BLT Pizza: A Crispy, Bacon-Laden Delight!
BLT sandwiches are a timeless classic. The simple combination of bacon, lettuce, and tomato on toasted bread is a symphony of flavors and textures. But what if we could take that classic and elevate it? Enter the BLT pizza – a delicious and unexpected twist on a beloved favorite. This recipe delivers all the satisfying crunch and savory goodness of a BLT, but with the added comfort of pizza. Get ready to experience a flavor explosion in every bite!
This BLT pizza recipe is surprisingly easy to make, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing party snack. The key is to assemble it strategically to ensure each component shines. We’ll start with a crispy pizza crust, followed by a creamy base, crispy bacon, juicy tomatoes, and a generous topping of fresh, shredded lettuce. A drizzle of tangy mayonnaise dressing completes the experience.
Let’s dive into the details and create this culinary masterpiece!
Ingredients:
* **Pizza Dough:** 1 pound store-bought or homemade pizza dough (enough for a 12-14 inch pizza)
* **Bacon:** 8-10 slices, cooked until crispy and crumbled
* **Tomatoes:** 1-2 large ripe tomatoes, sliced or diced
* **Lettuce:** 4-5 cups shredded iceberg or romaine lettuce
* **Mayonnaise:** ½ cup
* **Sour Cream (Optional):** 2 tablespoons (for a richer dressing)
* **Garlic Powder:** ½ teaspoon
* **Onion Powder:** ¼ teaspoon
* **Dried Dill (Optional):** ¼ teaspoon
* **Black Pepper:** ¼ teaspoon
* **Olive Oil:** 1 tablespoon
* **Cornmeal (Optional):** For dusting the pizza peel or baking sheet
* **Mozzarella Cheese (Optional):** ½ cup shredded (for adding a layer of cheesy goodness, but not strictly traditional)
**Ingredient Notes & Substitutions:**
* **Pizza Dough:** Feel free to use your favorite pizza dough recipe, or grab a pre-made dough from the grocery store. Store-bought dough is a convenient option, but homemade dough offers the best flavor and texture. If using frozen dough, thaw it completely according to package instructions.
* **Bacon:** Use your favorite type of bacon! Thick-cut bacon provides extra flavor and substance. Cook the bacon until it’s nice and crispy, as it will lose some crispness on the pizza. You can cook it in a skillet, in the oven, or even in the microwave.
* **Tomatoes:** Ripe, juicy tomatoes are essential for a great BLT pizza. Roma tomatoes, heirloom tomatoes, or even cherry tomatoes work well. If using cherry tomatoes, halve or quarter them before adding them to the pizza. If tomatoes are not in season, use good quality canned diced tomatoes, drained well.
* **Lettuce:** Iceberg lettuce provides a classic BLT crunch. Romaine lettuce is another good option. Avoid using softer lettuces like butter lettuce, as they may wilt too much on the pizza.
* **Mayonnaise:** Use your favorite brand of mayonnaise. Full-fat mayonnaise provides the best flavor and creaminess. For a lighter option, use light mayonnaise or Greek yogurt mixed with a little mayonnaise.
* **Sour Cream:** Adding sour cream to the mayonnaise dressing adds a tangy richness. If you don’t have sour cream, you can use Greek yogurt or omit it entirely.
* **Mozzarella Cheese:** While not strictly traditional in a BLT sandwich, a layer of mozzarella cheese can add a delicious cheesy element to the pizza. Use fresh mozzarella for the best flavor and melting quality. Low-moisture mozzarella is also a good option.
Equipment:
* **Pizza Stone or Baking Sheet:** A pizza stone helps create a crispy crust. If you don’t have a pizza stone, a baking sheet will work just fine.
* **Pizza Peel (Optional):** A pizza peel makes it easier to transfer the pizza to and from the pizza stone or baking sheet. If you don’t have a pizza peel, you can use the back of a baking sheet.
* **Large Skillet or Oven:** For cooking the bacon.
* **Mixing Bowls:** For preparing the dressing and assembling the pizza.
* **Pizza Cutter or Sharp Knife:** For slicing the pizza.
Instructions:
**1. Prepare the Dough:**
* If using store-bought dough, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to make it easier to work with.
* If using homemade dough, follow your recipe instructions for proofing and stretching the dough.
* Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C) or as high as your oven allows. Place a pizza stone or baking sheet in the oven while it preheats.
**2. Cook the Bacon:**
* Cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Alternatively, bake the bacon on a baking sheet in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until crispy.
* Once the bacon is cooked, transfer it to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease.
* Crumble the bacon into small pieces.
**3. Prepare the Mayonnaise Dressing:**
* In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream (if using), garlic powder, onion powder, dried dill (if using), and black pepper.
* Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Set aside.
**4. Assemble the Pizza:**
* Lightly flour your work surface.
* Stretch or roll out the pizza dough to your desired size and shape (about 12-14 inches). If using a pizza peel, dust it with cornmeal to prevent the dough from sticking.
* Carefully transfer the pizza dough to the pizza peel or baking sheet.
* Brush the pizza dough with olive oil.
* If using mozzarella cheese, sprinkle it evenly over the dough.
* Arrange the sliced or diced tomatoes over the cheese (or directly on the dough if not using cheese).
* Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly (if using).
**5. Finish and Serve:**
* Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes.
* Spread the mayonnaise dressing evenly over the pizza.
* Top with the crumbled bacon and shredded lettuce.
* Slice the pizza and serve immediately.
Tips and Variations:
* **Garlic-Infused Olive Oil:** Brush the pizza dough with garlic-infused olive oil for an extra layer of flavor. Simply heat olive oil with minced garlic over low heat for a few minutes, then strain out the garlic before brushing the dough.
* **Spicy BLT Pizza:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the mayonnaise dressing or sprinkle them over the tomatoes for a spicy kick.
* **Avocado BLT Pizza:** Add slices of fresh avocado after baking the pizza for a creamy and healthy twist.
* **Grilled BLT Pizza:** Grill the pizza dough instead of baking it in the oven for a smoky flavor. Brush the dough with olive oil and grill it over medium heat for 2-3 minutes per side, or until lightly charred. Then, remove from the grill and top with the tomatoes, cheese (if using), and bacon. Return to the grill for a minute or two to melt the cheese (if using). Finish with the mayonnaise dressing and lettuce.
* **BLT Pizza with Pesto:** Spread a thin layer of pesto sauce over the dough before adding the tomatoes for a burst of fresh, herby flavor.
* **BLT Flatbread Pizza:** Use naan bread or pita bread as the base for a quick and easy flatbread pizza.
* **Vegan BLT Pizza:** Use vegan bacon, vegan mayonnaise, and your favorite plant-based cheese to create a delicious vegan version of this pizza.
* **Add a balsamic glaze:** Drizzle balsamic glaze after assembly for an elevated finish and burst of sweetness to cut through the richness.
* **Use a pre-made pizza crust:** For an even faster meal, use a pre-made pizza crust. This works well, especially for weeknight meals when time is limited.
* **Consider different lettuces**: While iceberg is traditional, try using baby spinach or arugula for an extra nutritional kick and different flavor profile.
* **Add a protein boost**: Grilled chicken or shrimp can be added to the pizza for a heartier and more complete meal. Marinate the protein in a flavorful sauce before grilling.
Serving Suggestions:
* Serve the BLT pizza as a main course for a casual dinner.
* Cut the pizza into smaller slices and serve it as an appetizer or party snack.
* Pair the pizza with a side salad for a complete meal.
* Serve with your favorite beverages, such as iced tea, lemonade, or beer.
Storage Instructions:
* Leftover BLT pizza can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
* To reheat, bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat it in a skillet over medium heat.
* The lettuce may wilt slightly after refrigeration, so you may want to add fresh lettuce before serving.
Nutritional Information (Approximate):
* (Per Slice, assuming 8 slices per pizza and average ingredient amounts. This is an estimate and can vary greatly depending on ingredient brands and quantities used.)
* Calories: 350-450
* Fat: 20-30g
* Saturated Fat: 8-12g
* Cholesterol: 40-60mg
* Sodium: 600-800mg
* Carbohydrates: 30-40g
* Fiber: 2-4g
* Sugar: 5-8g
* Protein: 10-15g
**Disclaimer:** Nutritional information is approximate and based on publicly available data. Actual values may vary. It is always recommended to consult with a registered dietitian or nutritionist for personalized dietary advice.
Why This Recipe Works:
This BLT pizza recipe works because it perfectly balances flavors and textures. The crispy bacon provides a salty, savory crunch, while the juicy tomatoes add a touch of sweetness and acidity. The creamy mayonnaise dressing ties everything together, and the shredded lettuce provides a refreshing crunch. The pizza crust serves as the perfect base for all these delicious toppings.
The baking process ensures that the crust is crispy and the tomatoes are slightly softened, enhancing their flavor. The quick addition of lettuce and mayonnaise after baking prevents them from wilting and ensures that they retain their fresh flavor and texture.
This recipe is also highly customizable, allowing you to adjust the ingredients and toppings to your liking. Whether you prefer a classic BLT or a more adventurous version, this recipe provides a solid foundation for creating your perfect BLT pizza.
Conclusion:
The BLT pizza is a fun and delicious way to enjoy the classic flavors of a BLT sandwich in a new and exciting format. It’s easy to make, customizable, and sure to be a crowd-pleaser. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to experience a pizza that will have you saying, “Bacon, Lettuce, Tomato… Pizza! Yes, please!”
Enjoy your crispy, bacon-laden delight!