Are you tired of the same old pizza toppings and looking for a unique and delicious twist for your homemade pizza? Look no further!
In this blog post, we will be sharing with you this mouth-watering BBQ pulled pork pizza recipe that will surely be a hit among your family and friends.
This perfect combination of tender pulled pork, tangy BBQ sauce, and gooey cheese on top of a crispy crust will leave you wanting more with every bite.
Overview Of BBQ Pulled Pork Pizza
Before we jump into the recipe, let’s talk about what exactly pulled pork pizza is.
As the name suggests, this type of pizza is a delightful fusion of two popular dishes – pizza and pulled pork. It is essentially a pizza topped with slow-cooked tender pulled pork, combined with other flavorful toppings, and baked to perfection.
Originating from the United States, this unique pizza variation has gained popularity worldwide due to its irresistible taste and the endless possibilities for customization. You can experiment with different types of sauces, cheeses, and toppings to create your unique version of pulled pork pizza.
Ingredients Used In BBQ Pulled Pork Pizza Recipe
Now you have an idea of what pulled pork pizza is, let’s gather the ingredients to make this delicious meal. You will need:
1. Pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
2. Pulled pork (homemade or store-bought)
3. BBQ sauce
4. Butter
5. Shredded cheese (mozzarella, cheddar, or a mix)
6. Red onion
7. Jalapenos
The pizza dough provides the base for your pizza, forming the foundation on which all the other elements come together. Excellent pizza dough should be easy to handle and bake up crisp on the outside while maintaining a soft, airy texture inside.
The pulled pork is the star of the show, bringing a sweet and smoky flavor that is both rich and satisfying. When selecting your pork, look for a shoulder cut that will become incredibly tender and pull apart easily after slow cooking.
BBQ sauce adds a tangy and often slightly sweet layer of flavor that compliments the savory pork. Opt for a sauce that balances sweetness and acidity, possibly with a hint of smokiness, to enhance the overall taste of the pizza.
Butter serves a subtle but essential role, adding richness and helping to brown the crust when brushed along the edges before baking. This small touch elevates the crust to a golden, flavorful border that cradles all of the delicious toppings.
Shredded cheese, whether mozzarella, cheddar or a blend, melts into a delectable gooey layer that holds all the components of the pizza together. Mozzarella is known for its superb melt and stretch, while cheddar offers a deeper flavor profile.
Red onion provides a slight crunch and a punch of sharpness that cuts through the richness of the cheese and pork, offering a necessary lift to each bite with its vibrant color and zesty taste.
Jalapenos brings a spicy kick to each slice, invigorating the taste buds and balancing the sweeter elements with a burst of heat. These can be adjusted according to your spice preference, but they add an exciting dimension that completes the BBQ pulled pork pizza experience.
There you are, all set with the ingredients to make your own pulled pork pizza.
How To Make BBQ Pulled Pork Pizza?
Are you done preparing the ingredients? Then, let’s get started on making this mouth-watering BBQ pulled pork pizza recipe!
Step 1: Preheat The Oven
Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). This high heat will help to create a crispy crust while cooking all of the toppings evenly.
Step 2: Prepare The Pizza Dough
Begin by laying your pizza dough on a flat, clean surface dusted lightly with flour to prevent sticking. If you’re using store-bought dough, allow it to come to room temperature for better handling.
Roll out the dough into a 12 to 15-inch circle, depending on your desired thickness. Aim for an even surface but don’t worry if it’s not perfectly round; a rustic shape adds character!
As you work with the dough, ensure to press any air bubbles to the edges to form a crispy crust.
Step 3: Add The BBQ Sauce Base
Grab your favorite BBQ sauce and spread a generous layer over the surface of the dough, leaving about an inch from the edge of the crust. The BBQ sauce acts as the pizza sauce in this fusion dish, providing a deep, tangy flavor base that will seep into the dough as it bakes.
Step 4: Add Pulled Pork and Cheese
Take your cooked, shredded pulled pork and distribute it evenly on top of the BBQ sauce. Pack on as little or as much as you like, keeping in mind that too much can make the pizza soggy and difficult to eat.
Follow this with a hefty sprinkle of shredded cheese, covering the pork. The cheese will melt and envelop the pulled pork, locking in the flavor and adding a creamy texture.
Step 5: Add The Red Onions and Jalapenos
Now, sprinkle your thinly sliced red onions over the pizza, dispersing them to cover the entire surface so that each slice gets a share of the flavorful crunch.
If you’re a fan of heat, scatter-sliced jalapenos on top as well. These provide a spicy contrast to the sweet BBQ sauce and rich pork.
Step 6: Butter The Crust
Melt a small amount of butter and brush it gently along the edges of your pizza dough. This will give the crust an appealing golden color and added richness that will compliment the savory toppings.
You could also sprinkle a little garlic powder or Italian seasoning onto the buttered crust for an extra flavor boost.
Step 7: Bake The Pizza
Slide your pizza onto a preheated pizza stone or a large baking sheet and place it in the oven.
Bake according to your dough recipe’s instructions or until the cheese is bubbly and the crust is a deep golden brown, usually around 15-20 minutes. The high temperature is crucial for a crispy base and well-cooked toppings.
Step 8: Serving Your Pulled Pork Pizza
Once out of the oven, let the pizza cool for a few minutes before slicing. This allows the cheese to set slightly, making it easier to cut and serve.
Slice your pizza into wedges using a pizza cutter or a large, sharp knife. Serve hot and enjoy the blend of flavors and textures in your homemade BBQ pulled pork pizza masterpiece.
Following these simple steps, you can create a delicious and unique pulled pork pizza that will impress your family and friends.
Useful Tips For Perfect Pulled Pork Pizza
Are you worried your pizza might not turn out as good as you want? Don’t fret, we have some tips to help you create the perfect BBQ pulled pork pizza:
1. Use a preheated pizza stone or baking sheet – A hot surface helps to create a crispy crust and ensures that your toppings cook evenly.
2. Preheat the BBQ sauce – If you’re using store-bought sauce, heat it in a small pan before spreading it on the dough. This will help enhance its flavor and prevent it from making the pizza soggy.
3. Don’t overload with toppings – While it may be tempting to pile on all your favorite toppings, keep in mind that too much can make the pizza soggy and difficult to eat. Stick to a few key ingredients for the best results.
4. Let the pizza cool before slicing – This allows the cheese to set slightly, making it easier to cut and serve without creating a mess.
5. Experiment with different toppings and sauces – While this recipe calls for BBQ sauce, feel free to experiment with other sauces, like a spicy chipotle or tangy buffalo. You can also switch up the toppings and try adding different vegetables or proteins to create your unique version of BBQ pulled pork pizza.
Now that you have all the tips and tricks, it’s time to get baking and enjoy your delicious pulled pork pizza!
Conclusion
In short, now you know all about this pulled pork pizza recipe. From the ingredients to the step-by-step instructions, you can easily recreate this fusion dish at home.
With its combination of sweet and savory flavors, crispy crust, and creamy cheese, this pizza is sure to become a new favorite in your household. So gather your ingredients and get ready to impress your friends and family with this delicious BBQ pulled pork pizza!
BBQ Pulled Pork Pizza
Ingredients
- 1 pound of pizza dough
- Flour, for dusting the surface
- 1 cup of BBQ sauce
- 2 cups of shredded cooked pulled pork
- 2 cups of shredded cheese (mozzarella or a blend)
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 jalapeno, thinly sliced (optional)
- 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter, melted
- Garlic powder or Italian seasoning (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C).
- Lay out the pizza dough on a floured surface and roll it into a 12 to 15-inch circle.
- Spread a generous layer of BBQ sauce over the dough surface, leaving an inch for the crust.
- Distribute the shredded pulled pork and cheese evenly over the sauce.
- Top with red onions and jalapenos as desired.
- Brush the crust edges with melted butter, and season if desired.
- Bake on a preheated pizza stone or sheet for 15-20 minutes.
- Let cool for a few minutes, slice, serve, and enjoy!