Smoky Pulled Pork Pizza Recipe

Sizzling Pulled Pork Pizza Recipe: A Savory Family Favorite

Bubbling with flavor and packed with smoky pulled pork pizza magic, this culinary creation takes comfort food to another level.

Tender, juicy pulled pork nestles atop a crispy golden crust, promising a mouthwatering experience.

Barbecue sauce adds a tangy kick that dances across your taste buds.

Melted cheese blankets the pizza with creamy richness.

Fresh herbs and a sprinkle of green onions provide a bright, fresh contrast to the robust meat.

Perfectly balanced and seriously delicious, this pizza transforms an ordinary meal into an extraordinary feast.

You’ll want to savor every single bite of this irresistible recipe.

What’s In Pulled Pork Pizza Recipe

For Base and Flavor Foundation:
  • Pizza Dough: Pillowy canvas for toppings, choose fresh or homemade for best texture and authentic taste.
  • Olive Oil: Enhances crust crispness and adds subtle richness to the base.
  • Cornmeal: Creates crispy bottom and prevents sticking during baking.
For Sauce and Protein:
  • BBQ Sauce: Tangy-sweet foundation that complements pulled pork's smoky flavor, select robust and balanced sauce.
  • Pulled Pork: Tender, succulent protein that brings hearty southwestern essence, preferably slow-cooked or smoked.
  • Mozzarella Cheese: Creamy, melty base cheese that binds ingredients and provides classic pizza stretch.
  • Cheddar Cheese: Sharp accent that adds depth and extra flavor complexity to the pizza.
For Zesty Toppings:
  • Red Onions: Delivers sharp, crisp bite and beautiful color contrast.
  • Pickled Jalapenos: Introduces vibrant heat and tangy punch, adjust quantity for desired spice level.
  • Fresh Cilantro: Bright, herbaceous garnish that refreshes the overall flavor profile.

Tools Needed For Pulled Pork Pizza Recipe

  • Oven or Pizza Stone: Essential for achieving crispy, golden crust and melting cheese.
  • Rolling Pin: Perfect for stretching dough to desired thickness and shape.
  • Baking Sheet: Helps transfer and bake pizza with ease.
  • Pastry Brush: Great for spreading olive oil evenly on the dough.
  • Sharp Knife: Used for slicing pizza and chopping cilantro garnish.
  • Cutting Board: Provides a clean surface for preparing ingredients and slicing pizza.
  • Cheese Grater (optional): Useful if grating fresh cheddar cheese.

How To Make Pulled Pork Pizza Recipe

  • Fire Up The Oven

Crank your oven to a blazing 475F, creating the perfect pizza-cooking environment. If you’re using a Traeger or pellet grill, dial it down to 450F for that killer wood-fired essence.

  • Craft Your Dough Canvas

Unleash your inner pizza artist by rolling out the dough on a flour-dusted surface. Brush with a silky layer of olive oil and sprinkle cornmeal on your baking sheet to prevent any sticky situations.

  • Layer Flavor Explosions

Spread a tangy BBQ sauce across the dough, leaving a tiny border. Shower mozzarella cheese, then rain down pulled pork. Scatter red onions and pickled jalapenos for a flavor punch. Crown with another cheese blanket.

  • Transform In The Heat

Slide your creation into the scorching oven. Watch magic happen as the pizza bakes 12-15 minutes, turning golden and developing those irresistible bubbly cheese peaks.

  • Serve With Flair

Rescue your masterpiece from the heat, let it rest briefly. Sprinkle fresh cilantro, slice boldly, and serve hot – prepare for taste bud celebration!

Flavor Swaps For Pulled Pork Pizza Recipe

  • Leftover Magic: Transform extra pulled pork into pizza or use store-bought rotisserie chicken for a quick swap when you're short on time.
  • Pizza Stone Pro: Preheat your pizza stone for 30-45 minutes to ensure a crispy, restaurant-style crust that's perfectly golden and crunchy.
  • Dietary Swap Options: Create a gluten-free version by using cauliflower crust or a low-carb tortilla as the base for those with wheat sensitivities.
  • Spice Level Control: Adjust heat by reducing or eliminating pickled jalapeños, or substitute with mild green chiles for a milder flavor profile.
  • Cheese Lover's Twist: Experiment with different cheese combinations like smoked gouda, pepper jack, or blue cheese to add unique depth and richness to your pizza.

Ways To Serve Pulled Pork Pizza Recipe

  • Flavor Fusion Feast: Pair this pulled pork pizza with cool, creamy coleslaw to balance the rich, smoky meat and add a crisp texture contrast.
  • Dipping Delight: Prepare a quick ranch or spicy aioli sauce on the side for guests who love extra flavor and want to customize their pizza experience.
  • Beverage Buddy: Serve with an ice-cold craft beer or zesty hard cider that complements the BBQ and pulled pork's robust flavors, cutting through the richness of the cheese and meat.
  • Fresh Green Companion: Add a light side salad with mixed greens, cucumber, and a tangy vinaigrette to provide a refreshing counterpoint to the hearty pizza.

Storing Pulled Pork Pizza Recipe Right

  • Smart Slice Separation: Cut pizza into equal wedges using a sharp pizza wheel or kitchen scissors for clean, precise portions that prevent tearing and maintain toppings.
  • Refrigerator Revival: Store leftover pizza slices in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Wrap individual pieces in aluminum foil to maintain moisture and prevent flavor absorption from other foods.
  • Quick Reheat Magic: Revive cold pizza by using a skillet with a lid on medium-low heat for 3-4 minutes. This method restores crispy crust and melts cheese without drying out toppings.
  • Freezer-Friendly Strategy: Freeze unbaked pizza for future meals by wrapping tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Label with date and contents. Thaw in refrigerator overnight before baking, adding 2-3 extra minutes to cooking time.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Calories: 480 kcal

Servings: 5

Print
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Smoky Pulled Pork Pizza Recipe

Smoky Pulled Pork Pizza Recipe


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4.8 from 34 reviews

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 5 1x

Description

Succulent pulled pork pizza delivers a mouthwatering fusion of smoky barbecue flavors and crispy pizza crust. Tender meat, melted cheese, and tangy sauce create an irresistible culinary experience you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (1 pound) pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1 cup smoked pulled pork
  • 1.5 cups (1 ½ cups) shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ¼ cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced
  • ¼ cup pickled jalapenos
  • ½ cup BBQ sauce
  • 1 tbsp (tablespoon) olive oil
  • 1 tbsp cornmeal
  • ½ tsp (teaspoon) smoked paprika
  • 2 tbsps (tablespoons) chopped fresh cilantro

Instructions

  1. Preheat Preparation: Heat oven or wood-pellet grill to 475F, creating an optimal cooking environment for crisp, golden pizza crust.
  2. Dough Transformation: Roll pizza dough on flour-dusted surface, using cornmeal to prevent sticking and achieve a thin, elegant base.
  3. Flavor Foundation: Spread BBQ sauce across dough, leaving a narrow perimeter, then layer initial blanket of mozzarella cheese to establish a creamy understructure.
  4. Topping Composition: Strategically arrange pulled pork, red onion rings, and pickled jalapeños, creating a harmonious blend of textures and flavor intensity.
  5. Cheese Finale: Sprinkle remaining mozzarella and optional cheddar cheese, ensuring comprehensive coverage for maximum melting and visual appeal.
  6. Culinary Transformation: Bake for 12-15 minutes until crust turns golden and cheese bubbles with molten perfection, developing rich caramelized edges.
  7. Presentation Polish: Remove from heat, allow brief resting period, then garnish with fresh cilantro and slice into shareable portions, serving at peak deliciousness.

Notes

  • Optimize Dough Texture: Roll pizza dough carefully on a flour-dusted surface to prevent stickiness and achieve a thin, crispy base that supports toppings without becoming soggy.
  • Balance Moisture Levels: Apply BBQ sauce sparingly to prevent a wet pizza crust, ensuring the pulled pork doesn’t release excess liquid during cooking.
  • Control Cheese Melting: Distribute cheese evenly and use a mix of mozzarella and optional cheddar to create a consistent, golden-brown top with maximum flavor coverage.
  • Temperature Precision: Maintain high heat (450-475F) throughout cooking to guarantee a crisp crust, bubbling cheese, and perfectly heated pulled pork without drying out the meat.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5
  • Calories: 480
  • Sugar: 8 g
  • Sodium: 950 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 9 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 52 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 24 g
  • Cholesterol: 60 mg
Olivia Bennett

Olivia Bennett

Co-Founder & Content Creator

Expertise

Nutritional Analysis​, Dietary Accommodations​, Food Writing and Blogging​,

Education

University of Texas at Austin

  • Degree: Bachelor of Science in Nutrition
  • Focus: Emphasis on dietary planning, food science, and the relationship between nutrition and health.​

Institute of Culinary Education, New York, NY

  • Program: Plant-Based Culinary Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Specialized training in vegetarian and vegan cooking techniques, emphasizing whole foods and sustainability.​

Olivia Bennett is Cooking Crusade’s go-to expert for nutritious, feel-good food. Based in Austin, she blends her degree in Nutrition from the University of Texas with plant-based culinary training from the Institute of Culinary Education.

Olivia’s recipes are all about balance: vibrant, wholesome, and easy-to-love dishes that work for all kinds of eaters. Her mission is simple: to make healthy eating approachable and genuinely tasty, with tips that support your lifestyle, not complicate it.

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