BLT pizza is a delicious fusion of two beloved classics: the bacon, lettuce, and tomato sandwich, and pizza. Combining crispy bacon, fresh lettuce, and ripe tomatoes on a warm, cheesy crust, BLT pizza delivers the perfect balance of savory, fresh, and crispy flavors. Whether you’re craving something new or want to impress your guests with a creative pizza, this BLT pizza recipe is sure to become a favorite.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know to make a perfect BLT pizza, from the dough to the toppings. We’ll explain step-by-step how to build this flavorful pizza from scratch, as well as provide tips and tricks to make it even more enjoyable.
What is a BLT Pizza?
A BLT pizza takes inspiration from the classic BLT sandwich, which traditionally consists of bacon, lettuce, and tomato on toasted bread. By incorporating these ingredients into a pizza format, you get a crispy crust topped with melted cheese, crunchy bacon, fresh tomatoes, and crisp lettuce.
The beauty of BLT pizza lies in the contrast of textures: the crispy bacon, the juicy tomatoes, the fresh lettuce, and the soft, warm pizza dough. It’s a fun twist on traditional pizza that combines the comfort of pizza with the freshness of a BLT sandwich.
Ingredients for BLT Pizza
Making a BLT pizza at home is simple and customizable. Here are the key ingredients you will need to create this pizza:
1. Pizza Dough
The dough forms the foundation of any pizza, and for a BLT pizza, you want a dough that is slightly crispy but still soft and chewy. You can either use store-bought pizza dough or make your own from scratch.
2. Tomato Sauce
While traditional BLT sandwiches are served without sauce, a small amount of pizza sauce can help to create a balanced flavor for the pizza. Tomato sauce is often used, but you can also opt for a white sauce (like ranch dressing or a creamy garlic sauce) for a richer taste.
3. Mozzarella Cheese
Mozzarella cheese is the go-to cheese for pizza because of its mild flavor and meltability. You can also add a blend of other cheeses like cheddar or provolone for added flavor depth.
4. Bacon
Bacon is the star of a BLT pizza. You’ll need crispy bacon that’s been cooked and chopped into small pieces. You can use regular bacon or thick-cut bacon, depending on your preference.
5. Lettuce
For the BLT pizza to stay true to its namesake, fresh lettuce is a must. Romaine lettuce or iceberg lettuce work well, as they stay crisp when placed on top of the pizza after it’s baked.
6. Tomatoes
Fresh, ripe tomatoes are crucial for the BLT pizza’s taste. Choose vine-ripened tomatoes or Roma tomatoes, which have a firm texture and a sweet flavor. Slice them thinly to distribute evenly on the pizza.
7. Olive Oil
Olive oil is optional but recommended for brushing the pizza crust before baking. It helps to crisp up the dough and adds a nice flavor to the edges of the pizza.
8. Seasonings
Basic seasonings like salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning can be sprinkled on the pizza for extra flavor. You can also try adding some crushed red pepper flakes for a little heat.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making BLT Pizza
Step 1: Preparing the Pizza Dough
A great BLT pizza starts with a great dough. Whether you decide to make your own dough or purchase pre-made dough, here’s a simple recipe to create the perfect pizza dough from scratch.
Ingredients for Pizza Dough:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm water (110°F)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions for Making Pizza Dough:
Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, mix the warm water, sugar, and active dry yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
Mix the Dough: In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Pour in the yeast mixture and olive oil. Stir until the dough begins to come together.
Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead it for about 5-7 minutes, until it’s smooth and elastic. Add more flour as needed to prevent sticking.
Let It Rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a cloth, and let it rise for 1-1.5 hours, or until it doubles in size.
Roll Out the Dough: After the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out on a floured surface. You can create one large pizza or divide the dough into smaller portions for personal-sized pizzas.
Step 2: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C) and, if you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven while it heats up. A pizza stone helps the pizza cook more evenly and crisply. If you don’t have a pizza stone, a baking sheet lined with parchment paper will work fine.
Step 3: Prepare the Bacon
The bacon is the main component of the BLT pizza and must be crispy to create the right texture. Here’s how to prepare it:
Instructions for Bacon:
Cook the Bacon: Place the bacon in a cold skillet, and then heat over medium-high. Cook the bacon until it becomes crispy, turning occasionally to avoid burning. This should take about 8-10 minutes. If you prefer, you can also bake the bacon in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes.
Drain the Bacon: Once the bacon is crispy, transfer it to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease. Let it cool, then chop it into small, bite-sized pieces.
Step 4: Prepare the Toppings
While the dough and bacon are getting ready, slice the tomatoes and chop the lettuce. For the best results, use fresh, ripe tomatoes, and crisp lettuce like Romaine or Iceberg. Prepare them right before you start assembling your pizza to maintain their freshness.
Step 5: Prepare the Sauce
Traditional BLT sandwiches don’t use sauce, but for pizza, a small amount of tomato sauce or white sauce can enhance the flavor of the crust and cheese. If you prefer a more “classic” BLT taste, you can skip the sauce altogether.
If you’re making a simple tomato sauce, use the following ingredients:
Ingredients for Pizza Sauce:
- 1 can (15 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions for Pizza Sauce:
Heat the Sauce: In a small saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the garlic powder and oregano, cooking for about 1 minute until fragrant.
Add the Tomatoes: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10-15 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and the flavors to develop.
Step 6: Assemble the BLT Pizza
Now that everything is prepared, it’s time to assemble your BLT pizza.
Prepare the Crust: Roll the dough out on a floured surface to your desired shape. Brush the edges with a small amount of olive oil for a crispy, golden crust.
Add the Sauce (Optional): Spread a thin layer of pizza sauce (or skip this step if you prefer a no-sauce pizza).
Add the Cheese: Sprinkle a generous amount of mozzarella cheese over the sauce. If you’re using a combination of cheeses, layer them evenly across the pizza.
Add the Bacon: Distribute the chopped, cooked bacon evenly across the pizza.
Bake the Pizza: Place the pizza in the preheated oven on a pizza stone or baking sheet. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly and melted.
Step 7: Add the Lettuce and Tomatoes
Once the pizza is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly. Before serving, add the fresh lettuce and sliced tomatoes on top of the pizza. The cool, crisp vegetables will contrast beautifully with the warm, cheesy pizza. You can also drizzle a little ranch dressing or your favorite dressing over the top for added flavor.
Step 8: Slice and Serve
Cut your BLT pizza into slices and serve immediately. The contrast between the hot, cheesy pizza and the cool, fresh toppings makes each bite incredibly satisfying. If you’d like, garnish with extra seasonings like cracked black pepper or fresh herbs.
Tips for the Perfect BLT Pizza
Crisp the Bacon Properly: To avoid soggy bacon on your pizza, make sure it’s cooked until it’s crispy and not chewy. Bacon adds crunch and texture, which is essential for a great BLT pizza.
Add Lettuce Last: Lettuce wilts and becomes soggy when baked, so always add it after the pizza has been cooked. This preserves its crisp texture.
Use Fresh Ingredients: The key to a great BLT pizza is using fresh, high-quality ingredients. Fresh tomatoes and crisp lettuce will provide the perfect balance to the salty bacon.
Experiment with Sauces: While tomato sauce works well, you can also try using other types of sauces. A creamy ranch or garlic sauce can complement the bacon and fresh vegetables nicely.
Adjust the Toppings: Feel free to get creative with your toppings. You can add other vegetables like onions or mushrooms, or use a different type of cheese for extra flavor.
Conclusion
BLT pizza is a delicious and inventive way to enjoy the flavors of a classic BLT sandwich in pizza form. By combining crispy bacon, fresh lettuce, and juicy tomatoes on a cheesy pizza crust, you get the best of both worlds: a comforting pizza with a refreshing twist. This guide provides everything you need to make a BLT pizza from scratch, including tips on dough, toppings, and assembly. Whether you’re serving it for dinner, a casual gathering, or a special occasion, BLT pizza is sure to be a hit!
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