Barbecue Bacon Pizza Smoky

Barbecue bacon pizza has become my go to recipe when everyone in my house wants something a little over the top and outrageously good. This pizza nails that sweet smoky and cheesy craving all at once thanks to a bold barbecue sauce loaded with bacon and that golden baked cheese finish. If you love pizza night but crave something more than just the usual marinara and pepperoni this is it.

This pizza was my Saturday night breakthrough on a rainy weekend. I tossed it together in under half an hour and it was devoured before I could even snap a photo. Now it is in heavy rotation for both game nights and family movie marathons.

Ingredients

• Pizza dough: Gives you the chewy crisp base for all those toppings. Choose fresh or frozen dough from your favorite bakery or grocery for the best taste
• Barbecue sauce: Brings the signature tangy sweet and smoky punch. Look for a thick variety with real smoked flavor if possible
• Bacon: Provides crunch salt and tons of umami. Try thick cut for chewy pieces or thin for more uniform bites
• Mozzarella cheese: Melts to stringy perfection and helps hold everything together. Go for whole milk mozzarella for creaminess
• Cheddar cheese: Adds bold flavor and helps mellow out the barbecue sauce. Look for sharp aged cheddar and shred it yourself if you want maximum flavor
• Red onion: Brings sweetness and a little sharp crunch. Thinly slice for best texture and even cooking
• Fresh cilantro or parsley: Gives you a pop of color and freshness at the end. Choose perky vibrant herbs at the market

Instructions

Prepare the Oven:

Set your oven to 475 degrees and let it preheat thoroughly. If you own a pizza stone slide it into the oven to get it blazing hot for the best crust

Shape the Dough:

Lightly flour your surface and gently stretch the dough out with your hands or a rolling pin until it is your ideal thickness. Move it onto parchment for easier transfer and cleanup

Par Bake the Crust:

Slip the parchment and dough onto a baking sheet or your pizza stone. Bake just until the crust starts taking on a golden touch about five to seven minutes. This step keeps the finished pizza crisp under all those toppings

Add the Toppings:

Ladle the barbecue sauce evenly over the baked crust making sure you get close to the edges. Scatter the bacon pieces across the sauce then top with mozzarella and cheddar. Dot the surface with thin red onion slices for flavor in every bite

Bake the Pizza:

Using the parchment as a sling transfer the whole setup to your hot pizza stone or keep it on the baking sheet. Let it bake until the cheese bubbles furiously and the crust goes golden about ten to fifteen minutes

Finish and Serve:

Carefully lift the pizza from the oven. Let it cool slightly so the cheese sets and does not run. Sprinkle diced cilantro or parsley over the top then slice and share while it is still glorious from the oven

Bacon is my guilty pleasure and the way it crisps up on this pizza takes it to another level. Last year my brother insisted we serve this instead of traditional pizza at his birthday and no one missed the old school kind for one second. The smoky barbecue sauce really won everyone over.

Storing Your Pizza

Once cooled leftover slices keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. For best results reheat on a baking sheet at a high temperature so the crust gets crisp again. Cold from the fridge works great too for those lunchtime cravings or even a quick breakfast.

Easy Swaps and Substitutions

Swap cheddar for smoked gouda or pepper jack for a spicier twist. You can use turkey bacon if you want less fat or even a vegetarian bacon alternative for meat free pizza lovers. No barbecue sauce on hand Mix ketchup with smoked paprika and a splash of vinegar for a quick cheat version in a pinch.

Delicious Ways to Serve

This pizza stands alone as a meal but I love pairing it with a simple green salad or coleslaw. For parties cut it into small squares and pass as a hearty appetizer. You can also sprinkle some pickled jalapeños over the top if everyone wants a spicy kick.

A Slice of History

Barbecue pizza first got popular in California pizza shops combining American barbecue tradition with classic Italian pizza. Bacon gives a nod to American breakfast flavors. This fusion is now loved everywhere people crave both things in one bite.

Barbecue bacon pizza is sure to be a star at your next gathering. Enjoy every cheesy smoky bite—leftovers never last long.

Common Recipe Questions

→ Can store-bought pizza dough be used?

Yes, store-bought dough works well and saves time, though homemade dough is also delicious if preferred.

→ Should the bacon be cooked before adding?

Absolutely, the bacon should be cooked and chopped before layering to ensure crispness and full flavor.

→ What cheeses pair best with barbecue sauce?

A blend of mozzarella and sharp cheddar melts beautifully and complements the smoky barbecue flavors.

→ How can I achieve a crispy pizza crust?

Pre-bake the crust before adding toppings, and use a hot oven or pizza stone for the best texture.

→ Are there alternatives to cilantro or parsley?

Green onions or even arugula can be used for a fresh, herby finish if you prefer different garnishes.