If you have been craving something that perfectly marries the irresistible flavors of tender birria beef and the comforting crispiness of pizza crust, then you are going to adore this Crispy Oven-Baked Birria Pizza Recipe. This dish elevates traditional birria by layering succulent shredded beef, melted cheese, and fresh garnishes on lightly toasted tortillas or naan, then baking everything until it’s bubbling and golden. It’s the kind of meal that feels indulgent yet approachable, making it a total crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple but flavorful ingredients is key here; each one plays a crucial role in building the perfect balance of taste, texture, and color for your Crispy Oven-Baked Birria Pizza Recipe. From the savory birria beef to the melty cheese blend and fresh garnishes, these ingredients come together effortlessly to create something truly special.
- 1 pound cooked birria beef (shredded): Tender, juicy beef that delivers authentic birria flavor.
- 2 large flour tortillas or naan flatbreads: The crispy base that holds all the delicious toppings.
- 1 cup birria consommé (strained): Rich broth used for brushing to infuse moisture and deepen flavor.
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully, adding creamy richness.
- ½ cup shredded Oaxaca cheese (or more mozzarella): Offers a stringy texture and subtle tang.
- ¼ cup finely chopped white onion: Adds a sharp bite and crunchy contrast.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro: Brightens the dish with herbal freshness.
- 1 tablespoon neutral oil (like avocado or canola): For toasting the tortillas evenly without overpowering.
- 1 teaspoon chili powder (optional): Introduces a gentle kick for heat enthusiasts.
- Lime wedges for serving: Adds zesty, citrusy flair to finish.
How to Make Crispy Oven-Baked Birria Pizza Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Toast the Base
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C) and placing a large baking sheet inside so it can get nice and hot. Meanwhile, brush one side of each tortilla or naan flatbread with the neutral oil, then toast them in a skillet over medium heat for about 1 to 2 minutes per side. This initial toasting conditions the base for maximum crispiness once baked, ensuring that your birria pizza won’t get soggy even after adding consommé and cheese.
Step 2: Prepare the Base Layers
Lay the toasted tortillas or flatbreads on a piece of parchment paper to make transfer easy. Brush each base generously with a few spoonfuls of warm birria consommé—this step infuses the dough with flavor and moisture, setting the stage for an unforgettable taste experience that defines the Crispy Oven-Baked Birria Pizza Recipe.
Step 3: Add Cheese and Birria Beef
Sprinkle half of the mozzarella and Oaxaca cheeses evenly over each base to create a creamy starting point. Then, layer on the shredded birria beef, distributing it thoughtfully so every bite is packed with that slow-cooked, flavorful meat. Finish by adding the remaining cheese on top, which will melt over the beef creating a glorious gooey topping that holds everything together.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Carefully slide the parchment with your assembled pizzas onto the hot baking sheet in the oven. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the cheese bubbles beautifully and the edges of the crust turn golden and crispy. This baking step solidifies the textures and intensifies the melding of those incredible birria flavors with the cheeses and toasted crust.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Remove the pizzas from the oven and while still hot, drizzle with a little extra consommé for a luscious finish. Sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro over the top and serve with lime wedges on the side. That bright acidity cuts through the richness, delivering a balanced, unforgettable bite of your Crispy Oven-Baked Birria Pizza Recipe.
How to Serve Crispy Oven-Baked Birria Pizza Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes take this birria pizza from delicious to extraordinary. Besides chopped cilantro and lime wedges, consider adding pickled red onions or a drizzle of Mexican crema for extra creaminess and tang. These vibrant touches elevate every bite, complementing the rich, cheesy, and crispy base perfectly.
Side Dishes
Pair your Crispy Oven-Baked Birria Pizza Recipe with a simple side salad loaded with fresh greens, avocado slices, and a light vinaigrette to add brightness. Alternatively, Mexican street corn (elote) or a bowl of charred poblano soup would enhance the meal with complementary flavors and textures that don’t compete but rather celebrate the birria star of the show.
Creative Ways to Present
Looking to impress guests? Serve your birria pizza on a rustic wooden board with small bowls of consommé for dipping. You can also cut the pizzas into bite-sized squares and arrange them as appetizers for a casual party. Using naan instead of tortillas adds a unique spin and suits a more artisanal presentation style that keeps things fun and informal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store your birria pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To maintain the crispiness of the crust, place a paper towel underneath to absorb any moisture buildup. This way, you can enjoy a quick and tasty meal without losing that signature crisp texture.
Freezing
You can freeze leftover birria pizza slices by wrapping them individually in plastic wrap and then placing them in a freezer-safe bag. They keep well for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator to preserve freshness and flavor before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and place the pizza slices on a baking tray. Heat for about 8 to 10 minutes or until warmed through and crispy again. Avoid microwaving as it can turn the crust soggy and compromise the delightful textures you worked so hard to create in the Crispy Oven-Baked Birria Pizza Recipe.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! While mozzarella and Oaxaca cheese are traditional here for their meltability and mild flavor, feel free to experiment with Monterey Jack, Chihuahua, or even a bit of sharp cheddar to add a unique touch.
What if I don’t have birria consommé? Can I skip it?
The consommé adds moisture and authentic birria flavor, but if you don’t have it on hand, you can substitute with beef broth or a spiced tomato sauce for a similar effect. Just keep in mind that skipping it will change the richness slightly.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegan or vegetarian?
You can easily adapt by using plant-based shredded beef alternatives and vegan cheeses. Just make sure the consommé is replaced with a flavorful vegetable broth to keep the depth of flavor in the Crispy Oven-Baked Birria Pizza Recipe.
Can I prepare this pizza in advance for a party?
Yes! You can assemble the pizzas ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator without baking. When ready to serve, simply bake until cheese bubbles and crust crisps. This makes entertaining a breeze.
What is the best way to get the crust extra crispy?
To maximize crispiness, toast the tortillas or naan first in a small amount of oil and bake on a preheated baking sheet. This ensures a sturdy base that won’t get soggy from the toppings or consommé.
Final Thoughts
This Crispy Oven-Baked Birria Pizza Recipe is a delightful twist on two beloved comfort foods that will quickly become one of your favorite go-tos. With its perfect balance of juicy birria beef, melty cheeses, crisp crust, and fresh garnishes, it’s a meal that sparks joy with every bite. Don’t wait to try it yourself and share the joy with friends and family—this pizza is pure magic.
Print
Crispy Oven-Baked Birria Pizza Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 2–3 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
- Diet: Nut-Free
Description
This Crispy Oven-Baked Birria Pizza combines tender shredded birria beef with gooey melted cheeses on a crispy tortilla or naan base. Brushed with flavorful birria consommé and baked to bubbly perfection, this Mexican-American fusion dish delivers rich, savory, and slightly spicy flavors with a satisfying crunch. Perfect for a unique twist on traditional pizza or a comforting main course.
Ingredients
Pizza Base
- 2 large flour tortillas or naan flatbreads
- 1 tablespoon neutral oil (like avocado or canola)
Fillings
- 1 pound cooked birria beef, shredded
- 1 cup birria consommé, strained and warmed
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup shredded Oaxaca cheese (or more mozzarella)
- ¼ cup finely chopped white onion
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 teaspoon chili powder (optional, for extra heat)
- Lime wedges, for serving
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and place a large baking sheet inside to heat. This ensures a hot surface for crispy crusts.
- Toast the Tortillas or Flatbreads: Brush one side of each tortilla or flatbread with oil. In a skillet over medium heat, lightly toast them about 1–2 minutes per side until just crispy to give a sturdy base.
- Assemble Pizzas: Place the toasted tortillas or flatbreads on parchment paper. Brush each base with a few spoonfuls of warm birria consommé for moisture and flavor. Evenly sprinkle half of the mozzarella and Oaxaca cheeses over the base.
- Add Toppings: Top with shredded birria beef, chopped onion, and the remaining cheese. Optionally sprinkle chili powder for extra heat.
- Bake the Pizzas: Carefully slide the parchment with assembled pizzas onto the hot baking sheet in the oven. Bake for 10–12 minutes until cheese is bubbly and crusts turn golden and crispy.
- Finish and Serve: Remove pizzas from the oven. Drizzle each with extra consommé and sprinkle fresh cilantro on top. Serve immediately with lime wedges for squeezing.
Notes
- You can substitute the tortillas with naan or thin pre-baked pizza crusts for different textures.
- For extra spiciness, add sliced jalapeños on top before baking.
- Enhance richness by topping the finished pizza with a drizzle of crema or a fried egg.
