If it’s pizza night at your house, but you’ve got some pulled pork leftovers that really need eaten then I’ve got the perfect recipe for you.
I know this might not sound good to everyone, so you gotta trust me on this one – Pulled Pork Pizza with Caramelized Onions and BBQ Sauce.
You can also just use red onions that aren’t caramelized and it also tastes yummy. So feel free to play around with the toppings.
I’ve also got some good variations down below that give you more options to consider.
Easy Pulled Pork Pizza with Caramelized Onions and BBQ Sauce
This savory pulled pork pizza combines tender, smoky pulled pork with tangy BBQ sauce, caramelized onions, and melted cheese on a crispy crust. Perfect for game day, family dinners, or when you're craving a hearty, flavor-packed meal that brings together the best of barbecue and pizza night.
Ingredients
- 1 pound pizza dough (store-bought or homemade, room temperature)
- 1½ cups pulled pork (cooked and shredded)
- ½ cup BBQ sauce (plus extra for drizzling)
- 1½ cups mozzarella cheese (shredded)
- ½ cup smoked gouda cheese (shredded)
- 1 medium red onion (thinly sliced)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon butter
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro (chopped, for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon cornmeal (for dusting)
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If using a pizza stone, place it in the oven while preheating for at least 30 minutes to ensure it's thoroughly heated.
💡 Tip: A hot oven and preheated stone are essential for achieving a crispy crust.
2. In a medium skillet over medium heat, add the butter and 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the sliced red onions with a pinch of salt and cook, stirring occasionally, for 12-15 minutes until deeply caramelized and golden brown. Remove from heat and set aside.
3. In a small bowl, toss the pulled pork with ¼ cup of BBQ sauce and the smoked paprika until well coated. Set aside.
4. On a lightly floured surface, stretch or roll out the pizza dough into a 12-inch round, about ¼-inch thick. Transfer to a pizza peel dusted with cornmeal or a parchment-lined baking sheet.
💡 Tip: Let the dough rest for a few minutes if it springs back too much while stretching.
5. Brush the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil over the dough, then spread the remaining ¼ cup of BBQ sauce evenly over the surface, leaving a ½-inch border for the crust.
6. Sprinkle the minced garlic evenly over the sauce, then layer on the mozzarella and smoked gouda cheeses.
7. Distribute the BBQ-coated pulled pork evenly over the cheese, followed by the caramelized onions.
8. Carefully transfer the pizza to the preheated oven (onto the pizza stone or leave on the baking sheet). Bake for 12-15 minutes, until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
💡 Tip: Rotate the pizza halfway through baking for even cooking.
9. Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for 2-3 minutes. Drizzle with additional BBQ sauce if desired, and garnish with fresh chopped cilantro.
10. Slice into 8 pieces and serve immediately while hot and crispy.
Notes
Tips
- Use leftover pulled pork from a previous meal or pick up pre-cooked pulled pork from your local grocery store to save time.
- For extra crunch, lightly toast the pizza dough on one side for 2-3 minutes before adding toppings.
- Try mixing different BBQ sauce styles—sweet, spicy, or vinegar-based—to customize the flavor profile.
- Don't overload the pizza with toppings, as this can make the crust soggy. Less is more for a crispy result.
- Let the pizza rest for a few minutes after baking to allow the cheese to set slightly, making it easier to slice.
Variations
Here’s a few ways that you can mix things up if you don’t like the main recipe or are just tired of it.
- Add sliced jalapeños or red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Substitute smoked gouda with sharp cheddar, fontina, or pepper jack cheese for different flavor profiles.
- Use white BBQ sauce (Alabama-style) instead of traditional red BBQ sauce for a tangy twist.
- Add pineapple chunks for a Hawaiian-inspired pulled pork pizza.
- Top with pickled red onions instead of caramelized onions for a bright, acidic contrast.
- Make it gluten-free by using a gluten-free pizza dough.
- Add roasted corn kernels or black beans for extra texture and flavor.
- Drizzle with ranch dressing after baking for a creamy finish.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 485 kcal
Protein: 28g
Carbohydrates: 48g
Total Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 65mg
Sodium: 920mg
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 12g
Calcium: 285mg
Iron: 3.2mg