Next, consider adding crushed red pepper during the cooking process rather than after. By sprinkling the pepper on top of your pizza before it goes into the oven, the heat of the oven will help release the flavors of the pepper and infuse them into the pizza. This will result in a more cohesive and well-rounded flavor profile.
We know it may be very tempting to simply swap in that ketchup sitting in the fridge, but spiciness is a primary expectation of chili sauce, and there’s obviously none in ketchup. Plus, it’s very simple to spice up that ketchup with chipotle or cayenne pepper to at least provide some heat.
Using a dehydrator is a fantastic way to dry peppers. It gives you control over the temperature and airflow, making sure the peppers dry perfectly. Just set the dehydrator to around 130°F (54°C) for thorough drying while keeping the peppers’ flavor and color intact.