Easy Tortilla Pizzas with Pepperoni Chickpeas.
There’s something wonderfully satisfying about a quick and easy meal that combines comfort food with a hint of creativity. Enter the Easy Tortilla Pizzas with Pepperoni Chickpeas, a dish that takes the classic pizza concept and gives it a delightful twist. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, these tortilla pizzas are not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. With a crispy tortilla base, savory chickpeas, and gooey cheese, you’ll be reaching for seconds in no time.
What Makes This Recipe Special
This recipe stands out for several reasons. First, it’s incredibly quick to prepare, taking less than 30 minutes from start to finish. The use of chickpeas adds a unique protein punch, transforming the dish into a satisfying meal without relying solely on traditional meat toppings. The blend of spices infuses the chickpeas with flavor, making them a star topping on the pizza. Plus, you can customize each tortilla pizza with your favorite toppings, making it a fun option for families or gatherings where everyone can create their own masterpiece.
What’s in the Bowl
To whip up these delicious tortilla pizzas, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 (14 ounce) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon minced onion
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, plus more for serving
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Kosher salt and pepper to taste
- 2 burrito size flour tortillas
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup grated mozzarella cheese, or an Italian blend/provolone/etc.
- Finely grated parmesan cheese for sprinkling
- Chopped fresh basil or parsley for sprinkling
What You’ll Need (Gear)
Before diving into the cooking process, make sure you have these essential tools on hand:
- A baking sheet or pizza stone for crispy bottoms
- Mixing bowl for tossing the chickpeas
- Measuring spoons for accurate seasoning
- A spatula for flipping and serving
- Oven mitts to handle hot trays
Method: Easy Tortilla Pizzas with Pepperoni Chickpeas.
Now that you have your ingredients and gear ready, let’s get cooking!
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). A hot oven will ensure your tortillas get crispy and your cheese melts beautifully.
Step 2: Prepare the Chickpeas
In a mixing bowl, combine the drained chickpeas, olive oil, smoked paprika, minced onion, garlic powder, crushed red pepper flakes, oregano, salt, and pepper. Toss everything together until the chickpeas are well coated with the spices.
Step 3: Roast the Chickpeas
Spread the seasoned chickpeas evenly on a baking sheet. Roast in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes, or until they are golden and slightly crispy. Give them a stir halfway through for even cooking.
Step 4: Assemble the Tortilla Pizzas
While the chickpeas are roasting, place the tortillas on a separate baking sheet. Spread ½ cup of marinara sauce on each tortilla, leaving a small border around the edges. Sprinkle the grated mozzarella cheese generously over the sauce.
Step 5: Add the Chickpeas
Once the chickpeas are roasted, remove them from the oven and sprinkle them evenly over the sauced tortillas. Feel free to add extra crushed red pepper flakes if you like some heat!
Step 6: Bake the Tortilla Pizzas
Place the baking sheet with the assembled tortilla pizzas in the oven. Bake for an additional 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and the edges of the tortillas are crisp.
Step 7: Finishing Touches
Once out of the oven, sprinkle the pizzas with finely grated parmesan cheese and chopped fresh basil or parsley. Slice and serve immediately, perhaps with extra crushed red pepper flakes on the side for those who like it spicy!
Adaptations for Special Diets
These Easy Tortilla Pizzas with Pepperoni Chickpeas can easily be adapted to suit various dietary preferences:
- For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free tortillas.
- To make it vegan, simply omit the cheese or use a dairy-free cheese alternative.
- For a lower-carb version, use cauliflower tortillas or lettuce wraps.
- Add your favorite vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for extra nutrition.
Frequent Missteps to Avoid
Here are some common pitfalls to avoid when making these tortilla pizzas:
- Not roasting the chickpeas long enough—this step is key for achieving the right texture and flavor.
- Overloading the tortillas with toppings—keep it balanced to ensure everything cooks evenly.
- Skipping the preheating step—this is crucial for crispiness.
- Not using enough seasoning—don’t be shy with the spices; they make all the difference!
Make-Ahead & Storage
If you want to prepare these delicious tortilla pizzas ahead of time, here’s how:
- Chickpeas can be seasoned and roasted ahead of time. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.
- You can also assemble the tortilla pizzas and keep them in the fridge before baking. Just add a bit of extra cooking time if baking from cold.
- Leftover tortilla pizzas can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. Reheat in the oven for best results.
Reader Questions
Can I use other beans instead of chickpeas?
Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of chickpeas, feel free to substitute with black beans or kidney beans. Just make sure to season them well!
Can I freeze these tortilla pizzas?
While it’s best to enjoy them fresh, you can freeze assembled tortilla pizzas before baking. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil for up to three months. Bake directly from frozen, adding extra time to ensure they’re heated through.
What can I serve with these pizzas?
These tortilla pizzas pair wonderfully with a side salad or Mexican Bean Dip for a complete meal. You can also serve them with a side of marinara for dipping!
How do I make these pizzas spicier?
If you love heat, consider adding jalapeños or using spicy marinara sauce. You can also increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes in the chickpeas.
One Pan, More Ideas
If you love the simplicity of this recipe, you might also enjoy these:
- Chicken Enchilada Pizza – A delightful twist on traditional enchiladas.
- Homemade Bbq Chicken Pizza – Sweet and tangy BBQ chicken on a crispy crust.
Before You Go
These Easy Tortilla Pizzas with Pepperoni Chickpeas are bound to become a favorite in your household. Whether you’re making a quick dinner or hosting a fun pizza night, this recipe provides a delicious and customizable option that everyone will love. So gather your ingredients, get your creative juices flowing, and enjoy a slice of this innovative pizza creation!
Easy Tortilla Pizzas with Pepperoni Chickpeas.
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure crispy tortillas and melted cheese.
- In a mixing bowl, combine chickpeas, olive oil, smoked paprika, minced onion, garlic powder, crushed red pepper flakes, oregano, salt, and pepper. Toss until well coated.
- Spread the seasoned chickpeas on a baking sheet and roast for about 15 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- While the chickpeas roast, place tortillas on a baking sheet. Spread ½ cup of marinara sauce on each, then sprinkle with mozzarella cheese.
- Remove roasted chickpeas from the oven and sprinkle over the sauced tortillas. Add more crushed red pepper flakes if desired.
- Bake the assembled pizzas for 10-12 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and the tortillas are crisp.
- Sprinkle with parmesan cheese and fresh herbs before slicing and serving immediately.
Notes
- For gluten-free, use gluten-free tortillas.
- Make it vegan by omitting cheese or using a dairy-free alternative.
- Store leftover pizzas in an airtight container for up to two days; reheat in the oven.
