Who said you can’t combine two of America’s favorite foods – pizza and BBQ – into one ridiculously tasty dish? By taking classic BBQ flavors like smoked pulled pork, chicken, bacon, and tangy barbecue sauce and layering them onto a pizza crust, you get the best of both worlds in every single slice.
In this blog post, we hope to convince you to think outside the pizza box with this BBQ pizza recipe. So ignore the food snobs and skeptics – it’s time to believe in the power of BBQ pizza!
Let’s get cooking this crowd-pleaser that is sure to have everyone’s taste buds rejoicing.
Essential Ingredients Used In a BBQ Pizza Recipe
BBQ pizza stands out with its unique blend of smoky, tangy flavors, typically cooked on a grill or in a wood-fired oven. This method infuses the pizza with a distinct smokiness, a hallmark of barbecued cuisine.
Not only does this cooking technique impart a unique flavor, but it also ensures a perfectly crisp crust and evenly melted cheese. The result is a delightful fusion of classic pizza and traditional barbecue tastes.
It offers a refreshing change from the usual oven-baked pizzas, making it a favorite among BBQ and pizza enthusiasts alike.
But what goes into making a BBQ pizza? Let’s explore the key ingredients:
1. BBQ sauce
2. Chicken or pulled pork
3. Red onion
4. Cilantro
5. Smoked gouda or mozzarella cheese
6. Pizza dough
Barbecue sauce is the heart of a BBQ pizza, providing a rich, smoky, and slightly sweet flavor base that complements the other toppings. Different types of BBQ sauce, from sweet to spicy, can be used depending on personal preference.
Smoked gouda or mozzarella adds a creamy, smoky flavor, complementing the BBQ sauce. These cheeses melt beautifully, creating a perfect blend of smokiness and richness.
The pizza dough forms the canvas for your BBQ masterpiece and should be rolled out thin to achieve a crisp crust, perfect for holding the hearty toppings typical of a BBQ pizza. Whether homemade or store-bought, the dough is a crucial component.
Grilled chicken or pulled pork, popular protein choices for BBQ pizza, should be well-seasoned and cooked until tender. These meats add a savory depth and pair beautifully with the smoky flavors of the pizza.
Finally, toppings like thinly sliced red onions and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro add freshness and a slight zing, balancing the rich flavors of the sauce and cheese. These toppings should be used judiciously to ensure each slice is evenly flavored and cooked.
In sum, creating a BBQ pizza is the art of balancing flavors and textures. From the smoky barbecue sauce to the choice of toppings, each element plays a crucial role in making this pizza a delightful culinary experience.
How To Make BBQ Pizza?
Creating a BBQ pizza is an enjoyable and rewarding process, perfect for any BBQ or pizza enthusiast. Follow these steps to craft a delicious BBQ pizza that is sure to impress.
Step 1: Prepare The Dough
Start by rolling out the pizza dough into a thin, round shape. You can use a rolling pin for even thickness.
Step 2: Apply The BBQ Sauce
Generously spread BBQ sauce over the rolled-out dough. Make sure to leave a border around the edges for the crust.
Step 3: Add The Cheese
Even sprinkle smoked gouda or mozzarella over the BBQ sauce.
Step 4: Add The Toppings
Place your chosen toppings, such as cooked chicken or pulled pork, and red onions, on the pizza. Be mindful not to overload it.
Step 5: Garnish With Cilantro
Sprinkle fresh cilantro over the toppings. This adds a fresh, herby touch to the pizza.
Step 6: Preheat The Grill
Heat your grill to a medium-high temperature, about 400°F (204°C). A hot grill is crucial for a crispy crust.
Step 7: Grill The Pizza
Carefully place the pizza on the grill. Cook it for 5-7 minutes, watching for a crispy crust and bubbly cheese.
Step 8: Check and Rotate
Midway through grilling, rotate the pizza. This ensures even cooking.
Step 9: Remove and Rest
Once done, take the pizza off the grill. Let it sit for a few minutes to cool slightly.
Step 10: Slice and Serve
Finally, slice the pizza and serve. Enjoy the unique blend of BBQ flavors on a traditional pizza base.
Following these steps will help you create a BBQ pizza that’s both flavorful and satisfying. Enjoy the process and your homemade BBQ pizza!
What To Serve With BBQ Pizzas?
BBQ pizzas, with their unique and robust flavor profiles, pair well with a variety of sides and beverages. Here are a few suggestions:
A light and crisp salad is a great contrast to the rich and smoky flavors of BBQ pizza. Try a simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette, or coleslaw with a light, citrusy dressing to add a refreshing bite.
Grilled vegetables like bell peppers, asparagus, or corn on the cob complement the smoky flavors of the pizza. Toss them in olive oil, season with herbs, and grill until slightly charred.
Moreover, French fries or sweet potato fries add a comforting, crisp element to the meal. Try them with a bit of sea salt or a sprinkle of parmesan.
For drinks, consider a cold beer or a glass of chilled white wine to balance the richness of the BBQ sauce. Non-alcoholic options could include a tangy lemonade or a refreshing iced tea.
Useful Tips To Have a Delicious BBQ Pizza
Creating the perfect BBQ pizza recipe requires more than just following the steps. Here are some useful tips to enhance your BBQ pizza-making experience.
1. Choose The Right BBQ Sauce
Your BBQ sauce’s flavor largely determines the overall taste of your pizza. Try various brands and flavors (like smoky, sweet, or spicy) to find the one that best suits your palate.
Keep in mind the BBQ sauce should harmonize with your chosen toppings.
2. Precook Your Toppings
Except for the cheese and some herbs, most pizza toppings should be cooked before they hit the dough. Precooking ensures that your toppings are fully cooked and releases some of the moisture that could otherwise make your pizza soggy.
3. Use a Pizza Stone If Available
If you have a pizza stone, use it! A pizza stone retains and distributes heat evenly, resulting in a perfectly crisp crust.
If you don’t have one, a baking sheet or cast-iron skillet can serve as alternatives. Preheating your pizza stone or alternative before cooking can also lead to a crisper crust.
4. Thin Crust For Better Cooking
Roll your pizza dough thin. A thin crust cooks more evenly on the grill and provides the perfect ratio of toppings to crust.
Just be careful not to roll it out too thin, or it might tear when loaded with toppings.
5. Don’t Overload With Toppings
A common pitfall in pizza making is the temptation to overload the dough with toppings. Too many toppings can lead to a soggy crust and uneven cooking.
Stick to the essentials and ensure a balanced distribution for the best flavor in every bite.
6. Monitor The Cooking Process
Grilling requires constant attention. Monitor your pizza throughout the cooking process to avoid burning, check the crust’s underside regularly, and rotate the pizza for even cooking.
7. Let It Rest Before Slicing
After grilling, let the pizza rest for a few minutes before slicing. This rest period allows the cheese to set, making it easier to cut and ensuring the toppings stay in place when you take a bite.
8. Practice Makes Perfect
Like any culinary endeavor, making a perfect BBQ pizza takes practice. Don’t be disheartened by initial hiccups. With time, you will master the art of grilling the perfect pizza, attuned to your personal taste preferences.
Keep experimenting with different sauces, toppings, and grilling techniques.
These handy tips will help elevate your BBQ pizza game, making every homemade pizza a hit with family and friends. Enjoy the process and the delicious results!
Conclusion
Mastering the art of the BBQ pizza recipe is just the beginning. This journey will lead you to a plethora of flavors as diverse as the world’s cuisines themselves.
Whether you stick to tried-and-true combinations or venture into uncharted culinary territories, every slice of your BBQ pizza is an expression of your unique taste.
So, fire up that grill, don your apron, and let the symphony of flavors in your BBQ pizza recipe resonate with your passion for food. Happy grilling!
Homemade BBQ Pizza
Ingredients
- Pizza dough (Homemade or quality store-bought)
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (Your choice of flavor)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded smoked gouda or mozzarella cheese
- Grilled chicken or pulled pork
- Thinly sliced red onions
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your grill to a medium-high temperature, around 400°F (204°C).
- Roll out your pizza dough to a thin circle, fitting for your grill size. Ensure an even thickness for consistent cooking.
- Spread a generous layer of BBQ sauce over the dough.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the sauce.
- Distribute your choice of grilled chicken or pulled pork and red onions on top. Balance the toppings to avoid overloading.
- Carefully transfer the pizza onto the grill and cook for 5-7 minutes, until the crust is crispy and the cheese is bubbly.
- Rotate the pizza halfway through for even cooking.
- Remove the pizza from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro, slice, and serve.
- Relish your homemade BBQ pizza!