This Korean-style kimchi pizza recipe is a flavorful fusion of sour kimchi, savory vegetables and the classic pizza dough with melty cheese and marinara. Using a premade pizza dough, it all comes together hot and ready to eat in less than 30 minutes.
It might sound odd to put kimchi on pizza but I've been in the habit of adding kimchi to many unexpected foods: kimchi fries, kimchi chowder and even kimchi cream cheese; you get the point. The end results are usually flavorful and delicious!
Some people tend to omit the sauce and cheese with Asian pizzas because of the unorthodox mixture. But trust me, the kimchi tastes surprisingly delicious with these classic pizza ingredients and it's worth giving it a try. It adds a hit of tangy, umami, spicy flavor to your pizza.
I also have a tutorial for how to cook pizza on the grill if you're interested in an alternative cooking method.
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Ingredients
While the kimchi is the star ingredient, the other toppings are perfect on this 12" pizza: like the savory mushrooms, sweet red onions, and leafy baby spinach.
- pizza dough ball - I like to use a premade dough ball. If it was frozen, thaw it in the fridge.
- mozzarella cheese - The mild flavor works well with the kimchi.
- baby spinach - Spinach has a mild, slightly sweet, and earthy flavor and it gets a bit wilty and crispy in the oven.
- kimchi - Pick up a jar from the grocery store, farmers' market or check out how to make kimchi at home.
- mushrooms - I use button mushrooms but you can also use cremini.
- red onions - You can use yellow onions instead if desired.
- crushed red pepper flakes - This is optional for if you like a little extra heat with your pizza.
*See ingredient amounts in recipe card.
Chef's Note: A nice garnish idea would be chopped green onions (scallions) because they are a versatile vegetable that add a bit of bite to the Korean pizza without overpowering the other toppings.
How to Make Kimchi Pizza
Here are some tips and information on how to make and enjoy this flavor-packed fusion dish.
Step 1. Preheat oven. Preheat the oven to 450°F and lightly grease a pizza pan. The high temperature helps create a golden, crispy crust and bubbly melted cheese.
Step 2. Roll out pizza dough. Place the pizza dough ball on a lightly floured surface and roll it out into a thin circle. Transfer to the pizza pan.
Step 3. Pre-bake crust. Pre-bake the crust for 5-6 minutes in the preheated oven, until it just becomes firm.
Step 4. Spread marinara. Spread the marinara sauce on the pizza dough circle, leaving the edges (crust) bare.
Step 5. Add cheese. Sprinkle the grated cheese on top of the sauce.
Step 6. Add toppings. Arrange the kimchi and vegetables evenly on top.
Chef's Note: I like placing the vegetables on top of the cheese so that they don't steam underneath and make the crust soggy.
Step 7. Finish baking. Return the pizza to the preheated oven and bake until the crust is golden and the cheese is fully melted, about 7 to 10 minutes.
Step 8. Serve. Let cool for 2 minutes before slicing. Sprinkle with crushed red pepper flakes and serve the Korean kimchi pizza!
Joss' Top Tip
One of the most common problems with baking pizza dough is bubbles. Whether it is on the bottom or around the crust, it can distort your pizza and some people may not like the look of them. Large bubbles may even cause your toppings to slide.
If you do not want bubbles on your kimchi pizza, take a fork or a dough punch roller (dough docker) and puncture holes in your pizza dough. After the dough is punctured, you are free to par-bake, add toppings and finish preparing your pizza.
Kimchi Pizza FAQs
You can store leftover kimchi pizza in a covered container in the fridge for up to 3 to 4 days.
Yes! Once cooled, wrap each slice in plastic wrap, place in a freezer bag and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge. Or, reheat them straight from frozen in a 375°F oven until hot and crispy.
Absolutely. Make sure you purchase or make a vegetarian kimchi, avoiding adding any seafood ingredients. The rest of the ingredients on this pizza are already vegetarian-friendly.
More Delicious Kimchi Dishes to Try
Do you like a thin or thick pizza crust? I like both but prefer a thin crust. If you tried this 🍕 Kimchi Pizza Recipe or any other recipe on my website, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it went in the 📝 comments below. And please share the recipe!
📋Recipe
Kimchi Pizza
Ingredients
- 1 premade pizza dough ball
- ¾ cup marinara sauce
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese - shredded
- ½ cup baby spinach - shredded
- 1 cup kimchi - drained and chopped
- ½ cup mushrooms - cleaned and sliced
- ¼ cup red onions - sliced
- crushed red pepper flakes - to garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 450°F and lightly grease a pizza pan.
- Place the pizza dough ball on a lightly floured surface and roll it out into a thin circle. Transfer to the pizza pan. You can prick the dough all over with a fork or dough docker to avoid bubbles while baking.1 premade pizza dough ball
- Pre-bake the crust for 5-6 minutes in the preheated oven, until it just becomes firm.
- Spread the marinara sauce on the pizza dough circle, leaving the edges (crust) bare.¾ cup marinara sauce
- Sprinkle the cheese on top of the sauce. Then arrange the spinach, kimchi, mushrooms and red onions evenly on top.2 cups mozzarella cheese, ½ cup baby spinach, 1 cup kimchi, ½ cup mushrooms, ¼ cup red onions
- Return the pizza to the preheated oven and bake until the crust is golden and the cheese is fully melted, about 7 to 10 minutes.
- Let cool for 2 minutes before slicing. Sprinkle with crushed red pepper flakes (if using) and serve!
Equipment
Notes
- These toppings have been measured out for a medium 12" pizza crust. You may need to adjust the topping amounts depending on the size of your pizza and personal preferences.
- I like to use a premade dough ball. If it was frozen, thaw it in the fridge.
- I like placing the vegetables on top of the cheese so that they don't steam underneath and make the crust soggy.
- You can store leftover kimchi pizza in a covered container in the fridge for up to 3 to 4 days.
Nutrition
Nutrition information on In the Kitch is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. It may not include toppings and/or sauces.
Joss says
Delicious pizza, really hits the spot.