The Ultimate Barbecue Bacon Pizza Recipe for Pizza Night Perfection

Barbecue Bacon Pizza

Nothing beats the irresistible combination of smoky barbecue sauce, crispy bacon, and melted cheese on a perfectly golden pizza crust. This barbecue bacon pizza recipe delivers everything you crave in a homemade pizza – bold flavors, satisfying textures, and that restaurant-quality taste you can create right in your own kitchen. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner, game day gathering, or simply treating yourself to something special, this easy bacon pizza at home will become your new go-to favorite. The sweet and tangy BBQ sauce pairs beautifully with salty bacon pieces, creating a sweet and savory bacon pizza that’s absolutely addictive.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This cheesy BBQ bacon pizza hits all the right notes for busy home cooks who want maximum flavor with minimal fuss. The recipe comes together in just 30 minutes using simple ingredients you probably already have on hand. The combination of smoky BBQ flavor with crispy bacon creates an irresistible pizza that rivals your favorite pizzeria. Plus, it’s completely customizable – add grilled chicken for a BBQ chicken and bacon pizza, swap the crust for naan to make BBQ bacon flatbread pizza, or experiment with different cheese blends. This family-friendly BBQ pizza recipe is guaranteed to please both kids and adults alike.

Ingredients

For the Pizza:

• 1 pound pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
• 1/2 cup barbecue sauce (plus extra for drizzling)
• 8 oz mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 6-8 strips bacon, cooked and chopped
• 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Additions:

• 1/2 cup cooked chicken breast, diced
• 1/4 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• Jalapeño slices for heat
• Pineapple chunks for a Hawaiian twist

Ingredient Tips: For the crispiest bacon, cook it until it’s almost overdone – it will continue cooking in the oven. Use a high-quality barbecue sauce for best results, or make your own by mixing ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven while preheating for extra crispy crust.
2. Prepare the bacon by cooking 6-8 strips in a large skillet over medium heat until crispy, about 6-8 minutes. Transfer to paper towels to drain, then chop into bite-sized pieces. Set aside.
3. Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface to your desired thickness. For a crispier crust, roll it thinner; for a chewier texture, keep it slightly thicker. Transfer to a greased baking sheet or pizza pan.
4. Brush the crust with olive oil and sprinkle with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. This creates a flavorful base and helps prevent the crust from getting soggy.
5. Spread the barbecue sauce evenly over the crust, leaving about 1/2 inch border for the crust. Don’t overload with sauce – you want just enough to coat the surface.
6. Add the cheese by sprinkling the mozzarella evenly over the sauce. If using cheddar, mix it with the mozzarella for extra flavor.
7. Top with bacon pieces and sliced red onions. Distribute evenly so every bite gets a perfect balance of toppings.
8. Bake for 12-15 minutes until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned in spots. Keep an eye on it during the last few minutes to prevent burning.
9. Finish and serve by removing from oven and immediately sprinkling with fresh cilantro. Drizzle with additional barbecue sauce if desired. Let cool for 2-3 minutes before slicing.

Cooking Tips & Variations

Pro Tips for Perfect Results:

• Pre-bake your crust for 3-4 minutes before adding toppings if you prefer an extra crispy base
• Don’t overload with toppings – less is more for even cooking
• Let the pizza rest for 2-3 minutes after baking to prevent the cheese from sliding off when you cut it

Delicious Variations:

• Grilled barbecue bacon pizza: Cook this recipe on a grill using a pizza stone for incredible smoky flavor
• Spicy version: Add jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or use spicy barbecue sauce
• Bacon and mozzarella BBQ pizza: Skip the onions and cilantro for a simpler, kid-friendly version
• Hawaiian BBQ: Add pineapple chunks for a sweet tropical twist
• Loaded version: Include grilled chicken, bell peppers, and mushrooms for a hearty meal

Storage & Reheating

Storage: Store leftover barbecue bacon pizza in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container to prevent the crust from drying out.

Reheating: For best results, reheat pizza in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes until the cheese melts and the crust crisps up again. Avoid the microwave as it makes the crust soggy. You can also reheat slices in a skillet over medium heat – cover with a lid for 2-3 minutes to melt the cheese while keeping the bottom crispy.

Freezing: Wrap cooled pizza slices individually in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Nutrition Info

Per Serving (1/8 of pizza):

• Calories: 285
• Protein: 14g
• Fat: 12g
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sodium: 650mg

Note: Nutrition values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients used and portion sizes.

FAQs

Q: Can I make this barbecue bacon pizza ahead of time? A: Yes! You can prepare the pizza completely and refrigerate it unbaked for up to 24 hours. When ready to eat, bake as directed, adding 2-3 extra minutes to the cooking time since it’s starting from cold.

Q: What’s the best way to get crispy bacon on pizza? A: Cook the bacon until it’s almost overdone before adding it to the pizza. The bacon will continue to cook and crisp up in the oven. Pat the cooked bacon with paper towels to remove excess grease before chopping.

Q: Can I use this recipe to make BBQ bacon flatbread pizza? A: Absolutely! Use naan bread, flatbread, or even pita as your base. Reduce the cooking time to 8-10 minutes and watch closely to prevent burning since these thinner breads cook faster than traditional pizza dough.

Final Thoughts

This crispy bacon pizza recipe proves that the best comfort food happens right in your own kitchen. The combination of tangy barbecue sauce, smoky bacon, and gooey melted cheese creates a pizza with smoky BBQ flavor that’s absolutely irresistible. Whether you’re making it for a casual weeknight dinner or weekend entertaining, this barbecue bacon pizza delivers every single time.

Ready to make pizza night legendary? Give this recipe a try and let me know how it turns out in the comments below! Don’t forget to rate the recipe and share photos of your delicious creation.

If you love this barbecue bacon pizza, you’ll also want to try my loaded BBQ chicken flatbread and cheesy garlic breadsticks – they make the perfect pizza night combo! 🍕