For those who love a bit of spice and heat in their meals, Pizza Diavola is the perfect choice. Known for its bold, fiery flavors, this Italian classic takes traditional pizza to a whole new level. With a combination of spicy salami, a rich tomato sauce, and gooey mozzarella, Pizza Diavola brings a satisfying kick that spice lovers crave.

Let’s dive into what makes Pizza Diavola such a beloved dish, and how you can recreate it in your own kitchen.

The Origins of Pizza Diavola

Pizza Diavola (which translates to "Devil's Pizza") is often referred to as the spicier cousin of Pizza Margherita. While the exact origin of this pizza is debated, it's believed to have originated in Southern Italy, where spicy sausages and chili peppers are more commonly used in dishes.

The name "Diavola" reflects the bold, fiery nature of the pizza’s flavor. It’s typically topped with spicy salami (often called "salamino piccante"), which gives it a kick, along with other ingredients that balance the heat. The result is a pizza that’s spicy, savory, and deeply satisfying — a true pizza lover's dream.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The key to a great Pizza Diavola lies in the combination of spicy salami, high-quality cheese, and a simple, flavorful base. Here's what you'll need:

For the Dough:

500g (4 cups) all-purpose flour (or "00" flour for a more authentic texture)

1 tsp salt

1 tsp sugar

7g (1 packet) active dry yeast

325ml (1⅓ cups) warm water

2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

For the Sauce:

200g (7 oz) canned San Marzano tomatoes, crushed by hand or blended

A pinch of salt

For the Toppings:

250g (9 oz) mozzarella cheese, torn into pieces or sliced

100g (3.5 oz) spicy salami (such as Soppressata or 'nduja)

1 small red chili pepper (or a pinch of red pepper flakes)

Extra virgin olive oil, for drizzling

How to Make Pizza Diavola

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

  1. In a large bowl, combine the flour, salt, and sugar.

  2. Dissolve the yeast in warm water and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.

  3. Gradually add the yeast mixture and olive oil to the dry ingredients, stirring until the dough starts to come together.

  4. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 10-15 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.

  5. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a cloth, and let it rise for 1-2 hours or until it doubles in size.

Step 2: Prepare the Tomato Sauce

While the dough is rising, prepare the sauce by crushing the San Marzano tomatoes by hand or blending them until smooth. Add a pinch of salt to taste and set aside.

Step 3: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to its highest setting (around 250°C or 475°F), and if you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven to heat up.

Step 4: Assemble the Pizza

  1. Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into two portions (for two pizzas).

  2. Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 12 inches in diameter, or stretch it by hand.

  3. Transfer the dough to a piece of parchment paper or a floured pizza peel.

  4. Spread a thin layer of tomato sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.

  5. Tear the mozzarella into pieces and scatter it evenly over the pizza.

  6. Add the spicy salami slices, ensuring they're spread out evenly across the pizza.

  7. Sprinkle the red chili flakes or finely chopped fresh chili pepper over the pizza to give it extra heat.

Step 5: Bake the Pizza

Transfer the pizza to the preheated oven (or onto the pizza stone) and bake for 7-10 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Remove the pizza from the oven and drizzle with a little extra virgin olive oil for added richness.

Slice, serve, and enjoy the fiery kick of your homemade Pizza Diavola!

Tips for the Best Pizza Diavola

Choose the right salami: For the best flavor, opt for a high-quality spicy salami such as Soppressata or 'nduja. These types of salami offer the perfect amount of heat and flavor.

Adjust the heat: The spiciness of your Pizza Diavola can be tailored to your preferences. Use fresh chilies for a sharper heat, or add more chili flakes for an extra fiery kick.

Use a pizza stone or steel: For a crispy, restaurant-quality crust, use a pizza stone or steel in your oven.

Don’t overload the toppings: The heat from the salami and chili should shine, so keep the other toppings to a minimum to avoid overwhelming the flavors.

Why We Love It

Pizza Diavola is perfect for anyone who enjoys bold, spicy flavors. The heat from the spicy salami and chili pepper is perfectly balanced by the creamy mozzarella and the richness of the olive oil. Every bite is a burst of flavor, and the combination of heat, savory goodness, and satisfying texture makes it one of the most popular pizzas for spice lovers.

It’s a pizza that’s not afraid to turn up the heat and make a statement. Whether you’re making it for a pizza night with friends or just craving something with a bit of a fiery twist, Pizza Diavola is sure to hit the spot.

Buon appetito!