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Combining the punchy flavors of Vietnamese street food and the comfort of a bubbling pizza, this báhn mì pizza recipe transforms your leftover pork carnitas into something playful and craveable. Bright pickled veggies and spicy creamy sauce keep things exciting with every bite.
I first threw this together after a weeknight fridge cleanout and now anytime we have roast pork, my family asks if báhn mì pizza is on the table. It is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser even for picky eaters.
Ingredients
- Pizza crust: I like using a thin pre-baked base but feel free to use your homemade dough for extra chew
- Thai aioli or spicy mayo: Adds creamy heat and tang Try mixing mayo with a squeeze of Sriracha and a splash of lime
- Pork carnitas leftovers: Savory richness with little crispy edges This recipe is perfect for using up that last bit of shredded pork
- Mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully and offers a mild gooey finish Choose whole milk mozzarella for best melt
- Carrots: Fresh crunch and sweetness Go for the thinnest julienne for best texture
- English cucumber: Cool and crisp balances the warmth Choose a firm one for easy slicing
- Cilantro: Bright citrusy finish Fresh leaves bring the whole thing to life
- Sriracha or Thai chili sauce: Brings the heat Pick a brand you love
Instructions
- Make the Base:
- Set your oven to 400 degrees or whatever temperature your pizza crust package calls for. A properly hot oven makes those edges golden with a bit of crunch.
- Sauce and Build:
- Spread a generous layer of Thai aioli on your pizza base making sure to reach the edges for extra flavor in every bite. Scatter leftover shredded pork carnitas evenly across the sauce so you get some in every bite.
- Cheese and Carrots:
- Top with mozzarella cheese letting it nestle among the pork. Add the julienned carrots over the cheese. Thin strips soften just enough in the oven without losing their snap.
- Bake to Perfection:
- Slide your pizza into the hot oven Bake for about fifteen minutes or until the cheese bubbles and starts to brown and everything smells irresistible.
- Finishing Touches:
- Pull your pizza out and let it rest a minute. Add the julienned cucumber and plenty of fresh cilantro all over while the crust is still hot but not so warm the herbs wilt.
- Final Kick:
- Drizzle sriracha or your favorite chili sauce across the top Slice and enjoy right away for full effect.
The Thai aioli is my secret weapon here It gets spooned onto lots of other dishes in our house too and always tastes like something special from a favorite restaurant. The first time my daughter made this pizza herself she was so proud she insisted on making it for every sleepover since.
Storage Tips
This pizza is best eaten fresh but leftovers will keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. For a quick reheat pop slices in a toaster oven to crisp the base again or heat gently in a covered pan.
Ingredient Substitutions
You can swap out the pork for shredded rotisserie chicken or roasted tofu for a vegetarian twist. If cilantro is not your thing thinly sliced green onions work great too. Use regular mayonnaise and a bit of hot sauce if you are skipping Thai aioli.
Serving Suggestions
This fun pizza pairs well with a crisp salad of mixed greens dressed with lime and rice vinegar or serve with a side of quick pickled onions for extra zing. For parties slice into small squares as a hand-held snack.
The Origin Story
Báhn mì means bread in Vietnamese and refers to the famous sandwiches packed with meats and pickled veggies. This pizza keeps those flavors but brings them together on a hot cheesy crust a twist that always surprises and delights at the table.
Tricks for the Seasons
In summer use fresh garden cucumbers and carrots for unbeatable crunch Try a drizzle of honey with your hot sauce in winter for balance Add thinly sliced jalapeños in the fall for a little extra zip
Success Stories
A friend made this pizza at a summer picnic and said it disappeared twice as fast as the pepperoni. My dad claims it is the only way he will eat leftovers now and my kids even start prepping the veggies before I can get the oven heated.
Freezer Meal Conversion
If you want an easy freezer meal assemble your pizza with sauce pork and cheese only. Freeze unbaked wrap tightly and when ready just bake from frozen adding fresh veggies and sauce at the end for max crunch and flavor.
No matter how often you make this colorful pizza every slice feels like a new adventure and just a bit of kitchen magic.
Common Recipe Questions
- → Can I use chicken instead of pork?
Yes, shredded rotisserie or grilled chicken makes a delicious alternative to pork in this fusion pizza.
- → What type of pizza crust works best?
Any prepared or homemade crust works well. For extra crunch, try a thin store-bought crust or flatbread.
- → How spicy is the Thai aioli or mayo?
Spice levels vary by brand and amount added. Adjust sriracha or chili sauce to your heat preference.
- → Can I make this vegetarian?
Absolutely! Substitute pork with marinated tofu or roasted mushrooms for a flavorful vegetarian version.
- → Do I need to pre-cook the vegetables?
No, add carrots before baking for crunch and garnish with fresh cucumber and cilantro after baking.