How to Create Smoky BBQ Pulled Pork Pizza: A Step-by-Step Guide
Who doesn’t love pizza? It’s one of the most versatile and satisfying meals out there. But what happens when you combine smoky BBQ pulled pork with gooey cheese and a crispy pizza crust? You get a masterpiece that’s perfect for any occasion! If you’re craving this delicious creation, you’re in the right place. In this blog post, we’ll walk you through how to make a smoky BBQ pulled pork pizza in easy-to-follow steps.
Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, this guide uses simple English to ensure everyone can serve up a slice of smoky goodness. Let’s dive in!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you need to make this BBQ pulled pork pizza:
For the Pizza Dough (if making from scratch):
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 teaspoons instant yeast
- 3/4 cup warm water (not too hot)
For the Toppings:
- 1 cup cooked pulled pork (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/3 cup BBQ sauce (choose your favorite smoky flavor)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish (optional)
Tools:
- Rolling pin or clean surface for shaping dough
- Baking tray, pizza stone, or oven-safe skillet
- Mixing bowls
- Spoon or brush for spreading sauce
Step 1: Prepare the Pizza Dough
If you have store-bought pizza dough, you can skip this step. But if you want to make your own, it’s easier than you think:
- Mix the Ingredients: In a bowl, combine the flour, instant yeast, and salt. Slowly add the warm water and olive oil while stirring until the dough becomes sticky.
- Knead the Dough: On a clean surface, sprinkle some flour to prevent sticking. Knead the dough by folding it and pressing it with your hands for about 5 minutes. The dough should be soft but not too sticky.
- Let it Rise: Place the dough in a bowl, cover it with a clean towel, and let it sit for about 1 hour until it doubles in size.
Step 2: Cook the Pulled Pork (Optional)
If you already have pulled pork, you can skip to the next step. If you want to make your own, here’s how:
- Choose the Meat: Use pork shoulder or pork butt for the best flavor. Season it with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.
- Slow Cook: Place the pork in a slow cooker or bake it in the oven at 300°F (150°C). Cook for several hours until the meat is tender and can be shredded with a fork.
- Shred the Pork: Once cooked, shred the pork into smaller pieces using a fork.
Step 3: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven during the preheat process for a crispier crust.
Step 4: Shape the Pizza Dough
Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release air bubbles. Roll it out on a clean surface into a flat circle (or your favorite pizza shape). Aim for thickness based on your preference—thin for crispy pizza, thicker for soft crust.
Transfer the rolled dough onto your baking tray or pizza stone.
Step 5: Add the Toppings
Now comes the fun part—assembling your pizza! Follow these steps:
- Spread BBQ Sauce: Spoon or brush a thin layer of BBQ sauce over the pizza dough. This is the base of the flavor, so don’t be shy!
- Add Pulled Pork: Sprinkle the cooked pulled pork evenly across the pizza. Make sure every bite will have enough meat.
- Add Cheese: First, sprinkle the mozzarella cheese, followed by the cheddar cheese. The mix of cheeses will give the pizza a rich, creamy texture.
- Add Red Onions: Scatter the thinly sliced red onions for added sweetness and a bit of crunch.
Step 6: Bake the Pizza
Place the pizza in your preheated oven and bake for about 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Keep an eye on it to avoid burning!
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Once out of the oven, let the pizza cool for a minute or two. Sprinkle some fresh cilantro or parsley on top for a burst of color and flavor. Slice the pizza with a sharp knife or pizza cutter and serve warm.
Tips for Extra Flavor
- Smoked Cheese: For more smoky goodness, you can use smoked mozzarella or gouda instead of regular cheese.
- Spicy BBQ Sauce: If you want heat, choose a spicy BBQ sauce or add a drizzle of hot sauce before eating.
- Side Dish Idea: Pair your pizza with a fresh green salad or some corn on the cob to complete the meal.
Final Thoughts
And that’s it! You’ve just made your own smoky BBQ pulled pork pizza. This recipe is sure to impress your family and friends, whether for a weekend dinner or a cozy game-night treat. The combination of smoky pulled pork, tangy BBQ sauce, melted cheese, and crispy crust is unbeatable.
Feel free to customize this recipe to fit your taste. Swap out ingredients, experiment with different cheeses, or add your favorite veggies. Cooking is all about creativity!
Now, grab a slice and enjoy! Let us know in the comments how your pizza turned out. Happy cooking!
