If you’re craving something smoky, cheesy, and downright irresistible, this Barbecue Bacon Pizza is about to become your new favorite comfort food. Loaded with crispy bacon, melty mozzarella and cheddar cheese, and slathered in a sweet and tangy BBQ sauce, this pizza brings together bold flavors in the best way possible. Whether you’re planning a cozy weeknight dinner or hosting a casual weekend gathering, this easy homemade pizza recipe promises restaurant-quality taste right from your own kitchen.
What makes this pizza a must-try? It’s the perfect balance of savory and sweet, paired with a crispy golden crust that holds up to every delicious bite. You don’t need to be a professional chef or spend hours in the kitchen to pull this off—it’s quick, beginner-friendly, and sure to impress. So fire up your oven, grab your favorite barbecue sauce, and let’s create the ultimate Barbecue Bacon Pizza masterpiece together!
Easy Barbecue Bacon Pizza Recipe
Barbecue Bacon Pizza is a smoky, savory twist on a classic favorite! Featuring crispy bacon, melty cheese, sweet BBQ sauce, and a golden crust, this easy homemade pizza is perfect for weeknight dinners or weekend cravings. Ready in under 30 minutes!
Ingrédients
For the Pizza Dough (or use store-bought):
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet 2¼ tsp active dry yeast
- 1 tsp sugar
- ¾ tsp salt
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ¾ cup warm water 110°F
For the Toppings:
- ½ cup barbecue sauce your favorite brand or homemade
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 6 slices thick-cut bacon cooked and crumbled
- ¼ cup thinly sliced red onion optional
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Fresh parsley or oregano for garnish optional
- Olive oil for brushing crust edges
Instructions
Prepare the Dough (Skip if using store-bought):
- In a bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5 minutes until frothy. Stir in flour, salt, and olive oil. Knead until a smooth dough forms. Cover and let rise for 30 minutes.
Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). If using a pizza stone, place it in the oven while preheating.
Roll Out the Dough:
- On a floured surface, roll the dough into a 12-inch circle. Transfer to a parchment-lined baking sheet or preheated pizza stone.
Assemble the Pizza:
- Spread the barbecue sauce evenly over the dough. Sprinkle mozzarella and cheddar cheese. Top with crumbled bacon and red onions (if using). Sprinkle Italian seasoning over the top.
Bake the Pizza:
- Bake for 12–15 minutes or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly and melted.
Garnish & Serve:
- Remove from oven, garnish with fresh parsley or oregano, slice, and enjoy your delicious Barbecue Bacon Pizza!
Notes
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving – Approximate)
- Calories: 480
- Protein: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 6g
Notes
- Shortcut Tip: Use store-bought pizza dough or flatbread for a faster version.
- Make It Spicy: Add jalapeño slices or crushed red pepper flakes for a kick.
- Lighter Option: Use turkey bacon and reduced-fat cheese to cut down calories.
- Make Ahead: Prep the bacon and dough in advance and refrigerate until ready to assemble.
Tips, Tricks & Variations
Elevate your homemade Barbecue Bacon Pizza with these expert tips, smart tricks, and creative variations. Whether you’re new to pizza-making or a seasoned home chef, these ideas will help you customize your pie to perfection!
Pro Tips for Perfect Results
- Preheat Your Pizza Stone or Steel: For that crispy, pizzeria-style crust, preheat a pizza stone or steel in your oven at 475°F (245°C) for at least 30 minutes before baking. This helps achieve a beautifully crisp bottom.
- Partially Cook the Bacon: Cook the bacon halfway before adding it to your pizza. This ensures it finishes crisping in the oven without burning or turning rubbery.
- Drain Bacon Grease: Always blot your bacon with a paper towel to remove excess grease. This keeps your pizza from becoming soggy.
- Don’t Overload with Sauce: BBQ sauce is flavorful, but too much can make your pizza soggy and overpower the cheese. Use just enough to cover the base in a thin layer.
- Let Dough Rest Before Stretching: Allow your dough to rest at room temperature for 30 minutes. It’ll be more pliable and easier to stretch without tearing.
Ingredient Swaps & Enhancements
- Cheese Options: Mozzarella is classic, but blending it with smoked gouda, cheddar, or provolone adds depth and smokiness to complement the BBQ flavor.
- Add a Kick: Like it spicy? Sprinkle red pepper flakes or drizzle with hot honey before serving for a sweet-heat combo.
- Sweet Touch: Thinly sliced red onions, pineapple, or caramelized onions add a pop of sweetness that balances the smoky bacon and tangy sauce.
- Fresh Finishes: After baking, top with fresh cilantro, arugula, or scallions to add a burst of freshness and color.
- Garlic Butter Crust: Brush the crust with garlic-infused butter before baking for a rich, golden, and flavorful finish.
Fun Variations to Try
- Grilled Pizza Version: Try grilling your pizza on a BBQ grill. Use indirect heat and a pizza stone or heavy-duty tray to get that outdoor smoky flavor.
- Mini BBQ Bacon Pizzas: Use flatbreads, naan, or pita as a base for individual-sized pizzas. Perfect for parties or quick lunches!
- BBQ Chicken & Bacon Combo: Add shredded rotisserie chicken alongside the bacon for a meaty, smoky masterpiece.
- Vegetarian Twist: Skip the bacon and use smoky tempeh, plant-based bacon, or grilled mushrooms as a savory substitute.
- Breakfast Pizza: Top your pizza with scrambled eggs and breakfast bacon, then drizzle with a little maple syrup or BBQ glaze.
Storage, Reheating & Serving Suggestions
Leftovers? Hosting a party? Want to enjoy your pizza later? No problem! This section covers how to properly store and reheat your Barbecue Bacon Pizza so it stays delicious, as well as creative serving ideas to take things up a notch.
Storage Tips
- Refrigerator Storage:
Allow the pizza to cool completely, then place slices in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. - Freezing Pizza:
Barbecue Bacon Pizza freezes beautifully! For best results, wrap each slice individually in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe zip bag or container. Store for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight or reheat directly from frozen. - Avoid Moisture:
Place a paper towel between layers of pizza when stacking to absorb any moisture and prevent the crust from going soggy.
Reheating Methods
Bringing back that crispy crust and gooey cheese is easy with the right technique:
- Oven Reheat (Best Method):
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Place slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment or foil. Bake for 8–10 minutes, or until cheese is melted and crust is crisp. - Skillet Method (Extra Crispy):
Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Place a slice of pizza in the pan, cover with a lid, and cook for 4–5 minutes. This gives you a crispy bottom and steamy melted cheese. - Air Fryer:
Reheat at 350°F (175°C) for 3–4 minutes. This method crisps up the crust quickly and evenly. - Microwave (Quick Fix):
Not ideal, but doable. Place a slice on a microwave-safe plate with a paper towel. Microwave for 30–60 seconds. To avoid sogginess, place a microwave-safe mug of water next to the plate—it helps absorb moisture.
Serving Suggestions
- Side Dishes:
Pair your Barbecue Bacon Pizza with a fresh green salad, garlic knots, or roasted vegetables for a well-rounded meal. - Dipping Sauces:
Serve with ranch, spicy mayo, garlic aioli, or extra BBQ sauce on the side for dunking. - Drinks:
For adults, this pizza pairs well with craft beer, hard cider, or smoky red wines like Shiraz. For kids or non-drinkers, go with iced tea, sparkling lemonade, or a root beer float. - Party Style:
Cut the pizza into smaller square bites and serve it as an appetizer or party snack. Add toothpicks for easy grabbing! - Next-Day Upgrade:
Turn leftover slices into pizza sandwiches by folding two slices together with a bit more cheese and grilling in a pan like a panini.
If you want to prepare BBQ pizza with chicken, visit Barbeque Chicken Pizza