BBQ Pulled Pork Pizza Recipe

The Best BBQ Pulled Pork Pizza Recipe for Cozy Family Nights

My weekend barbecue pulled pork pizza has become a legendary crowd-pleaser among my closest friends.

Hungry guests always request this delectable combination of smoky meat and crispy crust.

Melted cheese weaves through tender pulled pork, creating a harmony of flavors that dance across your palate.

Homemade dough provides the perfect canvas for this mouthwatering masterpiece.

Southern-style barbecue sauce adds a tangy kick that complements the rich, slow-cooked meat.

Crispy edges and generous toppings make this pizza impossible to resist.

Side Dishes That Go with BBQ Pulled Pork Pizza

  • Pair Tangy Craft Beer: Select a hoppy IPA or amber ale that cuts through the rich, smoky pulled pork and complements the BBQ sauce's sweetness.
  • Complement with Crisp Salad: Toss a light, zesty coleslaw with apple cider vinegar dressing to balance the pizza's heavy flavors and add refreshing crunch.
  • Match with Cool Dipping Sauce: Whip up a creamy ranch or blue cheese dressing to provide a cooling contrast to the warm, spicy pizza toppings.
  • Enhance with Quick Pickles: Create quick-pickled red onions or jalapeños to add tangy brightness that cuts through the pizza's richness and adds a vibrant kick.

BBQ Chicken Pizza Variants

  • Gluten-Free Pizza: Replace traditional pizza crust with a cauliflower or almond flour crust for a low-carb, gluten-free option that maintains the delicious BBQ pulled pork flavor.
  • Vegetarian Swap
  • Spicy Southwestern Version: Add diced jalapeños, swap cheddar for pepper jack cheese, and drizzle with chipotle sauce to give the pizza a bold, zesty kick.
  • Lighter Protein Option: Use grilled chicken instead of pulled pork and incorporate a lighter BBQ sauce to reduce calories while keeping the pizza's signature taste profile.

FAQs

  • Can I use store-bought pulled pork for this recipe?

Yes, you can definitely use pre-made pulled pork from the grocery store or deli to save time. Just make sure it’s well-seasoned and heated before adding to the pizza.

  • What type of BBQ sauce works best for this pizza?

A classic sweet and tangy Kansas City-style BBQ sauce is ideal, but any smoky or spicy BBQ sauce you enjoy will work great. Choose a sauce that complements the pulled pork’s flavor.

  • Is it okay to swap out the cheddar cheese?

Absolutely! Monterey Jack, provolone, or a blend of cheeses can work well. The key is to choose a cheese that melts nicely and pairs well with the BBQ flavors.

  • Can I make this pizza on a different type of crust?

Yes, you can use homemade pizza dough, store-bought thin crust, or even a cauliflower crust. Just adjust baking times according to the specific crust instructions.

BBQ Pulled Pork Pizza With Bold, Smoky Sweetness

  • Customize Your Comfort: Easily swap ingredients to match your family's taste preferences, making this pizza a flexible meal option.
  • Quick Weeknight Win: Prepare this delicious pizza in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy households craving a satisfying dinner without spending hours in the kitchen.
  • Flavor Explosion: Combine smoky BBQ pulled pork, sweet sautéed vegetables, and melted cheddar cheese for a mouthwatering fusion of textures and tastes that elevates classic pizza.
  • Minimal Effort, Maximum Satisfaction: Use pre-made pizza crust and leftover pulled pork to transform a simple meal into a gourmet experience with minimal cooking skills required.

BBQ Pulled Pork Pizza Breakdown

Pizza Base:
  • Pizza Crust: Foundation of the pizza, provides a crispy and sturdy base for toppings.
  • Olive Oil: Helps sauté vegetables and adds a subtle flavor.
Protein and Sauce:
  • Pulled Pork: Rich, tender meat that adds smoky barbecue flavor to the pizza.
  • BBQ Sauce: Provides sweet and tangy notes, enhances the pulled pork's taste.
Vegetable Toppings:
  • Mushrooms, Onion, Garlic: Add depth, earthy flavors, and aromatic complexity to the pizza, choose fresh and firm vegetables for best results.
Cheese:
  • Cheddar Cheese: Melts beautifully, offers sharp and creamy texture, select a good quality sharp or medium cheddar for maximum flavor.

Pulled Pork Pizza BBQ Style

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Crank up your oven to the temperature recommended on the pizza crust packaging.

This ensures your pizza crust will be perfectly crispy and golden.

Step 2: Sizzle The Veggies

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.

Toss in the following ingredients:
  • Garlic
  • Onions
  • Mushrooms

Sauté the vegetables until they become soft and fragrant, releasing their delicious flavors.

Step 3: Spread The Flavor

Take your pizza crust and generously coat it with BBQ sauce.

Make sure to spread the sauce evenly across the entire surface for maximum taste in every bite.

Step 4: Layer The Toppings

Start building your pizza masterpiece by adding the sautéed vegetables over the BBQ sauce.

Next, distribute the pulled pork across the pizza, creating a mouth-watering layer of smoky goodness.

Step 5: Cheese It Up

Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the pizza.

The cheese will melt and create a gooey, delectable covering that ties all the flavors together.

Step 6: Bake To Perfection

Place the pizza in the preheated oven and bake according to the pizza crust instructions.

Watch for the cheese to become melted and bubbly, and the edges to turn a beautiful golden brown.

Step 7: Serve And Enjoy

Carefully remove the pizza from the oven.

Slice it into wedges and serve piping hot.

Get ready for a flavor explosion that will delight your taste buds!

Pulled Pork Pizza – Tips to Try

  • Select a pre-made or homemade pizza crust that complements the BBQ pulled pork's robust flavors, such as a thick, sturdy crust or a thin, crispy base.
  • Cook garlic, onions, and mushrooms until golden brown and caramelized to enhance their natural sweetness and depth of flavor.
  • Apply a thin, even layer of BBQ sauce to prevent the pizza from becoming too soggy while ensuring a rich, tangy taste in every bite.
  • Use freshly shredded cheddar cheese for better melting and distribute it evenly to create a perfect cheese coverage across the pizza.
  • Let the pizza rest for a few minutes after baking to allow the cheese to set and make slicing cleaner and more precise.

BBQ Pulled Pork Pizza Can Be Stored For A Second Serving

  • Store leftover pizza in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
  • Warm pizza slices at 375°F for 10-12 minutes, restoring crispy crust and melty cheese texture.
  • Heat individual slices for 30-45 seconds, adding a slightly damp paper towel to prevent dryness.
  • Wrap pizza tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, storing flat in freezer for up to 2 months, thawing overnight in refrigerator before reheating.
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BBQ Pulled Pork Pizza Recipe

BBQ Pulled Pork Pizza Recipe


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4.7 from 28 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Smoky BBQ Pulled Pork Pizza delivers a mouthwatering fusion of southern comfort and Italian classic, blending tender pulled pork with melted cheese and tangy barbecue sauce. Crisp pizza crust and bold flavors create a delicious meal you won’t want to miss.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 pizza crust (homemade or pre-made)
  • 1 1/2 cups pulled pork (leftover from slow cooker pulled pork)
  • 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1/2 cup BBQ sauce

Vegetables and Aromatics:

  • 16 ounces (454 grams) mushrooms, sliced
  • 1 medium onion, coarsely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, pressed

Cooking Oils and Seasonings:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (for sauteing)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the pizza dough according to package directions, ensuring a smooth, even surface.
  2. Create a flavor base by gently caramelizing garlic, onions, and mushrooms in a skillet with a light drizzle of olive oil until they become translucent and aromatic.
  3. Generously coat the pizza crust with a rich layer of BBQ sauce, spreading it evenly to cover the entire surface.
  4. Distribute the sautéed vegetables across the sauced pizza base, creating a colorful and textured foundation.
  5. Arrange tender pulled pork pieces strategically over the vegetables, ensuring an even distribution of protein.
  6. Blanket the pizza with a generous layer of shredded cheddar cheese, allowing it to melt and create a golden, bubbling surface.
  7. Transfer the pizza to a preheated oven and bake until the cheese turns molten and slightly golden, and the crust achieves a crisp, golden-brown edge.
  8. Carefully remove the pizza from the oven, let it rest for a brief moment to set, then slice into wedges and serve immediately while hot and fresh.

Notes

  • Use a pre-baked pizza crust to cut down on cooking time and ensure a crispy base.
  • Shred the pulled pork into smaller pieces for more even distribution and better bite.
  • Customize the BBQ sauce type to match your flavor preference, from sweet to spicy.
  • Add fresh cilantro or green onions after baking for a burst of fresh flavor and color contrast.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 550
  • Sugar: 8 g
  • Sodium: 900 mg
  • Fat: 28 g
  • Saturated Fat: 12 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 50 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 30 g
  • Cholesterol: 80 mg
Emily Harper

Emily Harper

Nutrition Consultant & Recipe Analyst

Expertise

Healthy Recipe Modification, Nutritional Analysis & Meal Planning, Global Cuisine & Dietary Adaptations​

Education

School: French Pastry School, Chicago, IL

Program: L’Art de la Pâtisserie

Focus: Intensive training in traditional French pastry techniques, baking theory, and confectionery arts. ​


Emily’s journey started in a pastry kitchen but took a detour into the world of health and flavor science.
Graduating from the French Pastry School and studying nutrition opened her eyes to a new mission: making healthy food taste like something you’d actually crave.
At Dining At Home, Emily’s the go-to for smart, feel-good recipes that don’t trade flavor for nutrition.
She’s all about adding a fresh spin on old favorites and finding small ways to make everyday meals a little brighter.
Outside of the kitchen, Emily is most at home walking forest trails, testing plant-based recipes, or sharing a picnic under a wide-open sky.

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