Sweet & Smoky Bacon Pizza is a perfect balance of savory, smoky, and sweet flavors, featuring crispy bacon, caramelized onions, and a hint of sweetness from honey or barbecue sauce. The combination of melty cheese and a crispy crust makes this homemade pizza a must-try for any pizza lover. Whether for a family dinner or a casual get-together, this recipe is sure to impress.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- The perfect mix of sweet, smoky, and savory flavors.
- Easy to customize with different cheeses and toppings.
- Great for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.
- Homemade taste that’s better than takeout.
- Can be made with store-bought or homemade pizza dough.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Pizza dough
- Olive oil
- Mozzarella cheese, shredded
- Smoked gouda or cheddar cheese, shredded
- Cooked bacon, crumbled
- Caramelized onions
- Barbecue sauce or honey
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Fresh arugula or basil for garnish
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 475°F (245°C). If using a pizza stone, place it in the oven while preheating.
- Prepare the dough by rolling it out onto a lightly floured surface. Transfer to a pizza pan or parchment paper.
- Brush olive oil over the surface of the dough for a crispier crust.
- Spread a thin layer of barbecue sauce or drizzle honey evenly over the dough.
- Sprinkle mozzarella and smoked gouda evenly across the pizza base.
- Add caramelized onions and crumbled bacon, ensuring an even distribution.
- Optional: Sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes for a hint of heat.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and the crust is golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh arugula or basil.
- Slice and serve immediately.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4-6 slices
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
- Total Time: 25-30 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add jalapeño slices or drizzle with hot honey before serving.
- Cheese Lover’s Twist: Use a mix of provolone, fontina, or blue cheese for added depth.
- Vegetarian Option: Replace bacon with smoked mushrooms or roasted bell peppers.
- Extra Smoky Flavor: Use smoked paprika or chipotle powder in the sauce.
- Thin Crust or Deep Dish: Adjust baking time accordingly to suit your crust preference.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftover pizza slices in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze individual slices wrapped in plastic wrap and foil for up to 2 months.
- Reheating:
- Oven: Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 5-7 minutes until warm and crispy.
- Skillet: Heat on medium-low until the crust is crisp.
- Avoid microwave reheating as it may make the crust soggy.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought pizza dough?
Yes, store-bought dough works perfectly, but homemade dough will enhance the flavor.
How do I make caramelized onions for this pizza?
Cook sliced onions on low heat with butter and a pinch of sugar until golden brown and soft.
What type of bacon is best for this pizza?
Thick-cut, smoked bacon provides the best texture and flavor.
Can I make this pizza on a grill?
Yes, grill the dough on one side, flip it, then add toppings and cook until the cheese melts.
What can I use instead of barbecue sauce?
Try honey, balsamic glaze, or fig jam for a different sweetness.
How do I prevent a soggy crust?
Pre-bake the dough for 3-4 minutes before adding toppings, and avoid excessive sauce.
Can I make this pizza gluten-free?
Yes, use a gluten-free pizza crust or dough.
What are good side dishes for this pizza?
A fresh arugula salad, roasted vegetables, or garlic bread complement it well.
Can I add other meats?
Yes, smoked sausage, prosciutto, or grilled chicken work well with this flavor profile.
What’s the best way to reheat the pizza without drying it out?
Use a skillet or oven with a light sprinkle of water to keep the toppings moist.
Conclusion
Sweet & Smoky Bacon Pizza is a delicious twist on classic pizza, bringing together rich flavors in every bite. With crispy bacon, caramelized onions, and a balance of sweet and smoky notes, this pizza is perfect for any occasion. Whether enjoyed fresh from the oven or reheated later, this homemade pizza will quickly become a favorite in your recipe collection. Try different variations and enjoy the flavors!
Print
- Prep Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 slices 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
A crispy, golden crust topped with smoky bacon, gooey cheese, and a sweet tomato sauce. This pizza is a perfect combination of savory and sweet flavors.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 2 1/2 cups (310g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 3/4 cup (180ml) warm water
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Toppings:
- 1/2 cup (120ml) pizza sauce
- 1 1/2 cups (150g) shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup (50g) smoked bacon, cooked and chopped
- 1/4 cup (25g) pepperoni slices
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon honey
- Fresh basil leaves (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough:
- In a bowl, dissolve sugar and yeast in warm water. Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
- Add flour, salt, and olive oil. Knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth.
- Cover and let rise for 1 hour until doubled in size.
- Preheat and Shape:
- Preheat oven to 475°F (245°C).
- Roll out dough into a circle and place on a pizza stone or baking sheet.
- Assemble the Pizza:
- Spread pizza sauce over the dough.
- Sprinkle mozzarella cheese evenly.
- Add cooked bacon, pepperoni slices, and smoked paprika.
- Drizzle honey over the top for a balance of sweetness.
- Bake:
- Bake for 12-15 minutes until the crust is golden and cheese is bubbling.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve hot.
Notes
- For extra smokiness, use smoked mozzarella or gouda cheese.
- Adjust the honey drizzle according to taste preference.
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