Bbq Pulled Pork Pizza Recipe

Craving the perfect combination of smoky, tangy, and cheesy flavors all on one delicious slice? This BBQ Pulled Pork Pizza recipe brings together tender, slow-cooked pork, zesty barbecue sauce, and melted cheese on a crispy crust that will have your taste buds dancing with joy.

Whether you’re hosting a game day party, feeding hungry teenagers, or simply want to treat yourself to something special, this homemade pizza delivers restaurant-quality results right from your own kitchen. Get ready to create a pizza that’s so good, it might just become your new weekend tradition!

What is BBQ Pulled Pork Pizza?

BBQ Pulled Pork Pizza is a mouthwatering fusion dish that takes the beloved flavors of traditional barbecue pulled pork and transforms them into an irresistible pizza experience. Instead of the typical marinara sauce, this pizza features a tangy barbecue sauce base topped with tender, shredded pork that’s been slow-cooked to perfection.

The magic happens when the smoky pulled pork meets creamy melted cheese, crispy pizza crust, and the sweet-tangy kick of barbecue sauce. Often enhanced with red onions and sometimes jalapeños for extra flavor, this pizza represents the perfect marriage between comfort food classics and innovative culinary creativity.

This style of pizza gained popularity in the 1980s when creative chefs began experimenting with non-traditional pizza toppings, and it has since become a staple at pizzerias and home kitchens across America.

Ingredients List for BBQ Pulled Pork Pizza

For the Pulled Pork:

• 2 pounds pork shoulder or pork butt, cut into chunks
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon cumin
• ½ cup barbecue sauce (plus extra for serving)

For the Pizza:

• 1 pound pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
• ⅓ cup barbecue sauce for base
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• ½ medium red onion, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1 tablespoon olive oil for brushing

How to Cook BBQ Pulled Pork Pizza: A Step-by-Step Guide

Creating the perfect BBQ Pulled Pork Pizza involves preparing the pulled pork first, then assembling and baking the pizza. Here’s my detailed guide to ensure every step goes smoothly:

1. Prepare the Pulled Pork:

• Season the pork chunks with brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and cumin.
• Place the seasoned pork in a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours until the meat easily shreds with a fork.
• Once cooked, shred the pork using two forks and mix with ½ cup of barbecue sauce.
• Set aside to cool slightly while you prepare the pizza base.

2. Prepare Your Pizza Dough:

• Remove the pizza dough from the refrigerator 30 minutes before using to bring it to room temperature.
• Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C) and place a pizza stone or baking sheet inside to heat.
• On a floured surface, roll the dough into a 12-14 inch circle, making the edges slightly thicker for the crust.
• Transfer the rolled dough to parchment paper for easy handling.

3. Assemble the Pizza Base:

• Brush the edges of the dough lightly with olive oil for a golden, crispy crust.
• Spread the ⅓ cup of barbecue sauce evenly across the surface, leaving about 1 inch border for the crust.
• Sprinkle half of the mozzarella cheese over the sauce to create a good foundation for the toppings.

4. Add the Toppings:

• Distribute the pulled pork evenly across the pizza, ensuring every slice will have plenty of meat.
• Scatter the thinly sliced red onions over the pork for added flavor and crunch.
• Top with the remaining mozzarella and all of the sharp cheddar cheese for that perfect cheese pull.

5. Bake the Pizza:

• Carefully transfer the pizza (on parchment paper) to your preheated pizza stone or baking sheet.
• Bake for 12-15 minutes until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned in spots.
• Remove from oven and let cool for 2-3 minutes before adding fresh cilantro and slicing.

Substitutions and Variations

Want to customize your BBQ Pulled Pork Pizza to suit different tastes or dietary needs? Here are some fantastic substitutions and variations I recommend:

Meat Alternatives:

• Replace pork with shredded chicken, beef brisket, or even jackfruit for a vegetarian option
• Use leftover rotisserie chicken mixed with barbecue sauce for a quicker version
• Try pulled turkey or duck for a unique twist

Cheese Options:

• Substitute mozzarella with provolone or Monterey Jack for different flavor profiles
• Add smoked gouda for extra smokiness
• Use dairy-free cheese alternatives for lactose-intolerant guests

Sauce Variations:

• Mix barbecue sauce with ranch dressing for a tangy base
• Try different barbecue sauce styles like Carolina vinegar-based or Kansas City molasses-heavy sauces
• Add a drizzle of hot sauce for heat lovers

Vegetable Additions:

• Include bell peppers, jalapeños, or pineapple chunks
• Add corn kernels and black beans for a southwestern twist
• Try caramelized onions instead of raw red onions for sweetness

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making BBQ Pulled Pork Pizza, I’ve noticed several common mistakes that can affect the final result. Here’s how to avoid them:

Overloading with Sauce: Too much barbecue sauce can make the crust soggy and overpower other flavors. Use just enough to coat the base lightly.

Skipping the Cheese Base: Always put some cheese directly on the sauce before adding meat. This creates a barrier that prevents the crust from getting soggy.

Using Hot Pulled Pork: Let the pulled pork cool slightly before adding it to the pizza. Hot meat can melt the cheese too quickly and create a messy assembly.

Overcrowding Toppings: While it’s tempting to load up on toppings, too many can prevent the pizza from cooking evenly and make it difficult to eat.

Not Preheating Properly: A properly preheated oven and pizza stone ensure a crispy crust. Don’t rush this important step.

How to Serve BBQ Pulled Pork Pizza

BBQ Pulled Pork Pizza makes an excellent main course for casual dining occasions. I recommend serving it alongside coleslaw or a crisp garden salad to balance the rich, smoky flavors. The cool, crunchy texture of coleslaw particularly complements the warm, cheesy pizza.

For beverages, cold beer, iced tea, or lemonade pair wonderfully with the barbecue flavors. If you’re serving wine, try a bold red like Zinfandel or a crisp white like Riesling that can stand up to the smoky, tangy flavors.

Cut the pizza into 8 slices for a main course or 12 smaller pieces if serving as an appetizer at a party. Provide extra barbecue sauce on the side for those who want an extra flavor boost.

Presentation Ideas for BBQ Pulled Pork Pizza

To make your BBQ Pulled Pork Pizza look as amazing as it tastes, consider these presentation tips:

Garnish Thoughtfully: Fresh chopped cilantro adds a pop of green color and fresh flavor that cuts through the richness. You can also try green onions or fresh parsley.

Add Texture: A light sprinkle of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of ranch dressing can add visual interest and extra flavor dimensions.

Serve on Wood: Present the pizza on a wooden cutting board or pizza peel for that authentic, rustic pizzeria look.

Create Height: Stack napkins nearby and provide small bowls for extra barbecue sauce to create an appealing table setup.

BBQ Pulled Pork Pizza Recipe Tips

Here are my best tips to ensure your BBQ Pulled Pork Pizza turns out perfectly every time:

Make Pulled Pork Ahead: The pulled pork can be made 1-2 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. This actually improves the flavors as they have time to meld together.

Use Quality Barbecue Sauce: The sauce is a key flavor component, so choose a high-quality barbecue sauce or make your own. Sweet Baby Ray’s, Bull’s-Eye, or regional favorites all work well.

Don’t Skip the Parchment Paper: Using parchment paper makes transferring the assembled pizza much easier and prevents sticking.

Check Dough Temperature: Room temperature dough is easier to work with and creates a better texture than cold dough straight from the fridge.

Invest in a Pizza Stone: While not essential, a pizza stone helps create that perfectly crispy crust that makes homemade pizza taste professional.

How to Store BBQ Pulled Pork Pizza

Proper storage keeps your leftover BBQ Pulled Pork Pizza fresh and delicious for future meals. Allow the pizza to cool completely to room temperature before storing, which typically takes about 30 minutes after baking.

For short-term storage, wrap individual slices in aluminum foil or place them in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

To reheat, I recommend using a preheated oven at 350°F for 8-10 minutes rather than the microwave, which can make the crust soggy. For extra crispiness, reheat slices in a skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes per side.

While you can freeze leftover pizza for up to 2 months, the texture of the crust and cheese may change slightly upon reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use store-bought pulled pork instead of making my own? A: Absolutely! Many grocery stores sell pre-made pulled pork that works perfectly for this recipe. Just make sure to drain excess sauce and add your preferred barbecue sauce to taste.

Q: What’s the best barbecue sauce for this pizza? A: I prefer a sweet and tangy sauce like Sweet Baby Ray’s or Bull’s-Eye, but any barbecue sauce you enjoy will work. Consider your regional preferences – Carolina, Texas, or Kansas City styles all create unique flavor profiles.

Q: Can I make this pizza on a grill? A: Yes! Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 450°F) and use a pizza stone or heavy-duty aluminum foil. Cook for 10-12 minutes, checking frequently to prevent burning.

Q: How do I prevent the crust from getting soggy? A: Use barbecue sauce sparingly, add a cheese layer before toppings, ensure your pulled pork isn’t too wet, and bake at a high temperature on a preheated surface.

Q: Can I make the dough from scratch? A: Definitely! Homemade pizza dough takes about 2-3 hours including rise time. However, store-bought dough saves time and still produces excellent results.

Q: What other cheeses work well on this pizza? A: Smoked gouda, provolone, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack all complement the barbecue flavors beautifully. Avoid soft cheeses that might make the pizza too wet.

Conclusion

BBQ Pulled Pork Pizza represents the perfect fusion of two beloved comfort foods, creating a dish that’s both familiar and exciting. The combination of tender, smoky pulled pork, tangy barbecue sauce, and melted cheese on a crispy crust delivers satisfaction in every bite.

This recipe proves that you don’t need complicated techniques or exotic ingredients to create something truly special. With simple preparation steps and common ingredients, you can bring restaurant-quality pizza to your own kitchen.

Whether you’re cooking for a crowd, trying to use up leftover pulled pork, or simply craving something different for dinner, this BBQ Pulled Pork Pizza will quickly become a family favorite. The recipe is forgiving enough for beginners yet delicious enough to impress experienced home cooks.

Remember, the key to great pizza lies in quality ingredients, proper technique, and not being afraid to customize the recipe to match your personal preferences. So fire up that oven, gather your ingredients, and get ready to create a pizza that brings people together around the dinner table. Happy cooking!