When we combine two of America’s most beloved comfort foods – smoky BBQ pulled pork and crispy pizza – magic happens on your dinner table. This BBQ pulled pork pizza recipe transforms your ordinary pizza night into an extraordinary feast that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.
We’ve perfected this crowd-pleasing combination that brings together tender, slow-cooked pulled pork, tangy barbecue sauce, and melted cheese on a perfectly crispy crust. The sweet and smoky flavors create an irresistible contrast that satisfies both pizza lovers and BBQ enthusiasts alike.
Whether you’re using leftover pulled pork from last night’s dinner or starting fresh, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality results right from your home oven. We’ll show you how to balance the bold BBQ flavors with complementary toppings that won’t overpower the star ingredient – that mouthwatering pulled pork.
Ingredients
We’ve organized all the ingredients into three categories to streamline your cooking process. This systematic approach ensures you have everything ready before you start assembling this incredible BBQ pulled pork pizza.
For the Pizza Dough
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup warm water (110°F)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon cornmeal for dusting
For the BBQ Pulled Pork
- 2 pounds pork shoulder or pork butt
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1½ teaspoons garlic powder
- 1½ teaspoons onion powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (divided)
- ½ cup apple cider vinegar
- ¼ cup chicken broth
For the Pizza Toppings
- ½ cup BBQ sauce (for pizza base)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- ½ medium red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 jalapeño pepper, thinly sliced (optional)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil for brushing crust
Equipment Needed
Creating the perfect BBQ pulled pork pizza requires exact kitchen tools that ensure both efficiency and exceptional results. We’ve compiled this essential equipment list to help you achieve that restaurant-quality crust and perfectly melted cheese combination.
Oven or Grill
Our cooking method centers around high-heat cooking at approximately 475°F (245°C). A conventional oven works perfectly for most home cooks, while those seeking authentic wood-fired flavors can use their outdoor grill for enhanced smokiness.
Pizza Stone or Pizza Steel
These tools make the difference between a soggy bottom and a perfectly crispy crust. We recommend preheating your pizza stone or steel for up to one hour before baking to achieve maximum crispiness. The intense heat transfer creates that coveted golden-brown base that supports our flavorful toppings.
Alternative Baking Surface
A standard baking sheet or pizza pan lined with parchment paper serves as an excellent substitute when pizza stones aren’t available. This option still delivers satisfying results while remaining accessible to every home kitchen.
Dough Preparation Tools
A reliable rolling pin helps us achieve the ideal dough thickness of approximately ½ inch. Working on a floured surface with parchment paper underneath makes transferring our assembled pizza effortless.
Mixing and Prep Equipment
Several mixing bowls accommodate our BBQ sauce preparation and allow us to coat the pulled pork evenly with sauce. Standard measuring spoons and cups ensure accurate ingredient proportions throughout the recipe.
Cutting Tools
A sharp knife handles our red onion slicing and fresh herb preparation with precision. Clean cuts prevent moisture release that could compromise our crust texture.
This equipment setup transforms your kitchen into a pizza-making station that rivals professional pizzerias, ensuring every BBQ pulled pork pizza emerges with the perfect balance of crispy crust and melted cheese perfection.
Instructions
Now that we have our ingredients and equipment ready, let’s transform these simple components into an incredible BBQ pulled pork pizza. Follow these detailed steps to achieve restaurant-quality results in your own kitchen.
Prepare the Pizza Dough
We begin by rolling out our pizza dough on a floured surface or parchment paper to approximately 1/2 inch thickness. The thickness directly affects cooking time and topping capacity – thinner crusts cook faster but hold fewer toppings while thicker crusts take longer but support more generous portions.
For the crispiest crust possible, we preheat our pizza stone in the oven at 475°F before baking and transfer the prepared dough onto the hot stone. This technique creates that coveted crispy bottom that professional pizzerias achieve. Alternatively, we can use a pre-baked pizza crust for ultimate convenience when time is limited.
Make the BBQ Pulled Pork
We start with leftover pulled pork such as smoked pork butt, shredded pork tenderloin, or cubed country-style ribs for this step. These options provide the perfect texture and flavor foundation for our pizza.
Next, we toss the pork with our favorite barbecue sauce, with vinegar or Memphis style BBQ sauce working exceptionally well for this application. To enhance the flavor profile further, we can add chipotle chili powder or other seasonings that complement the smoky barbecue notes.
Prepare the Pizza Toppings
We spread a thin, even layer of barbecue sauce across our prepared dough using a spoon or squeeze bottle. Even distribution prevents sogginess while ensuring every bite delivers balanced flavor.
Over the sauce, we add a generous layer of shredded mozzarella cheese, which serves as the foundation for our remaining toppings. The prepared pulled pork gets distributed evenly across the cheese layer, followed by thinly sliced red onions cut root to tip for optimal visual appeal.
Finally, we sprinkle shredded Parmesan or Pecorino Romano cheese on top and along the crust edges to create that irresistible cheesy crust experience.
Assemble the Pizza
Speed becomes crucial during assembly to maintain dough integrity and ensure even baking throughout. We quickly layer all prepared toppings onto our rolled dough or pre-baked crust in the order specified above.
The key is working efficiently while maintaining even distribution of each component across the pizza surface. This approach guarantees consistent flavor in every slice.
Bake the Pizza
We bake our assembled pizza in the preheated oven at 400-475°F for 10-22 minutes, depending on crust thickness and oven performance. The pizza is ready when the cheese melts completely, crust edges turn golden brown, and the entire surface becomes bubbly.
| Baking Method | Temperature | Time Range |
|---|---|---|
| Hot Pizza Stone | 475°F | 10-15 minutes |
| Sheet Pan with Parchment | 400-450°F | 15-22 minutes |
After baking, we remove the pizza and allow it to cool briefly before slicing into 8-12 pieces for serving. For an extra flavor boost, we can drizzle additional BBQ sauce after baking and garnish with fresh chopped cilantro or parsley.
Make-Ahead Tips
Planning ahead transforms pizza night from a rushed try into a relaxed cooking experience. We recommend preparing several components in advance to streamline the entire process and ensure restaurant-quality results every time.
Pulled Pork Preparation
Our most valuable time-saving strategy involves cooking the pulled pork days ahead of schedule. Store the prepared pulled pork in refrigerated containers for up to 4 days or freeze portions for up to 3 months. This approach works particularly well with leftover pulled pork from weekend barbecue sessions or slow cooker meals.
Pizza Dough Strategy
Roll out the pizza dough earlier in the day and refrigerate it on parchment-lined baking sheets for up to 6 hours. Cover the rolled dough tightly with plastic wrap to prevent drying. This method maintains dough flexibility while saving precious time during dinner preparation.
Sauce and Topping Prep
BBQ sauce can be made from scratch or purchased several days in advance for maximum convenience. Slice red onions and store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Grate cheeses ahead of time and keep them separated in labeled containers to maintain freshness and prevent clumping.
Complete Assembly Option
For ultimate convenience, assemble the entire pizza without baking and wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. Refrigerate the assembled pizza for up to 24 hours before baking. Remove the plastic wrap and bake directly from the refrigerator, adding 2-3 extra minutes to the cooking time to account for the cold temperature.
| Make-Ahead Component | Storage Method | Time Frame |
|---|---|---|
| Pulled Pork | Refrigerated | 4 days |
| Pulled Pork | Frozen | 3 months |
| Rolled Dough | Refrigerated | 6 hours |
| Sliced Onions | Refrigerated | 2 days |
| Assembled Pizza | Refrigerated | 24 hours |
These preparation strategies ensure that our BBQ pulled pork pizza maintains its crispy crust and hot, melted toppings while reducing active cooking time during busy weeknights.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Proper storage ensures our delicious BBQ pulled pork pizza maintains its quality and safety for future enjoyment. We recommend storing leftover pizza slices in an airtight container or wrapping them tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap to prevent moisture loss and contamination.
Refrigeration should happen promptly after the pizza has cooled to room temperature. Our leftover BBQ pulled pork pizza stays fresh in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days when stored correctly. Beyond this timeframe, the quality begins to deteriorate and food safety becomes a concern.
| Storage Method | Duration | Best Practices |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerator (airtight container) | 3-4 days | Cool completely before storing |
| Refrigerator (foil wrapped) | 3-4 days | Wrap tightly to prevent air exposure |
| Refrigerator (plastic wrap) | 3-4 days | Ensure complete coverage |
Reheating our BBQ pulled pork pizza properly restores the crispy crust and melted cheese we love. We prefer using a preheated oven at 350°F for the best results. Place pizza slices on a foil-lined baking sheet and heat for 10 to 15 minutes until the cheese melts completely and the crust becomes crispy again.
A dry skillet offers another excellent reheating method that delivers fantastic results. Heat the skillet over medium heat and place pizza slices directly in the pan. Cook until the bottom becomes crispy and the cheese melts thoroughly, typically 5 to 8 minutes depending on slice thickness.
Microwaving should be avoided whenever possible as it creates a soggy crust that compromises the pizza’s texture and overall eating experience. The microwave’s steam softens the crust rather than crisping it, resulting in an unappetizing texture that doesn’t do justice to our carefully crafted BBQ pulled pork pizza.
These storage and reheating techniques ensure every leftover slice tastes nearly as good as when freshly baked, allowing us to enjoy our BBQ pulled pork pizza creation for several days after the initial preparation.
Serving Suggestions
We recommend pairing our BBQ pulled pork pizza with classic side dishes that complement the smoky and tangy flavors. A crisp coleslaw serves as the perfect accompaniment, providing a refreshing contrast to the rich, melted cheese and savory pulled pork. The cool crunch of cabbage and carrots tossed in a tangy dressing balances the pizza’s bold BBQ sauce beautifully.
Fresh green salad offers another excellent pairing option for those seeking lighter fare alongside this indulgent pizza. We suggest mixed greens with a simple vinaigrette to cleanse the palate between bites. Roasted vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or Brussels sprouts add nutritional balance while maintaining the meal’s hearty appeal.
Extra BBQ sauce on the side transforms each slice into a customizable experience. We place small bowls of Memphis style or South Carolina style BBQ sauce around the table, allowing our guests to add their preferred level of smokiness and tang. This approach accommodates different taste preferences while improving the pizza’s already robust flavors.
Cold beer pairs exceptionally well with BBQ pulled pork pizza, cutting through the richness of the cheese and complementing the smoky meat. We recommend crisp lagers or hoppy IPAs that stand up to the bold flavors. Iced tea provides a non-alcoholic alternative that echoes traditional BBQ dining experiences.
Our BBQ pulled pork pizza serves approximately 12 pieces when cut into standard triangular slices. We arrange the pizza on a large cutting board or serving platter, garnishing with fresh cilantro or parsley for a pop of color and brightness. The herbs add a fresh element that brightens the overall presentation while providing a subtle contrast to the rich toppings.
Recipe Variations
Our BBQ pulled pork pizza offers endless possibilities for customization to suit different taste preferences and dietary needs. We can transform this recipe with various meats, sauces, and cheese combinations while maintaining the signature smoky and tangy flavors.
Different Meat Options
Pulled Pork remains our traditional choice, delivering that authentic smoky tenderness from slow cooking or convenient leftover meat. We love how the shredded texture holds BBQ sauce while creating perfect bite-sized portions on each slice.
Shredded Chicken creates an equally delicious BBQ chicken pizza variation with similar flavor profiles. We find this option appeals to those who prefer poultry while maintaining the same preparation techniques.
Rotisserie Chicken offers the ultimate convenience substitute since it already comes perfectly seasoned and ready to shred. We recommend this time-saving option for busy weeknight dinners without sacrificing flavor.
Portabella Mushrooms provide an excellent vegetarian alternative when sliced thin and seasoned properly. We suggest marinating the mushrooms in BBQ sauce before adding them to capture that smoky essence meat lovers crave.
Sauce Alternatives
South Carolina Mustard-based BBQ Sauce brings sweet and tangy notes with a distinctive vinegar kick that pairs exceptionally well with pork. We appreciate how this yellow sauce creates a unique flavor profile that stands out from traditional tomato-based options.
Memphis Style BBQ Sauce delivers classic smoky undertones through its tomato base, making it perfect for those who prefer traditional barbecue flavors. We find this sauce complements both pork and chicken beautifully.
Mixed BBQ and Pizza Sauce creates a richer, more complex flavor foundation by combining both sauces. We recommend using equal parts of each sauce to balance the tangy BBQ notes with the herb-forward pizza sauce.
Spicy BBQ Variations allow us to customize heat levels according to preference, whether choosing sweet, spicy, or extra smoky sauce formulations. We suggest tasting different brands to find the perfect match for your family’s palate.
Cheese Combinations
Mozzarella serves as our essential base cheese, providing the perfect meltiness and signature cheese pull that makes every slice irresistible. We rely on its mild flavor to let the BBQ elements shine while creating that stretchy texture pizza lovers expect.
Parmesan adds sharp, umami-rich notes when sprinkled on top or mixed with mozzarella for enhanced complexity. We recommend freshly grated parmesan for the best flavor impact and melting characteristics.
Provolone contributes mild, creamy flavors that complement BBQ sauce without overpowering the other ingredients. We find this cheese particularly effective when combined with stronger flavored meats.
Sharp White Cheddar creates tangy contrast against mild mozzarella while adding depth to each bite. We suggest using this cheese sparingly since its bold flavor can dominate milder ingredients.
Cheese Blends combining mozzarella, provolone, cheddar, and parmesan create the most complex flavor profiles while ensuring excellent melting properties. We recommend this approach for those seeking restaurant-quality results with perfectly balanced cheese coverage that enhances rather than masks the BBQ flavors.
Conclusion
We’ve shown you everything needed to create an exceptional BBQ pulled pork pizza that’ll become your new favorite comfort food mashup. This recipe transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-quality meal that satisfies both pizza lovers and BBQ enthusiasts.
The beauty of this dish lies in its flexibility – whether you’re using leftover pulled pork or making it fresh you’ll achieve incredible results. With our make-ahead tips and proper storage techniques you can enjoy this delicious pizza throughout the week.
Don’t hesitate to experiment with our suggested variations to make this recipe your own. The combination of smoky pulled pork tangy BBQ sauce and melted cheese creates a flavor profile that’s simply irresistible. Your family and friends will be asking for this recipe after just one bite.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is BBQ pulled pork pizza?
BBQ pulled pork pizza is a delicious fusion of two comfort foods that combines tender, smoky pulled pork with tangy barbecue sauce and melted cheese on a crispy pizza crust. This recipe creates a perfect balance of sweet and smoky flavors, making it appealing to both pizza lovers and BBQ enthusiasts.
Can I use leftover pulled pork for this pizza recipe?
Yes, you can absolutely use leftover pulled pork for this recipe. Simply toss the leftover pork with barbecue sauce before adding it to your pizza. This makes the recipe even more convenient and is a great way to repurpose leftovers into a delicious new meal.
What temperature should I cook BBQ pulled pork pizza?
Cook your BBQ pulled pork pizza at approximately 475°F (245°C) for the best results. This high temperature ensures a crispy crust while properly melting the cheese and heating the toppings. Cooking time will vary based on your preferred crust thickness and cooking method.
What equipment do I need to make this pizza?
Essential equipment includes a pizza stone or steel for the crispiest crust, though a baking sheet with parchment paper works as an alternative. You’ll also need a rolling pin for the dough, mixing bowls, and basic cutting tools for ingredient preparation. A conventional oven or outdoor grill both work well.
How do I store leftover BBQ pulled pork pizza?
Store leftover pizza slices in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap. They’ll stay fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. For best results when reheating, use a preheated oven at 350°F or a dry skillet to restore crispiness.
Can I make BBQ pulled pork pizza ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare components in advance. Cook the pulled pork days ahead and store it in the refrigerator or freezer. Roll out the dough and prep toppings earlier in the day. You can even assemble the entire pizza and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking.
What are some good variations for this pizza recipe?
You can substitute pulled pork with shredded chicken or portabella mushrooms. Try different BBQ sauce styles like South Carolina mustard-based or Memphis-style. For cheese, combine mozzarella with parmesan, provolone, or sharp white cheddar for enhanced flavor while maintaining the signature smoky taste.
What should I serve with BBQ pulled pork pizza?
Pair your BBQ pulled pork pizza with crisp coleslaw, fresh green salad, or roasted vegetables to balance the rich flavors. Serve extra BBQ sauce on the side for customization. Cold beer or iced tea complement the meal perfectly, and fresh herbs make an excellent garnish.
