Introduction
Pizza may be a global favorite, but in Brazil, this classic dish has been elevated to an entirely new level. The “brazilian pizza recipe” is not just a twist on the Italian classic—it’s a culinary celebration of bold flavors, unique ingredients, and Brazilian creativity. Whether you’re craving something savory like Calabresa with onions or something sweet like chocolate and strawberries, Brazilian pizza has a style for every taste bud.
In this article, you’ll discover how to make authentic Brazilian pizza from scratch. From dough preparation to topping combinations and baking tips, we’ll walk you through every detail to help you recreate this Brazilian delicacy at home. Get ready to fall in love with pizza all over again!
What Is Brazilian Pizza?
Key Differences from Italian & American Pizza
While Italy gave the world its classic Margherita and America turned pizza into a cheesy fast-food staple, Brazil added its own flair. Brazilian pizza is known for its ultra-thin crust, creative toppings, and the generous use of creamy cheeses like Catupiry.
One of the standout differences is the topping diversity. It’s not unusual to see corn, peas, hearts of palm, or even quail eggs on a Brazilian pie. And unlike American pizzas that go heavy on the sauce, Brazilian pizzas use sauce moderately to let the toppings shine..chicken breast on pellet grill
Popular Toppings & Flavors in Brazil
Some of the most iconic Brazilian pizzas include:
- Frango com Catupiry (Chicken with Brazilian cream cheese)
- Calabresa com Cebola (Sausage with onions)
- Portuguesa (Ham, eggs, olives, and onions)
- Romeu e Julieta (Guava paste and cheese for a sweet twist)
- Chocolate com Morango (Chocolate and strawberries)
This flavorful diversity makes it clear that Brazilian pizza is more than food—it’s an experience.
Ingredients for an Authentic Brazilian Pizza Recipe
Dough Ingredients
To make Brazilian pizza dough, you’ll need:
- 4 cups of all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 2 tsp salt
- 2 tsp dry yeast
- 1.5 cups warm water
- 3 tbsp olive oil
This dough yields a light, crispy crust perfect for piling on traditional toppings without getting soggy.
Sauce & Cheese Options
Brazilian pizza sauce is generally a simple tomato base, lightly seasoned. Popular cheeses include:
- Mozzarella: Still widely used
- Catupiry: A creamy, tangy Brazilian cream cheese
- Requeijão: A spreadable Brazilian cheese for smoother textures
Best Brazilian-Style Toppings
Here are must-try toppings if you want to keep it authentically Brazilian:
- Calabresa sausage (Brazilian-style pepperoni)
- Hearts of palm
- Corn and green peas
- Sliced tomatoes and onions
- Boiled eggs or quail eggs
Step-by-Step Brazilian Pizza Dough Recipe
Preparing the Dough
Making the perfect dough is key to achieving the thin, slightly crispy crust that defines Brazilian pizza. Start by activating the yeast:
- Activate Yeast: In a small bowl, mix the warm water with sugar and dry yeast. Let it sit for about 10 minutes until frothy.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Slowly pour in the yeast mixture and olive oil.
- Knead: Mix until a dough forms, then knead on a floured surface for about 10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic.
- Rest: Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly oiled bowl. Cover with a towel or plastic wrap.
Proofing Instructions
Let the dough rise for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it doubles in size. Room temperature works well, but if your kitchen is cold, place the bowl in a slightly warm oven (turned off) or near a sunny window.
Once proofed, punch down the dough and divide it into 2 or 3 equal portions, depending on the desired pizza size. Cover the portions and let them rest for 10 more minutes before rolling.
Rolling Out & Shaping
- Flour your surface and roll each dough ball into a thin circle (about 10-12 inches in diameter).
- Thickness Tip: Brazilian pizza crust should be thinner than American pizza, but not paper-thin. Aim for around 1/4 inch.
- Edge Shaping: Slightly curl up the edges to form a crust ring. You can brush the edges with olive oil for added crispiness..Beef Plate Ribs
How to Make Brazilian Pizza Sauce
The sauce for Brazilian pizza is usually kept light to let the toppings shine, but it must be flavorful enough to add depth.
Tomato Base
Ingredients:
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes or 4 fresh ripe tomatoes, blended
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tsp oregano
- Optional: pinch of sugar (to cut acidity)
Instructions:
- Sauté garlic and onion in olive oil until translucent.
- Add tomatoes and season with salt, pepper, and oregano.
- Simmer for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally. If using fresh tomatoes, simmer longer until the sauce thickens.
- Let cool before using. For extra smoothness, blend again or strain.
Flavor Boosters: Garlic, Herbs & Cream
Brazilians often tweak the tomato sauce by adding:
- A splash of cream for smoothness (perfect with seafood or chicken toppings)
- Fresh basil or parsley for herbal notes
- Crushed red pepper for a spicy kick
These simple enhancements make your sauce more distinctively Brazilian.
Cheese and Toppings: Lover’s Guide
Brazilian pizza stands out because of its exciting and diverse toppings. Whether you’re a cheese fanatic or love sweet surprises, there’s something here for everyone.
Brazilian Cheese Varieties (Mussarela, Catupiry)
Mozzarella is widely used, but Brazilian pizzas often include regional cheese favorites like:
- Catupiry: A creamy, tangy cheese that melts into a luscious, velvety layer. It’s Brazil’s pride and a key ingredient in many local recipes.
- Requeijão: Similar to cream cheese, spreadable and savory.
- Queijo Minas: A firm white cheese, used in lighter or vegetarian recipes.
To get the full experience, combine mozzarella with Catupiry in layers or spirals for a blend of stretchy and creamy textures.
Savory Toppings (e.g., Calabresa, Frango, Bacalhau)
Brazilian pizzas are known for generous and innovative savory toppings. Here are some popular options:
- Calabresa Sausage: Sliced and lightly cooked Brazilian-style pepperoni, typically served with onions.
- Frango com Catupiry: Shredded chicken and creamy Catupiry. Comfort food at its finest.
- Bacalhau: Salted cod, onions, olives, and boiled eggs. A coastal delicacy with Portuguese influence.
- Hearts of Palm & Corn: Vegetarian-friendly options that add mild crunch and sweetness.
For a truly Brazilian touch, always layer the ingredients generously and combine savory with fresh vegetables like arugula or green olives.
Sweet Toppings (e.g., Chocolate, Banana, Cinnamon)
What sets Brazil apart is its love for dessert pizzas:
- Pizza de Chocolate: A rich, melted chocolate base often topped with strawberries or sprinkles.
- Banana & Cinnamon: Sliced bananas drizzled with cinnamon sugar and sometimes sweetened condensed milk.
- Romeu e Julieta: Guava paste paired with creamy white cheese—an iconic flavor duo in Brazilian cuisine.
These are often served after a savory pizza, completing the meal on a sweet, satisfying note.
Assembling and Baking Your Brazilian Pizza
Now that your dough, sauce, cheese, and toppings are ready, it’s time to assemble.
Oven Temperature Tips
- Preheat your oven to at least 475°F (245°C), or as high as it safely goes. A very hot oven helps mimic the quick, crispy cooking of wood-fired ovens.
- Use a pizza stone or cast iron pan for even heat distribution and better crust texture.
Baking Time & Crust Texture
- Bake your pizza for 10–15 minutes, depending on your oven and thickness.
- Look for a golden, slightly blistered crust and bubbling cheese.
- For dessert pizzas, reduce bake time to 8–10 minutes and watch carefully to prevent burning the chocolate or sugar toppings.
Variations: Sweet & Savory Portuguese-Brazilian Fusion
Brazilian pizza is not just one recipe—it’s a culinary playground. These creative combinations showcase Brazil’s fusion of European roots and tropical inspiration.
Banana + Chocolate (Romeo & Juliet) Pizza
This pizza merges sweet and savory in a way only Brazil can:
- Base: Spread with requeijão or cream cheese.
- Topping: Layer sliced bananas and drizzle melted chocolate or guava paste.
- Finish: Sprinkle with cinnamon and sugar. Optional: bake with shredded coconut for texture.
Inspired by the Romeo & Juliet pairing (cheese and guava), this pizza is perfect as a dessert or party surprise.
Seafood or Bacon + Catupiry Variants
For a luxurious twist:
- Bacalhau & Cream Cheese: Salt cod with onions, parsley, and Catupiry.
- Bacon & Corn Pizza: Crispy bacon, sweet corn, and requeijão—a savory-sweet balance.
- Shrimp Pizza: Cooked shrimp with garlic and parsley, topped with a swirl of creamy cheese.
These toppings reflect Brazil’s rich seafood tradition and regional ingredients, particularly in coastal states like Bahia and Rio de Janeiro.
Tips for Perfect Brazilian Pizza at Home
Whether you’re new to Brazilian cooking or a pizza pro, these tips will enhance your baking results.
Choosing Stones, Trays or Cast Iron
- Pizza stone: Best for crisp crusts and authentic results.
- Cast iron pan: Retains heat well, great for deep flavor and crust color.
- Metal trays: Work well for large pizzas, but preheat them for a crispier bottom.
Always preheat your chosen pan or stone to ensure even cooking.
Achieving the Right Crust Texture
- Thin and Crisp: Roll the dough thinner and bake hotter.
- Chewy and Soft: Let the dough rise longer and use a moderate oven temperature.
- Golden Edges: Brush crust with olive oil or melted butter before baking.
For Catupiry-lovers, pipe a border of cheese around the crust before baking to create a filled-edge pizza—a Brazilian pizzeria classic.
Pairing & Serving Suggestions
What goes best with your homemade Brazilian pizza? Let’s explore some pairings that elevate the experience.
Traditional Brazilian Sides & Drinks
- Farofa: Toasted manioc flour often served as a savory topping.
- Vinagrete: Brazilian-style salsa with tomato, onion, and vinegar adds freshness.
- Pão de Queijo: Small cheese rolls often served as a side or appetizer.
Wine, Soda & Caipirinha Matches
- Wines: Light red wines like Pinot Noir pair well with chicken or Calabresa pizzas.
- Sodas: Guaraná Antarctica is Brazil’s iconic soda, often enjoyed with pizza.
- Cocktails: The Caipirinha, made with cachaça, lime, and sugar, complements rich toppings beautifully.
FAQ
Can I use regular mozzarella instead of Catupiry?
Yes, you can. While Catupiry offers a creamy texture and tangy flavor unique to Brazilian pizza, regular mozzarella is a good substitute. For added creaminess, consider blending mozzarella with cream cheese or using ricotta. However, if authenticity is your goal, seek Catupiry online or at Latin American grocery stores.
Do I need to pre-bake the dough?
Not necessarily. Brazilian pizza dough is usually baked with toppings from the start. However, if your toppings are very wet (like extra sauce or vegetables), par-baking for 5 minutes before adding toppings can help avoid soggy crusts.
Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
Yes! You can freeze the dough after the first rise. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then foil, and store it for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and bring to room temperature before rolling out. Fully baked pizzas also freeze well—wrap slices individually for quick meals.
Can I adapt it for gluten-free or vegan?
Absolutely. For gluten-free pizza, use a certified gluten-free flour blend. You may need to add a binder like xanthan gum for elasticity. For a vegan version, replace cheese with plant-based options like cashew cheese, and use vegetable-based toppings such as mushrooms, spinach, or vegan sausage.
What oven settings work best for home ovens?
Use the highest temperature setting your oven allows—usually 475–500°F (245–260°C)—with the fan on (convection setting), if available. A preheated pizza stone or steel works best for a crispy crust.
How to reheat leftover Brazilian pizza?
For the best texture:
- Oven: Reheat at 375°F (190°C) for 5–8 minutes.
- Skillet: Place slices in a non-stick pan over medium heat, cover loosely, and heat for 5 minutes. This keeps the crust crispy.
- Avoid microwaves: They can make the crust chewy or soggy.
Conclusion
Brazilian pizza is more than just food—it’s a fusion of flavor, culture, and creativity. With its paper-thin crust, unique toppings like Catupiry, hearts of palm, and banana with chocolate, and its love for bold combinations, it offers a refreshing twist on a global classic.
By following this authentic Brazilian pizza recipe, you’re not just baking a meal—you’re bringing a slice of Brazil into your kitchen. Whether you prefer savory, cheesy pies or a sweet dessert pizza, there’s a Brazilian version that will make you fall in love with pizza all over again.
Ready to impress your friends and family? Fire up that oven, roll out the dough, and embrace the magic of Brazilian pizza night!
Name: Authentic Brazilian Pizza Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Instructions:
- Prepare Dough: Activate yeast in warm water with sugar. Combine flour and salt, add yeast mixture and oil, knead until smooth. Let rise 1 hour until doubled.
- Roll Dough: Divide and roll into thin circles. Create a slight edge for the crust.
- Make Sauce: Sauté onion and garlic, add tomatoes, season with salt, pepper, and oregano. Simmer 15–20 minutes.
- Assemble Pizza: Spread sauce, layer cheese and toppings.
- Bake: Preheat oven to 475°F (245°C). Bake pizza for 10–15 minutes or until crust is golden and cheese bubbly.
- Optional Dessert Pizza: Use chocolate, banana, or guava with cheese; bake until lightly browned.