Introduction: Can a Pizza Be as Fresh and Tasty as Your Favorite Sandwich?
Ever wondered what happens when you take the classic BLT sandwich and turn it into a pizza? You get a BLT Pizza that’s crispy, cheesy, and bursting with fresh flavors! Imagine a warm, golden crust topped with a creamy, herby spread, melty cheese, smoky bacon, and the fresh crunch of lettuce and tomatoes. Sounds like a dream, right? This pizza is quick to make, perfect for busy nights, and a fun twist on a beloved classic. Ready to learn how to whip up this crowd-pleaser in just 25 minutes? Let’s dive in and make pizza night unforgettable!
Overview: Why This Recipe Rocks
The BLT Pizza takes everything you love about a BLT sandwich—bacon, lettuce, and tomato—and transforms it into a shareable, pizza-party-ready dish. Here’s what makes it special:
- Time Requirement: About 25 minutes total (15 minutes prep, 10 minutes cooking).
- Difficulty Level: Super easy! If you can spread sauce and sprinkle toppings, you’re set.
- Why It’s Awesome: This pizza is a perfect blend of indulgent (bacon and cheese!) and fresh (lettuce and tomatoes). It’s quick, budget-friendly, and great for family dinners, game nights, or casual get-togethers. Plus, it uses a prebaked crust, so you’re halfway done before you start!
With its vibrant colors and bold flavors, this pizza is as fun to make as it is to eat. Let’s get started!
Essential Ingredients
To make a BLT Pizza that serves 6, you’ll need these key ingredients. Each one brings a piece of the BLT magic to the table:
- Prebaked 12-inch Pizza Crust (1): A crispy, ready-to-use base that saves time.
- Miracle Whip (½ cup): A tangy, creamy spread that mimics the classic BLT mayo vibe.
- Dried Basil (2 tsp): Adds an herby, slightly sweet flavor to the sauce.
- Garlic Powder (½ tsp): Brings a subtle savory kick.
- Onion Powder (⅛ tsp): Enhances the sauce with a hint of oniony depth.
- Bacon Strips (12, cooked and crumbled): The smoky, crispy star of the show.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese (¾ cup): Adds sharp, melty goodness.
- Shredded Part-Skim Mozzarella Cheese (¾ cup): Provides stretchy, mild creaminess.
- Shredded Lettuce (1½ cups): Brings fresh crunch to balance the richness.
- Medium Tomatoes (2, thinly sliced): Adds juicy, fresh flavor.
Substitutions and Variations:
- Miracle Whip: Swap with mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, or a mix of mayo and sour cream for a different tang.
- Bacon: Use turkey bacon, veggie bacon, or even prosciutto for a fancy twist.
- Cheese: Try all mozzarella, all cheddar, or add pepper jack for a spicy kick.
- Crust: Use a homemade crust, flatbread, or gluten-free crust for dietary needs.
- Lettuce: Swap with arugula or spinach for a peppery or milder green.
- Herbs: Fresh basil or oregano can replace dried basil for a brighter flavor.
- Add-Ons: Toss on sliced red onion, avocado, or a drizzle of ranch for extra flair.
Why These Ingredients Matter: The bacon and cheese bring indulgence, while the lettuce and tomatoes keep things fresh and light. The herby Miracle Whip sauce ties it all together, making every bite taste like a BLT in pizza form. It’s a balanced mix of protein, veggies, and carbs for a satisfying meal.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Let’s make this BLT Pizza step by step. It’s so simple, you’ll be amazed at how fast it comes together!
Step 1: Prep the Sauce
- In a small bowl, mix ½ cup Miracle Whip, 2 tsp dried basil, ½ tsp garlic powder, and ⅛ tsp onion powder.
- Stir until smooth. Taste and adjust with more basil or garlic powder if you want a stronger flavor.
- Set aside.
Tip: Make the sauce ahead and refrigerate for up to 3 days to save time.
Step 2: Prepare the Toppings
- Cook 12 bacon strips until crispy, then crumble them. Set aside ¼ cup for the final topping.
- Shred 1½ cups lettuce and thinly slice 2 medium tomatoes.
- Measure out ¾ cup each of shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese.
Tip: Use pre-cooked bacon or microwave bacon to cut down on prep time.
Step 3: Assemble the Pizza
- Place the prebaked 12-inch pizza crust on an ungreased 12-inch pizza pan or baking sheet.
- Spread the Miracle Whip sauce evenly over the crust, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Sprinkle the cheeses evenly over the sauce.
- Scatter all but the reserved ¼ cup of crumbled bacon over the cheese.
Tip: Spread the sauce thinly for a balanced flavor—too much can overpower the toppings.
Step 4: Bake the Pizza
- Preheat your oven to 425°F.
- Bake the pizza for 8-12 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Check at 8 minutes to avoid overcooking.
Tip: If your oven runs hot, start checking at 7 minutes to ensure the crust doesn’t get too crispy.
Step 5: Add Fresh Toppings
- Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for 1-2 minutes.
- Top with 1½ cups shredded lettuce, the sliced tomatoes, and the reserved ¼ cup crumbled bacon.
- Cut into 6 wedges and serve immediately.
Tip: Add the lettuce and tomatoes right before serving to keep them fresh and crisp.
Assembly: Building the Perfect Pizza
Your BLT Pizza is almost ready to steal the show! Here’s how to make it look as good as it tastes:
- Layering: Spread the sauce evenly, then layer the cheeses and most of the bacon before baking. After baking, add the lettuce, tomatoes, and reserved bacon for a fresh, vibrant finish.
- Presentation Tips:
- Slice into even wedges and serve on a large, colorful platter to show off the toppings.
- Garnish with a sprinkle of extra basil or a drizzle of olive oil for a gourmet touch.
- Use a pizza cutter for clean, sharp slices.
- Serving Ideas: Pair with a side salad, garlic bread, or fruit skewers for a complete meal. A cold soda, iced tea, or even a light beer complements the flavors perfectly.
Pro Tip: For a fun party vibe, set out extra toppings like avocado slices, ranch dressing, or hot sauce for guests to customize their slices.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
This BLT Pizza is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers or prep ahead for convenience:
- Storage:
- Store leftover pizza in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep lettuce and tomatoes separate to avoid sogginess.
- Remove fresh toppings before storing to maintain their texture.
- Freezing:
- Freeze the baked pizza (without lettuce or tomatoes) in a zip-top bag or wrapped tightly in foil for up to 1 month.
- Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
- Reheating:
- Reheat slices in the oven at 375°F for 5-7 minutes or in a skillet over medium heat until the cheese is melty.
- Add fresh lettuce and tomatoes after reheating.
- Make-Ahead Tips:
- Mix the sauce up to 3 days ahead and store in the fridge.
- Cook and crumble bacon up to 5 days in advance; refrigerate.
- Prep lettuce and tomatoes just before serving to keep them fresh.
Tip: For meal prep, bake the pizza without fresh toppings and add them when ready to eat for the best texture.
Recipe Variations
The BLT Pizza is super versatile. Here are some fun ways to mix it up:
- Spicy BLT: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce or top with sliced jalapeños.
- Ranch Lover’s: Swap the Miracle Whip sauce for ranch dressing and add diced red onion.
- Veggie Boost: Toss on sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach before baking.
- Vegetarian: Use veggie bacon or skip the bacon and add avocado for richness.
- Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free pizza crust and ensure your Miracle Whip is gluten-free.
- Breakfast BLT: Add a fried egg on each slice for a brunch-inspired twist.
Get creative with whatever you have in your fridge!
Conclusion: Your New Favorite Pizza Night
The BLT Pizza is a quick, delicious way to bring the classic sandwich flavors you love to pizza night. With its crispy crust, creamy herby sauce, melty cheese, smoky bacon, and fresh veggies, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s ready in just 25 minutes. Perfect for family dinners, game nights, or casual hangouts, this pizza is as fun to make as it is to eat. Try it as is or experiment with your own twists—maybe a spicy kick or extra veggies? Share your creations with us! Grab your ingredients, preheat that oven, and enjoy every cheesy, crispy bite!
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BLT Pizza
Description
Ever wondered what happens when you take the classic BLT sandwich and turn it into a pizza? You get a BLT Pizza that’s crispy, cheesy, and bursting with fresh flavors! Imagine a warm, golden crust topped with a creamy, herby spread, melty cheese, smoky bacon, and the fresh crunch of lettuce and tomatoes. Sounds like a dream, right? This pizza is quick to make, perfect for busy nights, and a fun twist on a beloved classic.
Ingredients
- edded Part-Skim Mozzarella Cheese (¾ cup): Provides stretchy, mild creaminess.
- Shredded Lettuce (1½ cups): Brings fresh crunch to balance the richness.
- Medium Tomatoes (2, thinly sliced): Adds juicy, fresh flavor.
Substitutions and Variations:
- Miracle Whip: Swap with mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, or a mix of mayo and sour cream for a different tang.
- Bacon: Use turkey bacon, veggie bacon, or even prosciutto for a fancy twist.
- Cheese: Try all mozzarella, all cheddar, or add pepper jack for a spicy kick.
- Crust: Use a homemade crust, flatbread, or gluten-free crust for dietary needs.
- Lettuce: Swap with arugula or spinach for a peppery or milder green.
- Herbs: Fresh basil or oregano can replace dried basil for a brighter flavor.
- Add-Ons: Toss on sliced red onion, avocado, or a drizzle of ranch for extra flair.
Why These Ingredients Matter: The bacon and cheese bring indulgence, while the lettuce and tomatoes keep things fresh and light. The herby Miracle Whip sauce ties it all together, making every bite taste like a BLT in pizza form. It’s a balanced mix of protein, veggies, and carbs for a satisfying meal.
Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Sauce
- In a small bowl, mix ½ cup Miracle Whip, 2 tsp dried basil, ½ tsp garlic powder, and ⅛ tsp onion powder.
- Stir until smooth. Taste and adjust with more basil or garlic powder if you want a stronger flavor.
- Set aside.
Tip: Make the sauce ahead and refrigerate for up to 3 days to save time.
Step 2: Prepare the Toppings
- Cook 12 bacon strips until crispy, then crumble them. Set aside ¼ cup for the final topping.
- Shred 1½ cups lettuce and thinly slice 2 medium tomatoes.
- Measure out ¾ cup each of shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese.
Tip: Use pre-cooked bacon or microwave bacon to cut down on prep time.
Step 3: Assemble the Pizza
- Place the prebaked 12-inch pizza crust on an ungreased 12-inch pizza pan or baking sheet.
- Spread the Miracle Whip sauce evenly over the crust, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Sprinkle the cheeses evenly over the sauce.
- Scatter all but the reserved ¼ cup of crumbled bacon over the cheese.
Tip: Spread the sauce thinly for a balanced flavor—too much can overpower the toppings.
Step 4: Bake the Pizza
- Preheat your oven to 425°F.
- Bake the pizza for 8-12 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Check at 8 minutes to avoid overcooking.
Tip: If your oven runs hot, start checking at 7 minutes to ensure the crust doesn’t get too crispy.
Step 5: Add Fresh Toppings
- Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for 1-2 minutes.
- Top with 1½ cups shredded lettuce, the sliced tomatoes, and the reserved ¼ cup crumbled bacon.
- Cut into 6 wedges and serve immediately.
Tip: Add the lettuce and tomatoes right before serving to keep them fresh and crisp.
FAQs
1. Can I make this pizza gluten-free?
Yes! Use a gluten-free prebaked pizza crust and confirm that your Miracle Whip and other ingredients are gluten-free.
2. How can I make it vegetarian?
Swap the bacon for veggie bacon strips or skip it and add avocado, mushrooms, or extra cheese for richness.
3. What are the health benefits of this pizza?
The BLT Pizza offers protein from bacon and cheese, fiber from the lettuce and tomatoes, and a moderate calorie count with part-skim mozzarella. The tomatoes add vitamins C and K, and the lettuce brings crunch and hydration. It’s a balanced meal when paired with a side salad.
4. Can I use a homemade pizza crust?
Absolutely! Roll out your dough to a 12-inch circle and par-bake it at 425°F for 5-7 minutes before adding toppings. Then bake as directed.
5. How do I keep the lettuce from wilting?
Add the lettuce right before serving, after the pizza is baked and slightly cooled, to keep it crisp and fresh.
6. Can I make the sauce less tangy?
Use less Miracle Whip and add a touch of mayo or Greek yogurt to mellow it out. Adjust the basil for a milder flavor.
7. How long does it take to make this pizza?
Prep takes about 15 minutes (mixing sauce, prepping toppings), and baking takes 8-12 minutes, so you’re done in about 25 minutes.
8. Can I double the recipe?
Yes! Use two 12-inch crusts and double all toppings. Bake on separate pans to ensure even cooking.