Barbecue Bacon Pizza Recipe

Quick BBQ Bacon Pizza Recipe That Sizzles with Smoky Flavor

Crafting a mouthwatering barbecue bacon pizza brings culinary excitement right to your kitchen.

Smoky aromas will soon fill the air as you layer crispy ingredients.

Bacon transforms an ordinary meal into something spectacular and irresistible.

Melted cheese creates a dreamy backdrop for tangy barbecue sauce.

Sharp flavors dance across a perfectly crisp crust, promising delightful bites.

Homemade pizzas offer an unbeatable experience compared to takeout options.

Jump into this delicious adventure and wow everyone at the dinner table.

Why Barbecue Bacon Pizza Hits the Spot

  • Savor Flavor Explosion: Barbecue bacon pizza delivers an irresistible combination of smoky barbecue sauce, crispy bacon, and melted cheeses that creates a mouthwatering taste adventure.
  • Quick Crowd-Pleaser: This pizza works brilliantly for casual gatherings, game nights, or family dinners, offering a delicious meal that appeals to both kids and adults with its bold, familiar flavors.
  • Customizable Culinary Canvas: Easy to adapt with different cheeses, sauces, or additional toppings, allowing home cooks to personalize the recipe and experiment with their favorite ingredients.

What You Need for Barbecue Bacon Pizza

Pizza Base:
  • Pizza Dough: Soft and stretchy base for the pizza.
Flour Coating:
  • All-Purpose Flour: Light dusting to prevent sticking.
Sauce:
  • Barbecue Sauce: Sweet and tangy sauce for flavor.
Proteins:
  • Bacon: Crispy and smoky meat topping.
Cheese Blend:
  • Mozzarella Cheese, Cheddar Cheese: Melty and rich cheese combination.
Vegetable Topping:
  • Red Onion: Sharp and slightly sweet sliced vegetable.
Garnish:
  • Fresh Cilantro, Fresh Parsley: Green herbs for final touch.
Cooking Essentials:
  • Parchment Paper: Non-stick surface for easy baking.
  • Olive Oil: Optional light coating for crust.

How to Make Barbecue Bacon Pizza

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Get your oven roaring hot to 475°F (245°C).

If you’ve got a pizza stone, slide it into the oven to create that perfect crispy base.

Step 2: Prepare the Dough

Dust your work surface with flour and roll out the pizza dough into a beautiful circular shape.

Aim for your preferred thickness and transfer the dough onto a sheet of parchment paper.

Step 3: Pre-Bake the Crust

Give your crust a quick head start by baking it for 5-7 minutes until it turns a light golden color.

This helps prevent a soggy bottom and ensures a crispy foundation.

Step 4: Layer on the Flavor

Spread a generous layer of barbecue sauce across the pre-baked crust, leaving a small border around the edges.

Top with your toppings:
  • Crispy chopped bacon
  • Mozzarella cheese
  • Cheddar cheese
  • Thinly sliced red onions

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Carefully transfer the pizza (with parchment paper) into the oven.

Bake for 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the crust turns a gorgeous golden brown.

Step 6: Final Touches and Serving

Pull the pizza from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes.

Sprinkle fresh cilantro or parsley on top for a burst of color and freshness.

Slice and serve immediately while it’s hot and delicious.

Handy Tips for Barbecue Bacon Pizza

  • Use a pizza stone heated in the oven to create a crispy, restaurant-style crust that's evenly cooked and delightfully crunchy.
  • Pat bacon dry before chopping to prevent excess grease, ensuring your pizza remains crisp and not soggy during baking.
  • Apply sauce sparingly and evenly to avoid overwhelming the pizza's delicate flavor balance and prevent a wet, soggy base.
  • Select freshly grated mozzarella and cheddar for superior melting and richer taste compared to pre-shredded packaged cheese.
  • Swap bacon with pulled pork or grilled chicken for different protein options, keeping the barbecue pizza's signature flavor profile.

Barbecue Bacon Pizza Storage Guide

  • Store leftover pizza slices in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. Refrigerated pizza stays fresh for 3-4 days.
  • Restore crispy crust by preheating oven to 375°F. Place pizza slices on a baking sheet and warm for 8-10 minutes until cheese melts and edges crisp up.
  • For quick reheating, use 50% power for 30-45 seconds. Add a glass of water nearby to prevent dryness and maintain pizza's moisture.
  • Revive pizza's crispy texture by heating a non-stick skillet on medium-low. Cook pizza slice for 2-3 minutes, covering with a lid to help cheese melt evenly.

Best Pairings for Barbecue Bacon Pizza

  • Refresh with Craft Beer Pairing: Select a hoppy IPA or amber ale to cut through the pizza's rich, smoky bacon and cheese flavors. The beer's bitterness balances the sweet barbecue sauce perfectly.
  • Enhance with Zesty Wine Choice: Choose a medium-bodied red like Zinfandel or Syrah, which matches the pizza's robust barbecue profile. These wines complement the smoky bacon and provide a smooth, fruity backdrop.
  • Cool Down with Citrus Cocktail: Mix a bright, tangy cocktail like a margarita or paloma. The citrus notes will contrast the pizza's heavy ingredients, creating a refreshing palate-cleansing experience.
  • Balance with Sparkling Beverage: Opt for a crisp sparkling water with lime or a light prosecco. The bubbles and acidity help cut through the pizza's richness, providing a clean, light counterpoint.

Different Ways Barbecue Bacon Pizza

  • Gluten-Free Barbecue Bacon Pizza: Replace traditional pizza dough with a cauliflower crust or gluten-free pre-made pizza base for those with wheat sensitivities.
  • Swap bacon with smoky tempeh strips or coconut bacon for a plant-based alternative that maintains the rich, savory flavor profile.
  • Low-Carb Barbecue Bacon Pizza: Use a cauliflower crust or large portobello mushroom cap as the base, reducing overall carbohydrate content while keeping the classic barbecue taste.
  • Spicy BBQ Bacon Pizza: Add jalapeño slices or sprinkle red pepper flakes to introduce a fiery kick to the original recipe, perfect for heat-loving pizza enthusiasts.

FAQs

  • How do I prevent the pizza crust from becoming soggy?

Pre-bake the crust for 5-7 minutes before adding toppings. This helps create a crispy base that can withstand the moisture from barbecue sauce and toppings.

  • Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, you can substitute mozzarella and cheddar with other cheeses like gouda, provolone, or a blend of your favorite melting cheeses. Just ensure they melt well and complement the barbecue flavor.

  • What if I don't have a pizza stone?

No problem! Use a regular baking sheet or an inverted baking pan. The key is to create a hot surface that helps crisp up the pizza bottom.

  • Is it necessary to use parchment paper?

While not absolutely required, parchment paper makes transferring the pizza to the oven easier and prevents sticking. If you don’t have it, you can lightly grease the baking sheet or use cornmeal to prevent sticking.

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Barbecue Bacon Pizza Recipe

Barbecue Bacon Pizza Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 18 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Sizzling barbecue bacon pizza brings smoky, savory flavors to classic Italian comfort food. Crispy bacon, tangy sauce, and melted cheese create an irresistible combination you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 8 ounces (226 grams) bacon, cooked and chopped

Cheese:

  • 2 cups (226 grams) shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup (113 grams) shredded cheddar cheese

Base and Sauce:

  • 1 pound (454 grams) pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1 cup (240 milliliters) barbecue sauce (preferably smoky)
  • 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
  • Fresh cilantro or parsley, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Arrange the pizza stone in the oven and heat to a searing 475°F (245°C) to ensure a crisp foundation for the pizza.
  2. On a generously floured surface, gently stretch and roll the pizza dough into a thin, even circle, carefully transferring it onto parchment paper.
  3. Quickly par-bake the dough for 5-7 minutes until it develops a delicate golden hue, creating a sturdy base for the toppings.
  4. Lavish the partially baked crust with a rich layer of tangy barbecue sauce, maintaining a small bare border around the perimeter.
  5. Artfully distribute crispy chopped bacon across the sauced surface, ensuring even coverage.
  6. Generously sprinkle a blend of melty mozzarella and sharp cheddar cheeses over the bacon, creating a luxurious blanket of dairy goodness.
  7. Scatter thinly sliced red onions across the cheese, adding a sharp, aromatic dimension to the pizza.
  8. Slide the pizza (with parchment paper) onto the blazing hot pizza stone or baking sheet, allowing it to transform for 10-15 minutes.
  9. Watch for the cheese to bubble and the crust to turn a stunning golden brown, signaling the pizza’s perfect doneness.
  10. Remove from the oven and let rest briefly, then garnish with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro or parsley for a vibrant, herbaceous finish.
  11. Slice into wedges and serve immediately, revealing the perfect harmony of smoky, cheesy, and crispy elements.

Notes

  • Preheat the pizza stone to ensure a crispy, restaurant-style crust that’s perfectly golden and evenly cooked.
  • Use a light hand when spreading barbecue sauce to prevent the pizza from becoming soggy and maintain a balanced flavor profile.
  • Precook bacon slightly to render fat and create a crispier texture, preventing excess grease on the pizza while enhancing its smoky flavor.
  • Experiment with alternative cheese combinations like gouda or pepper jack for a unique twist on the classic barbecue bacon pizza that adds depth and complexity.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Appetizer
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 550
  • Sugar: 10 g
  • Sodium: 1200 mg
  • Fat: 30 g
  • Saturated Fat: 12 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 45 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 25 g
  • Cholesterol: 50 mg
Angelina Wiles

Angelina Wiles

Content Editor & Culinary Enthusiast

Expertise

Food Writing and Editing, Vegetarian and Vegan Cuisine, Baking and Pastry Arts, Sustainable Cooking Practices​

Education

Portland Community College
Certificate in Culinary Arts
Focus: Emphasis on sustainable cooking practices, vegetarian cuisine, and food writing.​

​Oregon Culinary Institute
Diploma in Baking and Pastry Arts
Focus: Specialized training in artisanal baking, pastry techniques, and dessert presentation.


Angelina’s love for cooking started with handwritten family recipes and weekend trips to farmers’ markets around Portland. She followed her passion with a Certificate in Culinary Arts from Portland Community College, then perfected her sweet side with a Diploma in Baking and Pastry Arts at Oregon Culinary Institute.
Angelina believes recipes should feel like a conversation, not a science project. She’s all about helping readers trust themselves in the kitchen with simple steps, fresh ideas, and easy twists on classic meals.
When she’s not editing recipes, she’s baking bread, sipping coffee, or getting inspired by the changing seasons.

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