Hey Friend, Let’s Make Some BBQ Pulled Pork Pizza!
If you’re anything like me, pizza nights are the best nights. And I’ve got this fantastic twist for you: BBQ pulled pork pizza! It’s super tasty, a little smoky, cheesy, and just perfect when you want a comforting meal with a bit of a kick. Plus, it’s simple enough to whip up on a weeknight or chill with friends on the weekend. I can’t wait to share how I make it and a few tips and tricks I’ve picked up along the way.
Why BBQ Pulled Pork Pizza Is a Winner
One of the reasons I love this pizza so much is that it brings together two all-time favorites: BBQ and pizza. The savory shredded pork mixed with tangy BBQ sauce complements the gooey cheese perfectly. Plus, tossing fresh cilantro and red onion on top gives it that bright, fresh bite to balance out all the richness.
How This Pizza Brings Goodness to Your Table
While it’s definitely a comfort food, there are some nutritional perks you’ll get here too. Pulled pork offers a good amount of protein to keep you full and satisfied. The onions add a bit of crunch and bring antioxidants to the mix, and cilantro isn’t just pretty—it’s packed with vitamins and has anti-inflammatory properties. Using a homemade or whole wheat crust can bump up the fiber content, too!
Here’s How to Make Your BBQ Pulled Pork Pizza
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Pre-made or homemade pizza dough/crust
- Pulled pork (pre-cooked and shredded)
- BBQ sauce (one for mixing with the pork and a little more for the pizza base)
- Shredded mozzarella cheese
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Red onion, diced
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for topping)
- Olive oil (optional, to brush the crust)
- Salt and pepper to taste (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First things first, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Trust me, a hot oven helps get that crust nice and crispy!
- If you don’t have your pulled pork ready, cook and shred the pork shoulder. Then mix it well with BBQ sauce until every bit is coated with that delicious smoky flavor.
- Roll out your pizza dough on a pizza stone or baking sheet. If you like that extra crispy edge, brush the crust lightly with some olive oil — it’s a game changer!
- Spread a thin, even layer of BBQ sauce over the dough. This is your saucy base, so don’t go too thick or it can get soggy.
- Now, scatter your BBQ pulled pork evenly over the sauce. Make sure it’s spread out so every bite has porky goodness.
- Generously sprinkle shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese on top of the pork. The mix of cheeses gives a beautiful melty stretch and a little sharpness.
- Sprinkle diced red onions evenly across the pizza. These add a nice little zing and crunch.
- Pop your pizza into the oven for about 12-15 minutes. You’re looking for a golden crust and bubbly, slightly browned cheese.
- When it’s out, immediately sprinkle fresh chopped cilantro all over the top for a bright, fresh burst of flavor.
- Slice it up and enjoy warm — this pizza disappears fast in my house!
Handy Tips for Your BBQ Pulled Pork Pizza
- Make the crust crispier: Brush your dough edges with olive oil before baking. You can also bake just the crust for 5 minutes before adding toppings if you want it extra crispy.
- Adjust the BBQ sauce: Want it spicier? Mix in a little hot sauce or chili flakes with your BBQ pulled pork.
- Oven & baking sheets: If you have a pizza stone, use it! It helps get a better crust. If not, no worries—a baking sheet works just fine.
- Leftovers: Store any extras in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop it in the oven or toaster oven to keep that crust crunchy.
- Cheese swap: Feel free to use other cheeses like gouda or pepper jack for a flavor twist.
What Equipment You’ll Need
- Oven (set to 425°F / 220°C)
- Pizza stone or baking sheet
- Rolling pin (to shape your dough)
- Mixing bowl (for your pulled pork and sauce)
- Sharp knife and cutting board (for onions and cilantro)
- Brush (if you’re using olive oil to brush the crust)
Frequently Asked Questions About BBQ Pulled Pork Pizza
- Can I use frozen pizza dough? Absolutely! Just let it thaw before rolling and use as you would fresh dough.
- Is it okay to use store-bought pulled pork? Totally! Using pre-cooked pulled pork saves time and works great with this recipe.
- Can I make this pizza vegetarian? Sure thing! Substitute the pulled pork with BBQ jackfruit or BBQ mushrooms for a tasty meat-free version.
- How spicy is the BBQ sauce? That depends on the sauce you buy or make. You can always pick a sweeter sauce or add spicy extras based on your taste.
- What’s the best way to reheat leftover pizza? Baking it in the oven or toaster oven for 5-7 minutes keeps the crust crispy better than microwaving.
Join the Fun and Share Your Pizza Creations!
If you try out this BBQ pulled pork pizza recipe, I’d love to know how it goes! Snap a photo of your masterpiece and share it on Pinterest or your favorite social media platform — tag me so I can drool over your delicious creation too. Happy cooking and pizza-eating!
