The moment I first pulled that tender, smoky pork from my slow cooker, I knew something special was on the horizon. A delightful blend of Texas flavors transformed into pizza—a festivity on a crust! It’s hard to resist the aroma of barbecue sauce mingling with sautéed veggies and melting cheese, especially when combined with a crispy base that beckons to be devoured.
I stumbled upon this idea one weekend while searching for a way to elevate pizza night, and let me tell you, it has since become a family favorite! Making BBQ Pulled Pork Pizza is not just a meal; it’s an experience—a great way to bring everyone together for a cozy dinner, minus the hassle of takeout. The combination of savory pork, tangy ranch, and vibrant veggies creates an explosion of flavors that even the pickiest eaters can’t turn down. So, if you’re ready to swap out the greasy fast food for a fantastic home-cooked dish, let’s dive into crafting this Texas gem together!
Why is Texas BBQ Pizza a Must-Try?
Savory layers of tender pulled pork marry perfectly with smoky barbecue sauce, creating a flavor explosion. Easy to prepare, this recipe utilizes a slow cooker, allowing you to enjoy hands-free cooking. Versatile toppings let you customize this dish to suit your family’s preferences. Crowd-pleaser vibes mean it’s perfect for gatherings or a cozy family meal. Plus, unique smoky flavors elevate your pizza night beyond the ordinary. So, if you’re looking for something extraordinary, this Texas BBQ Pizza will surely impress!
Texas BBQ Pizza Ingredients
Here’s everything you need to whip up this mouthwatering Texas BBQ Pizza!
For the Pork
• Country-style shoulder pork ribs – 2 lbs ensures juicy, tender meat that’s perfect for shredding.
• Grilling Rub or BBQ seasoning blend – 1 Tbsp adds a delicious flavor layer before cooking.
• Cherry Chipotle Barbecue Sauce – 1-½ cups, divided for satisfying smoky sweetness; feel free to use your favorite BBQ sauce.
For the Pizza Assembly
• Fresh pizza dough – Enough for one large pizza, homemade or store-bought for convenience.
• Ranch dressing – ½ cup gives a creamy contrast to the rich flavors.
• Thin red onion rings – ½ cup for a crisp, slightly sweet bite.
• Yellow bell pepper – 1, seeded and sliced thinly for a pop of color and crunch.
• Longhorn-style cheese – 1-½ cups, shredded for a flavorful melty goodness.
• Shredded mozzarella cheese – 1-½ cups adds that gooey, cheesy texture we all love.
Now you’re all set to create a Texas BBQ Pizza that will rock your tastebuds!
How to Make Texas BBQ Pizza
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Season the Pork: Generously rub the pork with your chosen grilling rub, coating it evenly. Place the seasoned pork into your slow cooker along with 1 cup of barbecue sauce. Cook on low for 8-10 hours, or on high for 4-6 hours, until it’s tender and easy to shred.
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Shred the Meat: Once cooked, use two forks to shred the pork into manageable pieces. The meat should be juicy and full of flavor from the barbecue sauce.
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Preheat the Oven: Place a pizza stone in the oven and preheat to 450°F. Allow the oven to heat for an additional 15 minutes to ensure the stone is perfectly hot for that crispy crust.
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Prepare the Dough: On a floured surface, roll out your pizza dough until it is about ¼-inch thick. Carefully transfer the rolled-out dough to the preheated pizza stone.
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Layer Ingredients: Start by spreading the ranch dressing evenly over the dough. Next, add the red onion, followed by the yellow bell pepper, then the shredded pork (about 1 to 1-½ cups), and finally sprinkle the cheeses on top to ensure a delightful melt.
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Bake the Pizza: Lower the oven temperature to 425°F and place your pizza stone in the oven. Bake for about 10 minutes or until the dough is cooked through, the toppings are heated, and the cheese is melted and golden around the edges.
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Finish and Serve: Drizzle additional barbecue sauce over the hot pizza. Slice into generous pieces, and enjoy the savory goodness with your family and friends!
Optional: Garnish with fresh cilantro for an added flavor boost.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Make Ahead Options
These Texas BBQ Pizza preparations are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time! You can prepare the pulled pork up to 3 days in advance. Simply season and cook the pork as directed, then shred it and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The dough can also be rolled out and prepped on a pizza stone, covered tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerated for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to serve, layer your ranch dressing, shredded pork, veggies, and cheese, then bake as instructed. This ensures your pizza is just as delicious and fresh, allowing you more time to enjoy with family and friends!
What to Serve with BBQ Pulled Pork Pizza?
When it comes to enjoying BBQ Pulled Pork Pizza, let’s add a few delightful sides and drinks that will take your meal to the next level!
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Crispy Coleslaw: A refreshing, crunchy coleslaw adds a perfect crisp contrast to the rich flavors of the pizza. The tangy dressing complements the barbecue sauce beautifully.
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Garlic Breadsticks: Warm, buttery garlic breadsticks are a classic pairing. Their soft texture makes them great for dipping into leftover barbecue sauce.
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Grilled Corn on the Cob: Sweet and smoky grilled corn brings a burst of flavor. The charred kernels are perfect for balancing the heaviness of the pizza.
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Zesty Potato Salad: A zesty potato salad can lighten the meal. The creaminess and tanginess play off the savory flavors of the pulled pork.
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Sweet Tea or Lemonade: A refreshing glass of sweet tea or homemade lemonade cuts through the richness with its citrusy brightness and quenches your thirst perfectly.
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Chocolate Chip Cookies: For dessert, classic chocolate chip cookies are a fun, sweet treat. Their warm, gooey centers offer a delicious contrast to the savory pizza.
Elevate your BBQ Pulled Pork Pizza night with these tasty accompaniments for a meal that will linger in your memories!
Storage Tips for Texas BBQ Pizza
Room Temperature: Serve your Texas BBQ Pizza immediately for the best taste, but if leftovers are necessary, keep at room temperature for up to 2 hours.
Fridge: Store leftovers tightly wrapped in plastic or in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheating is key—microwave or place in the oven until heated through.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze individual slices in freezer-safe bags for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating: Crisp up your pizza by reheating in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes to restore that fresh taste and crispy crust!
Expert Tips for Texas BBQ Pizza
• Choose Quality Meat: Use country-style shoulder pork ribs for the best flavor and texture. Avoid lean cuts that may dry out during cooking.
• Perfectly Prepped Dough: Allow the pizza dough to rest at room temperature before rolling it out. This helps achieve a nice, airy crust without tearing.
• Balanced Toppings: Avoid overloading your pizza with too much pulled pork; 1 to 1-½ cups is ideal to allow all flavors to shine.
• Optimal Baking: Preheat the pizza stone adequately to achieve that perfect crispy crust—don’t skip this crucial step!
• Cheese Choices: Mixing Longhorn-style cheese with mozzarella gives a delicious blend of flavors and textures in your Texas BBQ Pizza.
• Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to add other toppings like jalapeños or cilantro for extra kick and fresh taste.
Texas BBQ Pizza Variations
Feel free to make this delicious pizza your own with these creative twists that will cater to everyone’s taste buds!
- Spicy Kick: Add sliced jalapeños for a fiery burst of heat that complements the smoky pork beautifully.
- Vegetarian Delight: Substitute the pork with roasted veggies like zucchini and mushrooms for a hearty, meatless option.
- Cheesy Surprise: Combine cheddar cheese with mozzarella for an extra cheesy layer that enhances the flavor profile.
- Sweet & Tangy: Use a honey barbecue sauce instead of traditional BBQ for a sweeter note that balances the savory toppings.
- Gluten-Free: Swap the pizza dough for a gluten-free crust or cauliflower base for a lighter, gluten-sensitive version that everyone can enjoy.
- Herbal Freshness: Sprinkle fresh cilantro or basil on top after baking for a refreshing twist that brightens every bite.
- Smoky BBQ Sauce: Opt for a smoked chipotle sauce to double down on that irresistible smoky flavor throughout the pizza.
- Fruit Fusion: Add diced pineapple to the toppings for a sweet contrast that surprises and delights with each slice.
Each variation brings its own unique taste, perfect for those adventurous nights in the kitchen!
Texas BBQ Pizza Recipe FAQs
What type of pork is best for this recipe?
Absolutely! For this Texas BBQ Pizza, I recommend using country-style shoulder pork ribs. This cut is known for its marbled fat content, which ensures the meat stays juicy and tender as it cooks. Avoid lean cuts as they can dry out during the slow cooking process.
How should I store leftover Texas BBQ Pizza?
Very! After enjoying your pizza, you can store leftovers tightly wrapped in plastic or in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge. When reheating, make sure to warm it gently in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes to maintain that crispy crust.
Can I freeze Texas BBQ Pizza?
Definitely! For those days when you’re craving that scrumptious pizza but don’t want to whip up a whole new batch, freeze individual slices in freezer-safe bags for up to 2 months. To enjoy, simply thaw in the fridge overnight. Reheat in the oven to bring back its crispy edge!
What if my pulled pork isn’t shredding properly?
Don’t worry! If your pork isn’t shredding easily, it might need a little more time. Ensure that it has cooked long enough—8-10 hours on low is ideal. If you’re in a hurry, a quick way to check is to insert a fork; it should easily pull apart. If it’s still tough, simply continue cooking a bit longer!
Are there any dietary considerations for this Texas BBQ Pizza?
Of course! If you or your loved ones have allergies, ensure that your barbecue sauce and ranch dressing are free from any allergens. Additionally, if you have gluten sensitivities, opt for gluten-free pizza dough. Always double-check labels for any potential cross-contamination.
What’s the best way to select ripe vegetables for this pizza?
Great question! When choosing vegetables like yellow bell peppers and red onions, look for vibrant colors and firmness. Avoid any with dark spots or soft areas, as they could be overripe. For the best flavor, I recommend using in-season produce whenever possible!
Texas BBQ Pizza: Ultimate Comfort Food That Rocks Your Tastebuds
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Generously rub the pork with your chosen grilling rub, coating it evenly. Place the seasoned pork into your slow cooker along with 1 cup of barbecue sauce. Cook on low for 8-10 hours, or on high for 4-6 hours, until it’s tender and easy to shred.
- Once cooked, use two forks to shred the pork into manageable pieces. The meat should be juicy and full of flavor from the barbecue sauce.
- Place a pizza stone in the oven and preheat to 450°F. Allow the oven to heat for an additional 15 minutes to ensure the stone is perfectly hot for that crispy crust.
- On a floured surface, roll out your pizza dough until it is about ¼-inch thick. Carefully transfer the rolled-out dough to the preheated pizza stone.
- Start by spreading the ranch dressing evenly over the dough. Next, add the red onion, followed by the yellow bell pepper, then the shredded pork, and finally sprinkle the cheeses on top to ensure a delightful melt.
- Lower the oven temperature to 425°F and place your pizza stone in the oven. Bake for about 10 minutes or until the dough is cooked through, the toppings are heated, and the cheese is melted and golden around the edges.
- Drizzle additional barbecue sauce over the hot pizza. Slice into generous pieces, and enjoy the savory goodness with your family and friends!