving, I like to pair this pizza with a simple side salad dressed with lime vinaigrette. The tangy dressing complements the spicy jerk flavors beautifully. It is a meal that brings everyone to the table and leaves them smiling.

Give it a try and see how it becomes a favorite in your home too.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Jamaican Jerk Pizza

1. Can I make this pizza vegetarian?

Yes, absolutely. Simply omit the chicken and add more vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or black beans. The jerk sauce is already vegetarian, so the pizza will still have plenty of flavor. You can also use plant based chicken substitutes if you want a similar texture.

2. How spicy is this pizza?

The heat level depends on the type and amount of scotch bonnet pepper you use. A whole pepper gives a medium to high heat. For a milder pizza, use half a pepper or substitute with a jalapeno. You can also remove the seeds and membranes to reduce heat. The sweetness from the pineapple helps balance the spice.

3. Can I use store bought jerk seasoning instead of making the sauce?

Yes, you can use store bought jerk seasoning paste or dry rub to save time. Look for a brand with allspice and thyme as main ingredients. If using paste, mix 3 tablespoons with 1 tablespoon of oil and brush it on the dough. Adjust the amount based on your heat preference.

4. What is the best way to reheat leftover jerk pizza?

Reheat the pizza in a preheated oven at 375°F for about 8 to 10 minutes. This will restore the crispness of the crust. Avoid using the microwave as it makes the crust soggy. You can also reheat it in a skillet on the stovetop over medium heat for 3 to 4 minutes per side.

5. Can I freeze this pizza?

Yes, you can freeze the fully baked pizza. Let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat, bake from frozen at 400°F for 15 to 20 minutes until heated through. You can also freeze the unbaked pizza and bake it directly from frozen, adding 5 minutes to the baking time.

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