Introduction
Imagine biting into a pizza loaded with juicy, slow-cooked birria beef, melted cheese, and a crispy, golden crust—served with a side of rich consomé for dipping. Sounds like the best of both worlds, right? That’s exactly what birria pizza is all about! This fusion dish combines the bold, spicy flavors of traditional Mexican birria with the comforting, cheesy goodness of pizza.
But how did birria pizza become such a trend? And more importantly, how can you make this irresistible dish at home? In this guide, we’ll dive into the history of birria, explore the key ingredients, and walk you through the step-by-step process of making the perfect birria pizza. We’ll also cover creative variations, the best side pairings, and answer some common questions about this viral dish.
What is Birria Pizza?
The Fusion of Mexican Birria and Italian Pizza
At its core, birria pizza is a delicious mash-up of two culinary powerhouses: birria tacos and classic Italian pizza. Traditional birria is a slow-cooked meat stew, often made with beef, goat, or lamb, seasoned with bold spices like dried chilies, garlic, and cumin. Typically, it’s served as tacos with a side of consomé (a rich, flavorful broth) for dipping.
Now, imagine swapping the tortillas for a crispy pizza crust, layering it with tender, shredded birria meat, gooey melted cheese, and a drizzle of that savory consomé. That’s birria pizza—a dish that blends the best of Mexican street food and Italian comfort food into one epic creation.
How Birria Pizza Became a Food Trend
Thanks to social media, birria pizza has exploded in popularity. What started as a regional specialty quickly gained traction on TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube, with food influencers showcasing their unique takes on the dish. From homemade versions to restaurant specialties, this fusion pizza has become a must-try for food lovers everywhere.
No highly relevant internal links were found for birria pizza. However, if you’re interested in more delicious fusion recipes, check out this hot honey chicken recipe for another bold and flavorful dish!
Ingredients Needed to Make Birria Pizza
Best Meat Choices for Authentic Birria
The heart of birria pizza is the rich, slow-cooked meat. Traditionally, birria is made with goat, but beef (especially chuck roast, short ribs, or brisket) is a more accessible option. If you want an ultra-tender texture, use a combination of fatty and lean cuts.
Essential Spices and Seasonings
To achieve that deep, smoky, and slightly spicy flavor, you’ll need dried chilies (guajillo, ancho, and pasilla), garlic, cumin, oregano, cloves, and bay leaves. A splash of vinegar or lime juice adds acidity, balancing the richness of the meat.
Choosing the Right Cheese
Melted cheese is a must for birria pizza! Oaxaca cheese is the best choice because of its stretchiness, but mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a blend of both work great too. If you love bold flavors, try adding a little cotija cheese for extra saltiness.
Pizza Dough: Store-Bought vs. Homemade
A good birria pizza needs a sturdy yet crispy crust. You can use store-bought pizza dough for convenience, but making your own gives better texture and flavor. A thin, Neapolitan-style dough works well, but if you want a crunchier bite, go for a thicker crust.
How to Make Birria for Birria Pizza
Step 1: Marinating the Meat
Start by seasoning your beef with salt, pepper, and vinegar, then let it marinate for at least an hour. Meanwhile, toast the dried chilies in a hot pan until fragrant, then blend them with tomatoes, garlic, and spices to create a deep red marinade. Coat the meat with this mixture for maximum flavor.
Step 2: Slow Cooking for Maximum Tenderness
Place the marinated meat in a slow cooker, Dutch oven, or Instant Pot. Add beef broth, bay leaves, and extra chilies for richness. If using a slow cooker, cook on low for 6-8 hours. If using an Instant Pot, pressure cook for about 45 minutes.
Once the meat is fork-tender, shred it and let it soak in the flavorful consomé (the leftover broth). This step is crucial—it keeps the meat juicy and packed with flavor.
Step 3: Making the Consomé for Dipping
The consomé is what takes birria pizza to the next level. Skim excess fat from the top of the broth and set it aside. This fat will be brushed onto the pizza crust before baking for extra crispiness. Serve the remaining consomé in small bowls for dipping.
Assembling and Baking the Perfect Birria Pizza
Step 1: Preparing the Pizza Dough and Sauce
Once your birria is slow-cooked to perfection, it’s time to build the ultimate birria pizza! Start by rolling out your pizza dough to your preferred thickness. If you love a crispier crust, roll it thinner; for a more doughy bite, keep it slightly thicker.
For the sauce, you can go traditional with tomato sauce, but for an authentic birria experience, use a reduced version of the consomé instead. Simply simmer the consomé until it thickens, then spread it over the dough as your base sauce. This adds incredible depth of flavor!
Step 2: Adding Shredded Birria Meat and Cheese
Generously spread shredded birria meat over the sauced dough, making sure every bite is packed with juicy, slow-cooked goodness. Next, sprinkle a mix of Oaxaca and mozzarella cheese for the perfect melty, stretchy texture. Want more richness? Drizzle a bit of the reserved birria fat over the top.
Step 3: Baking for Crispy, Cheesy Perfection
Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C) and bake for 12-15 minutes or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbling. If you have a pizza stone or steel, use it for a crispier base.
Step 4: Serving with Consomé for Dipping
No birria pizza is complete without a bowl of warm consomé on the side. Serve it alongside the pizza for dipping, just like with birria tacos. Add some fresh cilantro, diced onions, and a squeeze of lime for an extra pop of flavor.
Variations and Creative Twists on Birria Pizza
Quesabirria Pizza: The Ultimate Cheese Crust
Love extra cheese? Try a quesabirria pizza! This version adds a crispy cheese crust by spreading a layer of cheese directly on the pan before placing the dough. As it bakes, the cheese caramelizes, creating an insanely crispy and flavorful outer edge.
Spicy Birria Pizza: Turn Up the Heat
For those who love spice, add jalapeños, extra chili flakes, or a drizzle of chili oil before baking. A touch of hot honey can also bring a sweet-heat balance that pairs beautifully with the rich birria meat.
Vegan Birria Pizza: A Plant-Based Take
Yes, you can enjoy birria pizza without meat! Swap the beef for shredded jackfruit or oyster mushrooms, marinated in the same spices as traditional birria. Use plant-based cheese and a thickened vegetable broth for dipping.
Best Sides and Drinks to Serve with Birria Pizza
Refreshing Drinks to Complement Birria Pizza
A dish as rich and flavorful as birria pizza deserves the perfect drink pairing! For a refreshing contrast, try a chilled horchata—its creamy cinnamon flavor balances the spiciness of the birria. If you prefer something fizzy, a classic Mexican Coke or a tangy agua fresca (like hibiscus or tamarind) is a great choice.
For an adult twist, pair your birria pizza with a margarita, a spicy michelada. The crisp carbonation cuts through the richness of the cheese and consomé.
Perfect Side Dishes
Looking for the best sides to serve with birria pizza? Elote (Mexican street corn) with cotija cheese and Tajín is an excellent choice. A simple guacamole or fresh pico de gallo also adds a refreshing touch. If you want something heartier, a side of Mexican rice rounds out the meal beautifully.
How Birria Pizza Became a Social Media Sensation
TikTok and Instagram: The Rise of Birria Pizza
It’s no surprise that birria pizza has gone viral on social media. What started as a street-food twist on birria tacos quickly gained traction on TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube. The sight of gooey cheese pulls, crispy crusts, and tender shredded birria meat—paired with rich, dunkable consomé—was enough to make food lovers everywhere crave a bite.
Food Influencers and Restaurants Popularizing the Trend
Influencers and chefs helped skyrocket birria pizza to fame by putting their own unique spins on the dish. Some experimented with different cheeses, spice levels, and cooking techniques, while others showcased creative ways to dip and serve the pizza. Restaurants across the U.S. also jumped on the trend, adding birria pizza to their menus and drawing in customers eager to try this mouthwatering fusion.
How Birria Pizza Became a Social Media Sensation
TikTok and Instagram: The Rise of Birria Pizza
Food trends explode online, and birria pizza is no exception. The fusion of cheesy, crispy pizza with juicy, slow-cooked birria meat instantly caught the attention of social media users. On TikTok, viral videos showcasing that satisfying cheese pull and the dramatic consomé dip racked up millions of views. Instagram and YouTube followed suit, with influencers putting their spin on this mouthwatering dish.
Food Influencers and Restaurants Popularizing the Trend
Many food bloggers and chefs jumped on the trend, experimenting with different variations of birria pizza. Some added extra heat with jalapeños and chili oil, while others made quesabirria-style pizzas with a crispy cheese crust. Meanwhile, restaurants across the U.S. saw the demand rising and started adding birria pizza to their menus.
Nutritional Information for Birria Pizza (per 100g)
While birria pizza is packed with bold flavors, it’s also a hearty dish with a mix of protein, carbs, and fats. The nutritional content will vary depending on the ingredients used, especially the type of cheese and meat. Below is an approximate breakdown of the nutrition per 100g serving.
Nutritional Content (per 100g)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 280 kcal |
| Protein | 14 g |
| Carbohydrates | 28 g |
| Fat | 12 g |
| Saturated Fat | 5 g |
| Cholesterol | 45 mg |
| Sodium | 450 mg |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 3 g |
| Calcium | 150 mg |
| Iron | 2.1 mg |
Health Considerations
- Using leaner cuts of beef or opting for chicken birria can reduce the fat content.
- Choosing whole wheat pizza dough can add more fiber and nutrients.
- Adjusting cheese portions or using lower-fat options can help lower calories and fat.
- If watching sodium intake, reduce added salt and use low-sodium cheese.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Best Meat for Birria Pizza?
The most common choice for birria pizza is beef chuck roast or short ribs. These cuts become incredibly tender when slow-cooked, making them perfect for shredding. Traditional birria is made with goat or lamb, which can also be used for a richer, more authentic taste.
Can I Use Store-Bought Birria Instead of Making It from Scratch?
Absolutely! If you’re short on time, many Mexican grocery stores sell pre-made birria or consomé. You can also use leftover birria from a previous meal to make birria pizza. Just be sure to warm it up before assembling your pizza for the best texture and flavor.
How Do I Store and Reheat Leftover Birria Pizza?
To keep your birria pizza tasting fresh, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, use an oven or air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 5-7 minutes to maintain crispiness. Avoid the microwave, as it can make the crust soggy.
Is Birria Pizza Spicy?
It depends on how you make it! The traditional birria marinade includes dried chilies, which give it a mild heat. However, you can make your birria pizza spicier by adding jalapeños, chili oil, or extra red pepper flakes.