BLT Pizza
BLT Pizza combines the beloved flavors of a classic bacon, lettuce, and tomato sandwich with a crispy pizza crust to create a dish that’s both comforting and exciting. Imagine biting into a warm slice where gooey Monterey Jack cheese melts in your mouth, perfectly complemented by crispy bacon, fresh romaine, and juicy tomatoes. This heavenly creation is perfect for casual dinners, game nights, or any occasion when you’re craving a satisfying meal that pleases a crowd.
I first stumbled upon BLT Pizza during a summer barbecue when a friend wowed everyone with this inventive take on a favorite sandwich. Ever since then, it has become a go-to recipe in my kitchen. It’s an effortless blend of familiar ingredients that come together in no time, giving you a dish that’s undeniably delicious without the fuss. You’ll find that this easy, budget-friendly recipe is not only fun to make, but it’s also a surefire way to impress family and friends. Let’s jump right into the details, and I promise you’ll be eager to give this a try!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: Ready in just about 47 minutes, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner.
- Irresistible Flavor: The combination of crispy bacon and fresh ingredients creates a flavor explosion.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: A gorgeous pizza topped with vibrant greens and tomatoes that’s sure to impress.
- Flexible Serving: Perfect for lunch, dinner, or an appetizer at parties.
- Diet-Friendly Options: Easily customize with gluten-free pizza dough or alternative toppings.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 pound Pizza Dough: This is the base of your pizza, creating that delightful crust. You can use store-bought or homemade dough if you’re feeling adventurous.
- Cooking Spray: Helps prevent sticking, ensuring that your pizza comes off the tray without a hitch.
- 1 Tablespoon Cornmeal: Provides a crunchy texture on the bottom of your crust and prevents it from sticking to the baking sheet.
- 1 Tablespoon Olive Oil: Brushing this onto your crust adds flavor and helps achieve a golden brown finish.
- 1 ½ cups Monterey Jack Cheese: This cheese melts beautifully and offers a mild flavor that pairs perfectly with other toppings. Feel free to substitute with mozzarella for a different taste.
- ½ cup Aioli: This creamy garlic sauce adds richness to your pizza. You can also use store-bought garlic aioli or make a quick homemade version.
- 2 cups Romaine Lettuce: Fresh and crisp, romaine provides a delightful crunch and balances the richness of bacon and cheese.
- 6 strips Bacon, cooked and crumbled: Use thick-cut bacon for extra flavor! You might also opt for turkey or vegan bacon as a substitute if desired.
- 1-2 Roma Tomatoes, diced: These juicy tomatoes elevate the dish, adding freshness and color.
How to Make BLT Pizza
- Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 450º F. This ensures a perfect bake for your pizza.
- Prepare the Baking Sheet: Grease a baking sheet and sprinkle it with 1 tablespoon of cornmeal. This creates a delightful texture and keeps the crust from sticking.
- Shape the Dough: Roll your pizza dough out into about a 12-inch circle. Place it onto the baking tray, and remember to pierce the dough well with a fork to avoid bubbling during baking.
- Initial Bake: Pop the pizza crust into the oven for 5 minutes. This parbakes the crust and sets the foundation for your toppings.
- Add Oil and Cheese: Once you’ve removed the crust, brush the top with 1 tablespoon of olive oil evenly. Then sprinkle 1 ½ cups of Monterey Jack cheese all over, ensuring an even layer that will melt deliciously.
- Finish Baking: Return your pizza to the oven and bake for another 10-12 minutes, or until the crust turns golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and melty.
- Spread the Aioli: Remove the pizza from the oven and spread about half of the ½ cup of aioli over the hot, melted cheese.
- Top It Off: Finally, layer on 2 cups of romaine lettuce, 6 strips of crumbled bacon, and 1-2 diced roma tomatoes. Drizzle the remaining aioli over the top to serve for an added flavor boost.
Storing & Reheating
If you happen to have leftover BLT Pizza, store it at room temperature for up to 2 hours. After that, wrap it in foil or place it in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months by slicing it into portions and wrapping each piece tightly. When you’re ready to enjoy those leftovers, simply reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10-12 minutes, or until heated through. The crust may lose some of its original crispness, but a quick broil for 2-3 minutes at the end can bring back some of that delightful crunch!
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Avoid Soggy Crust: Piercing the dough helps prevent bubbles, and parbaking is key to maintaining a firm base.
- Perfecting Aioli: Using store-bought aioli is a time-saver, but making your own can elevate the flavors even more.
- Freshness Matters: Always try to use fresh ingredients for the best taste—crisp lettuce and ripe tomatoes make all the difference!
- Timing: Prepare your toppings while the pizza dough bakes; it saves time and keeps everything moving smoothly.
- Experiment with Toppings: Feel free to switch up the toppings based on your preferences—fresh herbs like basil or a sprinkle of cayenne can add a lovely twist.
Pizza night has never been more exciting than with this delightful dish that merges two beloved flavors into one mouthwatering experience. By taking the classic components of a BLT, you create something that shines as a pizza. The balance of gooey cheese against crunchy bacon, fresh lettuce, and juicy tomatoes makes for a comforting yet vibrant meal that everyone will love. Try it out tonight, and you just might find that it becomes one of your new favorites!
Recipe FAQs
Can I use a different cheese for my BLT Pizza?
How can I make this pizza healthier?
Can I use pre-cooked bacon?
What dipping sauces can I serve with BLT Pizza?
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BLT Pizza
Savor the delightful flavors of BLT Pizza, featuring crispy bacon, fresh romaine, and creamy Aioli. This quick and easy recipe is perfect for a satisfying homemade dinner that everyone will love!
- Prep Time 15 minutes
- Cook Time 32 minutes
- Yield 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 pound Pizza Dough
- Cooking Spray
- 1 Tablespoon cornmeal
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- 1 ½ cups Monterey Jack Cheese
- ½ cup Aioli
- 2 cups romaine lettuce
- 6 strips bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1-2 roma tomatoes, diced
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 450º F. Grease a baking sheet and dust it with cornmeal.
- Roll out the pizza dough into about a 12-inch circle and place it on the baking tray. Pierce the crust with a fork.
- Bake the pizza crust in the oven for 5 minutes.
- Remove the crust from the oven and brush olive oil evenly over the top. Add a layer of Monterey Jack cheese and return to the oven for 10-12 minutes until golden brown and melted.
- Take the pizza out of the oven and spread half of the garlic aioli over the melted cheese.
- Top with romaine lettuce, crumbled bacon, and diced tomatoes. Drizzle additional aioli on top before serving.
Notes
For a crispier crust, ensure the crust is well-pierced with a fork before baking.
Feel free to add your favorite toppings to personalize the pizza!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 760mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Nutritional information is an estimate. The nutritional values for your final dish may vary based on measuring differences and products used.
