There’s something irresistibly comforting about homemade pizza, but when you add the smoky-sweet combination of barbecue sauce and crispy bacon, you elevate a classic into something truly special. This Barbecue Bacon Pizza brings together the tangy zip of barbecue sauce, the savory crunch of bacon, and the gooey perfection of melted cheese in every bite.
Perfect for Friday night family dinners or weekend gatherings with friends, this pizza strikes that magical balance between impressive and achievable. The best part? You’ll have it ready in just 45 minutes, making it faster than delivery and infinitely more satisfying.
Why You’ll Love This
- Quick prep time – ready in just 45 minutes from start to finish
- Perfect balance of sweet, smoky, and savory flavors
- Customizable with your favorite toppings while keeping the barbecue-bacon base
- Makes great leftovers (if there are any!)
- Impressive enough for guests but simple enough for weeknight cooking
Ingredients
- 1 pound pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup barbecue sauce (preferably smoky)
- 8 ounces bacon, cooked and chopped
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ red onion, thinly sliced
- Fresh cilantro or parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven to heat.
- Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface to your desired thickness, then transfer to a piece of parchment paper.
- Pre-bake the crust for 5-7 minutes until it's slightly golden.
- Spread the barbecue sauce evenly over the pre-baked crust, leaving a small border around the edges. Sprinkle the chopped bacon, then the mozzarella and cheddar cheeses, and finally, the red onion slices.
- Transfer the pizza (with the parchment paper) to the hot pizza stone or a baking sheet. Bake for about 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and the crust is golden brown.
- Remove from the oven, let cool for a few minutes, then sprinkle with fresh cilantro or parsley before slicing and serving.
Tips & Variations
- For a spicier kick, mix a teaspoon of sriracha or hot sauce into your barbecue sauce
- Try different cheeses like smoked gouda or pepper jack for additional flavor dimensions
- Make it vegetarian by omitting the bacon and chicken and adding roasted bell peppers and corn
- Pre-bake the crust for 3-4 minutes before adding toppings if you prefer an extra-crispy base
- For a time-saving hack, use naan bread or pre-baked pizza crusts instead of raw dough
- Brush the crust with garlic butter after baking for an extra flavor boost
Serving Suggestions
This Barbecue Bacon Pizza pairs beautifully with a simple green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to balance the rich flavors. For a complete meal, serve alongside some sweet potato fries or a bowl of creamy coleslaw for that perfect barbecue-inspired feast.
For beverages, a cold craft beer, crisp apple cider, or sweet iced tea complements the smoky-sweet barbecue flavors wonderfully.
Notes
- Pizza is done when the cheese is bubbly and the crust’s bottom is golden brown (lift with a spatula to check)
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days
- Reheat slices in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes for best texture (avoid microwave if possible)
- If making dough from scratch, allow 1-2 hours of additional time for rising
FAQs
Can I make this pizza ahead of time?
You can prepare all the toppings and even par-bake the crust a few hours ahead, then assemble and finish baking just before serving for the best results.
What’s the best barbecue sauce to use?
Use your favorite! Sweet and smoky varieties work particularly well, but feel free to experiment with spicy or bourbon-infused options too.
Can I freeze this pizza?
Yes! Bake the pizza completely, allow it to cool, then wrap slices individually in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months and reheat in a 375°F oven until hot.
How can I make this if I don’t have a pizza stone?
A regular baking sheet works well – just preheat it in the oven for about 5 minutes before sliding your pizza onto it for a crispier bottom crust.
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