Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Loaded with smoky barbecue flavor
- Great way to use leftover pulled pork
- Easy to customize with toppings
- Perfect for pizza night or game day
- Sweet, savory, and cheesy combination
- Restaurant-quality results at home
- Family-friendly and crowd-pleasing
- Ready in under 30 minutes
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Pizza
- 1 pound pizza dough
- 1 cup barbecue sauce, divided
- 2 cups cooked pulled pork
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
- ½ cup smoked Gouda cheese, shredded
- ½ medium red onion, thinly sliced
Optional Toppings
- Sliced jalapeños
- Cooked bacon crumbles
- Corn kernels
- Fresh cilantro
- Green onions
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 475°F (245°C).
- Place a pizza stone in the oven or lightly grease a pizza pan.
- In a bowl, toss the pulled pork with ¼ cup of the barbecue sauce.
- Stretch or roll the pizza dough into a 12- to 14-inch round.
- Transfer the dough to a pizza peel or prepared pizza pan.
- Spread the remaining barbecue sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Sprinkle the mozzarella and smoked Gouda cheeses over the sauce.
- Distribute the pulled pork evenly across the pizza.
- Top with the sliced red onion and any additional toppings if desired.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and let rest for 2–3 minutes.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro or green onions if desired.
- Slice and serve warm.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 8
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12–15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Variations
- Chicken BBQ Pizza: Replace the pulled pork with shredded barbecue chicken.
- Spicy BBQ Pizza: Add jalapeños and a spicy barbecue sauce.
- Bacon BBQ Pizza: Top with crispy bacon pieces.
- Hawaiian BBQ Pizza: Add pineapple chunks for a sweet contrast.
- Tex-Mex BBQ Pizza: Include black beans, corn, and pepper jack cheese.
- White BBQ Pizza: Use a garlic cream sauce instead of traditional barbecue sauce.
- Double Meat Pizza: Combine pulled pork with smoked sausage or brisket.
Storage/Reheating
Storage
Store leftover pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezing
Freeze individual slices wrapped tightly for up to 2 months.
Reheating
Reheat in a 375°F (190°C) oven, air fryer, or skillet until hot and the crust is crisp.
FAQs
What type of pulled pork works best?
Slow-cooked pulled pork with a smoky barbecue flavor is ideal.
Can I use store-bought pulled pork?
Yes. Prepared pulled pork works well and saves time.
What barbecue sauce should I use?
Use your favorite sauce, whether sweet, smoky, spicy, or tangy.
Can I make this pizza on a grill?
Absolutely. Grilling adds even more smoky flavor.
What cheese pairs best with barbecue pork?
Mozzarella, smoked Gouda, cheddar, and Monterey Jack are excellent choices.
Can I use a pre-baked pizza crust?
Yes. Pre-baked crusts make this recipe even quicker.
How do I keep the crust from getting soggy?
Avoid using too much sauce and preheat the pizza stone or baking surface.
Can I make this pizza spicy?
Yes. Add jalapeños, hot sauce, or spicy barbecue sauce.
What side dishes pair well with BBQ Pulled Pizza?
Coleslaw, potato salad, baked beans, and corn on the cob are great choices.
Can I prepare the toppings ahead of time?
Yes. The pulled pork and sliced onions can be prepared in advance and refrigerated until needed.
Conclusion
BBQ Pulled Pizza is a bold and flavorful twist on traditional pizza, combining tender pulled pork, tangy barbecue sauce, melted cheese, and savory toppings on a crispy crust. Easy to make and packed with smoky goodness, it’s a fantastic choice for family dinners, parties, and game-day feasts. Once you try this irresistible barbecue-inspired pizza, it’s sure to become a regular favorite in your meal rotation.
