Barbecue Bacon Pizza (Smoky) Recipe – A Cozy Slice of Smoky Comfort

Introduction

The house smells like Sunday nights — warm dough, sweet barbecue, and crisp bacon snapping in the pan. I still remember the first time I made this Barbecue Bacon Pizza (Smoky): the sweet, smoky sauce hit the hot cheese and a little puff of steam rose, and everyone paused. This recipe feels like a hug on a plate, and it’s easy enough to pull together on a weekday, yet special enough for friends. If you love simple, smoky flavors, you’ll want to try this right away. Also, if you like hearty side dishes, try pairing it with something like this cheesy bacon and hash brown casserole for a full comfort meal.

Why You’ll Love It

• Quick and easy to make, so you can feed hungry people fast.
• Comforting homemade flavor with that smoky barbecue kick.
• Made with simple ingredients you probably already have.
• Great for any occasion — from game night to a cozy dinner for two.
• Always a crowd-pleaser, and you can customize it anytime.
• Also, if you want a chicken-forward version, take inspiration from this cheesy bacon mushroom chicken twist on smoky flavors.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 prepared pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
• 1/2 cup barbecue sauce (smoky style) — chef’s note: choose a sauce you love; it carries most of the flavor.
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese — chef’s note: shred your own for creamier melt.
• 1 cup cooked bacon, chopped — use thick-cut if you like big bites.
• 1/2 cup cooked chicken (optional, for extra protein) — chef’s note: leftover roast chicken works beautifully.
• 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced — soak briefly in cold water if you want milder onion flavor.
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

I sometimes toss in a little fresh garlic for extra warmth, and if you like it smokier, sprinkling smoked gouda is a lovely touch. For another protein-packed option, check these chicken strips wrapped with bacon — they pair well with this pizza vibe.

How to Make It

1. Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C). Meanwhile, roll out the pizza dough on a baking sheet or stone. Brush the edges with olive oil so they brown nicely. You’ll smell the olive oil warm and the dough start to relax.
2. Spread the smoky barbecue sauce evenly over the dough. Use the back of a spoon and leave a little rim for a golden crust. The sauce should glisten and feel sticky.
3. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese across the sauce. Then, add a sprinkle of smoked gouda if you want that extra smoky note — it melts into ribbons.
4. Scatter the chopped bacon, and then add the cooked chicken if you’re using it. Tuck thin red onion slices on top so they roast slightly and sweeten.
5. Bake for 12–15 minutes, until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbling and starting to brown. You’ll hear a soft sizzle — that’s when it’s just right.
6. Remove the pizza, drizzle a little extra barbecue sauce if you like, and finish with chopped parsley for color and brightness. Slice and serve while warm.

Pro Tip: Add a sprinkle of smoked gouda along with mozzarella for an even smokier flavor!

Kitchen Tips

• Time-saver: Use pre-cooked bacon and warmed chicken so assembly goes quickly and the oven time stays short.
• Fix for soggy crust: If your sauce is thin or you like a crispier base, prebake the rolled dough for 4–5 minutes before adding toppings.
• Flavor twist: Try a drizzle of honey or a pinch of chili flakes for a sweet-heat contrast — it’s my favorite little surprise.

Also remember to check the cheese level halfway through baking; you can add a little more if it looks sparse.

Serving Ideas

This pizza is perfect for family dinner, a laid-back Sunday, or a cozy night in with friends. Serve it with a simple green salad and crunchy pickles. For a brunch spin, cut the pizza into smaller wedges and pass around with cold beer or a crisp cider. Garnish with extra parsley or a handful of arugula tossed in lemon to brighten the smoky, savory bites.

Storing & Leftovers

• Fridge: Store cooled slices in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezer: Freeze slices flat on a tray, then transfer to a bag; reheat from frozen in a hot oven for best texture.
• Leftover idea: Turn cold slices into a sandwich — fold the slice and press in a skillet for a crispy, melty lunch.

FAQs

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?

A: Definitely! It often tastes even better the next day. Warm it in the oven for a few minutes to refresh the crust.

Q: Can I swap any ingredients?

A: Of course! Use what you have — turkey bacon, extra veggies, or a different smoky sauce will all work.

Q: What’s the best way to serve it?

A: Fresh from the oven, while the cheese is stretchy and the barbecue scent fills the room.

Q: How do I know it’s perfectly cooked?

A: Look for golden edges and bubbling, slightly browned cheese — plus that irresistible smoky smell.

You’ll find this Barbecue Bacon Pizza (Smoky) forgiving, so tweak to your taste and enjoy.

Conclusion

If you want another smoky, comforting pizza inspiration, try this Smoky BBQ Chicken Pizza Recipe | Don’t Go Bacon My Heart for a slightly different take. Also, this Barbecue Bacon Pizza [35 Minutes] – Chasety has a great step-by-step that pairs well with the method above.

Final Thoughts

Cooking this feels like folding a little memory into dinner — smoky sauce, crisp bacon, warm cheese — and then sharing it with people you care about. Try it tonight and make it your own; I promise it will become one of those recipes you turn to again and again. Barbecue Bacon Pizza (Smoky).

Barbecue Bacon Pizza (Smoky)

A comforting and smoky pizza topped with barbecue sauce, mozzarella, crisp bacon, and optional chicken, perfect for any occasion.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 320

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Pizza Base

• 1 prepared pizza dough 1 prepared pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)

Toppings

• 1/2 cup 1/2 cup barbecue sauce (smoky style) Choose a sauce you love; it carries most of the flavor.
• 1 1/2 cups 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese Shred your own for creamier melt.
• 1 cup 1 cup cooked bacon, chopped Use thick-cut if you like big bites.
• 1/2 cup 1/2 cup cooked chicken (optional, for extra protein) Leftover roast chicken works beautifully.
• 1/4 cup 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced Soak briefly in cold water if you want milder onion flavor.
• 1 tbsp 1 tbsp olive oil
• to taste Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Method

 

Preparation

1. Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C). Meanwhile, roll out the pizza dough on a baking sheet or stone.
2. Brush the edges with olive oil so they brown nicely.
3. Spread the smoky barbecue sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a little rim for a golden crust.
4. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese across the sauce.
5. Add a sprinkle of smoked gouda if desired.
6. Scatter the chopped bacon and add the cooked chicken if using.
7. Tuck thin red onion slices on top.

Baking

1. Bake for 12–15 minutes, until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbling and starting to brown.
2. Remove the pizza, drizzle with extra barbecue sauce if desired, and finish with chopped parsley.
3. Slice and serve while warm.

Notes

Use pre-cooked bacon and warmed chicken for a quick assembly. If sauce is thin, prebake the dough for 4–5 minutes before adding toppings. A drizzle of honey or chili flakes can add a sweet-heat contrast.