Description
Blue Cheese and Bacon Pizza is a gourmet delight that perfectly balances bold, creamy, and crispy flavors. The sharp tang of blue cheese combines with smoky, crunchy bacon on a golden, crispy crust, creating a flavorful and satisfying pizza experience perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- Pizza dough (store-bought or homemade) – 1 ball (about 12 inches diameter)
- Olive oil – 2 tablespoons (for brushing)
Cheeses
- Blue cheese, crumbled – 4 ounces
- Mozzarella cheese, shredded – 1 cup
Meat
- Thick-cut bacon – 6 slices
Herbs & Seasoning
- Fresh thyme or rosemary (optional) – 1 teaspoon
- Freshly cracked black pepper – to taste
Instructions
- Prepare Your Dough: Begin by rolling out your pizza dough on a floured surface to your desired thickness. A thin crust crisps nicely, but a slightly thicker base adds chewiness, so pick what you love.
- Cook the Bacon: While the dough rests, cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crisp. Remove and drain on paper towels to remove excess fat, then chop into bite-sized pieces.
- Assemble the Pizza: Brush the rolled-out dough lightly with olive oil to help the crust crisp and add flavor. Sprinkle a layer of shredded mozzarella cheese evenly across the base. Next, scatter crumbled blue cheese for those rich, tangy bursts. Top with the cooked bacon pieces and, if using, add fresh thyme or rosemary.
- Bake to Perfection: Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). Place the pizza on a baking stone or tray and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly. Keep an eye on it so the blue cheese doesn’t overcook and lose its character.
- Final Touches: Once out of the oven, crack fresh black pepper over the pizza for a mild kick. Let it cool for a couple of minutes before slicing, allowing the cheeses to set slightly for cleaner cuts.
Notes
- Use room temperature dough: letting dough rest at room temperature helps it stretch more easily and bake evenly.
- Don’t overload with blue cheese: a little blue cheese goes a long way; too much can overpower and dry out the pizza.
- Cook bacon crisp: extra crispy bacon adds needed texture but avoid burnt edges which taste bitter.
- Bake on a preheated stone: using a pizza stone or steel improves crust texture by simulating a brick oven.
- Experiment with seasoning: fresh herbs or a sprinkle of chili flakes can elevate the flavor without masking it.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American/Italian Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/4 pizza)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 620 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 14 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg