Sweet & Smoky Bacon Pizza

Sweet & Smoky Bacon Pizza is a perfect balance of crispy bacon, melted cheese, and a hint of sweetness from caramelized onions or honey. With a smoky barbecue-style base, this pizza delivers a bold and irresistible flavor in every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• The combination of sweet and smoky flavors is unique and delicious
• Crispy bacon adds a rich, savory crunch
• Customizable with different cheeses, sauces, and toppings
• Easy to make at home with simple ingredients
• Perfect for pizza nights, parties, or a satisfying dinner

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Pizza Dough:

• All-purpose flour
• Active dry yeast
• Warm water
• Olive oil
• Sugar
• Salt

For the Toppings:

• Pizza sauce (tomato-based or BBQ sauce for a smoky twist)
• Shredded mozzarella cheese
• Smoked gouda or cheddar cheese (optional, for extra smokiness)
• Cooked bacon, chopped
• Caramelized onions (or a drizzle of honey for sweetness)
• Red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• Fresh arugula (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Prepare the Dough:

1. In a mixing bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
2. Add flour, salt, and olive oil, then knead until a smooth dough forms. Cover and let rise for 1 hour.

Preheat the Oven:

3. Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If using a pizza stone, place it inside to heat up.

Assemble the Pizza:

4. Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface. Transfer to a pizza pan or stone.
5. Spread a thin layer of pizza sauce or BBQ sauce over the dough.
6. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and smoked gouda or cheddar evenly over the sauce.
7. Distribute the cooked bacon and caramelized onions across the pizza.

Bake:

8. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbling.

Garnish & Serve:

9. Remove from the oven and sprinkle with red pepper flakes for spice.
10. Optionally, top with fresh arugula for a fresh contrast.
11. Slice and serve warm.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 8 slices
• Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus 1 hour for dough rising)
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Variations

• Spicy Kick: Add jalapeños or drizzle with hot honey.
• Extra Smoky Flavor: Use smoked bacon and smoked paprika in the sauce.
• Cheese Lover’s Twist: Use a blend of mozzarella, provolone, and parmesan.
• Vegetarian Option: Swap bacon for smoked mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes.
• Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free pizza crust or cauliflower crust.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating:
  • Oven: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes.
  • Skillet: Heat on medium heat for a crispy crust.
  • Microwave: Heat for 30-45 seconds, though the crust may soften.
• Freezing: Freeze unbaked or baked pizza slices in a sealed container for up to 2 months.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought pizza dough?

Yes, store-bought dough works well if you’re short on time.

What type of bacon works best?

Thick-cut smoked bacon adds the best texture and flavor.

Can I use a different sauce instead of pizza sauce?

Yes, BBQ sauce or a mix of tomato sauce and honey works great.

How do I make my crust crispier?

Pre-bake the dough for 5 minutes before adding toppings.

Can I cook this pizza on a grill?

Yes, grill on medium heat for about 8-10 minutes, covering the grill.

What’s the best way to caramelize onions?

Cook sliced onions in butter over low heat for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.

Can I make this pizza without cheese?

Yes, though cheese adds richness. Try using a dairy-free alternative.

How do I prevent the pizza from getting soggy?

Use less sauce and ensure the bacon is cooked until crispy.

What can I serve with this pizza?

A simple side salad, coleslaw, or roasted vegetables pair well.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, prepare the dough and toppings in advance, then assemble and bake when ready.

Conclusion

Sweet & Smoky Bacon Pizza is the perfect balance of crispy, cheesy, and flavorful with hints of sweetness and smokiness. Whether for a pizza night or a weekend treat, this homemade pizza is sure to impress. Customize it to your liking and enjoy a restaurant-quality meal at home!

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• Author: Mariem
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 18 minutes
• Total Time: 33 minutes
• Yield: 1 large pizza 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian-American

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Description

A crispy homemade pizza topped with caramelized onions, smoky bacon, and a drizzle of sweet balsamic glaze.

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Ingredients

Units USM Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 pizza dough (homemade or store-bought)
• 1/2 cup pizza sauce
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 6 strips bacon, cooked and chopped
• 1/2 cup caramelized onions
• 1 tbsp balsamic glaze
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp dried oregano

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Instructions

• Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
• Roll out the pizza dough and place it on a baking sheet.
• Spread pizza sauce evenly over the dough, then sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese.
• Add caramelized onions and cooked bacon over the cheese.
• Sprinkle black pepper and oregano on top.
• Bake for 15-18 minutes until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly.
• Drizzle with balsamic glaze before serving.

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Notes

• Add some red pepper flakes for a little heat.
• Use crispy prosciutto instead of bacon for a gourmet touch.
• A drizzle of honey can replace balsamic glaze for a sweeter taste.