Smoky Pulled Pork Pizza Recipe: Homemade BBQ Bliss

Crafting a mouthwatering pulled pork pizza brings together two comfort food champions in one irresistible dish.

My kitchen experiments often lead to unexpected delights, and this combination feels like culinary magic.

Tender, slow-cooked pork meets crispy pizza crust in a flavor explosion that defies traditional boundaries.

Barbecue sauce adds a smoky sweetness that perfectly complements the rich meat and melted cheese.

Regional cooking styles inspire this creative crossover between classic American favorites.

Homemade or store-bought dough works beautifully, making this recipe accessible for every skill level.

You’ll want to slice this up and watch everyone’s eyes light up with pure enjoyment.

Why Pulled Pork Pizza Recipe Is A Game-Changer

• Sizzle with Smoky Flavor: This pulled pork pizza delivers an irresistible wood-fired taste that transforms an ordinary meal into a mouthwatering experience. The option to use a Traeger or pellet grill adds a delicious smoky dimension that elevates the entire dish.
• Customize with Ease: Flexible preparation allows home cooks to adapt the recipe perfectly. From adjusting dough thickness to playing with cheese and topping combinations, this pizza welcomes personal creativity and suits different taste preferences.
• Quick Weeknight Winner: Prepared in just 25-30 minutes from start to finish, this recipe becomes a lifesaver for busy families. The simple assembly and minimal ingredients make it a stress-free meal that doesn't compromise on flavor or satisfaction.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Combining classic BBQ pulled pork with pizza creates an ultimate crowd-pleaser. The blend of tender meat, melted cheese, and zesty toppings like pickled jalapeños ensures everyone at the table will be asking for seconds.

Ingredients For Pulled Pork Pizza Recipe

• Pizza Dough: Foundational layer for the pizza, provides structure and texture. Fresh or homemade dough works best.
• Cornmeal: Helps prevent sticking and adds a subtle crunch to the pizza base.
• Olive Oil: Adds flavor and helps create a golden, crispy crust.

• Pulled Pork: Tender, flavorful meat that serves as the main protein. Leftover or freshly prepared pork works well.
• BBQ Sauce: Provides a tangy, sweet base that complements the pulled pork.

• Mozzarella Cheese, Cheddar Cheese: Melty cheeses that create a rich, creamy topping. Shredded varieties melt most evenly.
• Red Onions: Adds a sharp, crisp flavor and brings color to the pizza.
• Pickled Jalapenos: Provides a spicy kick and tangy contrast to the rich meat.
• Fresh Cilantro: Bright, fresh herb that adds a final burst of flavor as a garnish.

Pulled Pork Pizza Recipe Instructions Made Easy

Step 1: Warm Up the Cooking Station

Fire up your oven to a sizzling 475°F. If you’re using a Traeger or pellet grill, dial it down to 450°F for that smoky wood-fired magic. This high heat will give your pizza a crispy, golden crust that’ll make mouths water.

Step 2: Craft the Perfect Pizza Base

Grab your pizza dough and roll it out on a lightly dusted surface. Aim for that perfect thickness that speaks to your pizza passion. Brush the dough with a silky layer of olive oil, then sprinkle cornmeal on your baking sheet or pizza stone – this secret trick prevents any sticky situations.

Step 3: Layer on the Flavor Explosion

• Tangy BBQ sauce (spread generously)
• Mozzarella cheese (first layer)
• Tender pulled pork
• Sliced red onions
• Zesty pickled jalapenos
• Remaining mozzarella
• Optional cheddar cheese for extra zing

Distribute each ingredient with the care of a pizza artist, leaving a small border around the edges.

Step 4: Transform in the Heat

Slide your masterpiece into the hot oven or grill. Let it bake for 12-15 minutes until the crust turns a gorgeous golden brown and the cheese bubbles with delicious anticipation.

Step 5: Finish and Feast

Carefully remove the pizza from the heat. Let it rest for a moment to set the melted cheese. Sprinkle fresh cilantro on top for a burst of color and freshness. Slice into wedges and prepare for a flavor explosion that’ll have everyone asking for seconds!

Tips For The Best Pulled Pork Pizza Recipe

• Perfect Dough Preparation: Use room temperature pizza dough for easier stretching and a more even crust that bakes beautifully without tearing.
• Cheese Melting Magic: Layer cheeses strategically by placing some beneath and some atop pulled pork to create a rich, gooey texture with maximum flavor distribution.
• Sauce Spreading Technique: Apply BBQ sauce sparingly to prevent a soggy pizza base, ensuring a crisp and golden crust that holds toppings perfectly.
• Temperature Precision: Preheat your oven or pizza stone completely before baking to achieve a crispy bottom and well-cooked center that mimics professional pizzeria results.
• Flavor Boost Hack: Consider adding a drizzle of hot sauce or extra BBQ sauce after baking for an extra kick of tangy, spicy goodness that elevates the entire pizza experience.

How To Save Pulled Pork Pizza Recipe

• Refrigerate leftover pulled pork pizza in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Wrap slices individually in aluminum foil to maintain moisture and prevent sogginess.
• Reheat in a preheated oven at 375F for 8-10 minutes, which helps restore the crispy crust and melty cheese.
• For best results, avoid microwaving, as this can make the crust soft and chewy.
• If you plan to freeze the pizza, place slices in a freezer-safe container with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
• Frozen pizza can be stored for up to 1 month, but thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating to preserve texture and flavor.

Tasty Matches For Pulled Pork Pizza Recipe

• Sip Southern Comfort: Pair this pulled pork pizza with a cold, crisp craft beer like an amber ale or pale lager. The hoppy notes will beautifully cut through the richness of the pulled pork and balance the tangy BBQ sauce.
• Cool Down the Heat: Serve a refreshing coleslaw on the side to complement the spicy pickled jalapeños. The creamy, crunchy slaw will provide a delightful contrast to the pizza's bold flavors and help cool down any spiciness.
• Wine Lover's Delight: Choose a medium-bodied red wine like zinfandel or syrah. These wines have enough robust character to stand up to the smoky pulled pork and won't get lost among the strong BBQ and cheese flavors.
• Pickle Power Pairing: Add a side of quick-pickled vegetables or dill pickle spears. Their acidic crunch will enhance the pizza's flavor profile and provide a zesty counterpoint to the rich, meaty toppings.

Pulled Pork Pizza Recipe With A Twist

• Smoky Southwest Style: Replace BBQ sauce with chipotle salsa, swap mozzarella for pepper jack cheese, and top with black beans and corn for a zesty southwestern kick.
• Mediterranean Fusion: Use olive oil instead of BBQ sauce, add crumbled feta cheese, kalamata olives, and sprinkle with oregano for a Greek-inspired pizza experience.
• Carolina Pulled Pork Edition: Utilize mustard-based BBQ sauce common in North Carolina, add coleslaw directly on top after baking for a tangy, crunchy layer that complements the pulled pork perfectly.
• Ranch Lover's Version: Substitute BBQ sauce with ranch dressing, include crispy bacon bits, and finish with a drizzle of ranch after baking to amplify the creamy, savory flavors.

All Your Pulled Pork Pizza Recipe Questions

• What makes pulled pork pizza different from regular pizza?

Pulled pork pizza combines classic BBQ flavors with traditional pizza, using tender slow-cooked pork instead of typical pizza meats. The combination of BBQ sauce, pulled pork, and cheese creates a unique and mouthwatering twist on traditional pizza.

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

Absolutely! While homemade pulled pork is fantastic, store-bought pulled pork works perfectly. Just make sure it’s high-quality and well-seasoned to maintain the pizza’s delicious flavor profile.

• Do I need special equipment to make this pizza?

No special equipment is required. A regular oven works great, but if you have a pizza stone or Traeger grill, you can create an even more delicious crust. A basic baking sheet will work just fine for home cooks.

• How can I make this pizza spicier?

Add extra pickled jalapenos or sprinkle red pepper flakes on top. You can also choose a spicier BBQ sauce or add a dash of hot sauce to kick up the heat and enhance the pizza’s flavor.

Pulled Pork Pizza Recipe

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4.9 from 35 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Savor hearty pulled pork pizza, where tender slow-cooked meat meets crispy crust and melted cheese. Rich southern barbecue flavors dance across this crowd-pleasing meal that you will devour slice by delicious slice.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 cup smoked pulled pork
• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Cheese and Optional Toppings:

• ¼ cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced
• ¼ cup pickled jalapenos

Sauce and Seasoning:

• ½ cup BBQ sauce
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon cornmeal
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro

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Instructions

1. Heat the cooking surface to an intense temperature, targeting 475F for a traditional oven or 450F on a wood-pellet grill to infuse smoky undertones.
2. Transform the pizza dough into a thin, uniform canvas by gently rolling it across a flour-dusted workspace, ensuring a delicate texture and preventing adhesion with a sprinkle of cornmeal on the baking surface.
3. Create a flavor foundation by lavishly coating the dough with tangy BBQ sauce, maintaining a subtle border around the edges, then strategically layer mozzarella cheese as the initial creamy base.
4. Artfully distribute succulent pulled pork across the cheese, followed by crisp red onion rings and fiery pickled jalapeños for a balanced flavor profile.
5. Complete the pizza’s architecture by generously scattering the remaining mozzarella and optional cheddar cheese, ensuring complete coverage for maximum melting potential.
6. Slide the prepared pizza into the preheated cooking environment, allowing 12-15 minutes of transformative heat to crisp the crust and create bubbling, golden-brown cheese.
7. Extract the pizza from the heat source, permitting a brief resting period to stabilize the molten toppings and concentration of flavors.
8. Elevate the final presentation by garnishing with fresh, vibrant cilantro, then slice into shareable segments and serve immediately while at peak temperature and texture.

Notes

• Ensure your oven or pizza stone is thoroughly preheated to achieve a crispy, golden crust that doesn’t become soggy.
• Use cornmeal generously on the baking surface to create a professional-style non-stick base that adds a subtle textural crunch.
• For a gluten-free version, swap traditional pizza dough with cauliflower crust or use a gluten-free pizza base to accommodate dietary restrictions.
• Balance the rich pulled pork by adding fresh, bright elements like pickled jalapenos or a quick lime-cilantro slaw on top for contrasting flavors and textures.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 540
• Sugar: 8 g
• Sodium: 900 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 56 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 26 g
• Cholesterol: 60 mg