Easy BBQ Pulled Pork Pizza

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Making pizza at home can be surprisingly easy, and a few convenient shortcuts make this pulled pork BBQ pizza totally doable on a busy weeknight. It's also a delicious way to give leftover pulled pork a whole new life.

• Simple ingredients - Refrigerated pizza dough, leftover pulled pork, prepared sauces, fresh vegetables, and shredded cheese keep the ingredient list manageable.
• Easy to make - Starting with prepared dough and cooked pork means most of the work is simply assembling and baking the pizza.
• Perfect for leftover pulled pork - Turn leftover barbecue into a completely different meal instead of serving the same dinner twice.
• Better than delivery - Enjoy a hot, cheesy pizza made just the way you like it with a crisp crust straight from your oven.
• Loaded with flavor - Smoky-sweet barbecue, savory pork, red onion, bell pepper, tomato, mozzarella, and cheddar give every slice plenty of flavor.
• Easy to customize - Change the vegetables, cheese, barbecue sauce, or amount of pulled pork to suit your family.
• Perfect for busy weeknights - With the pork already cooked, there's relatively little hands-on work between you and homemade pizza.
• Family-friendly - Homemade pizza night is always fun, and everyone can help add or customize the toppings.

What Makes This Pizza So Good?

This barbecue pulled pork pizza combines two comfort food favorites in one seriously satisfying meal. Tender pulled pork gives every slice plenty of smoky, savory flavor, while a combination of pasta sauce and barbecue sauce creates a tangy, slightly sweet tomato base that complements the pork without overwhelming everything else.

And then there are the toppings. Red onion adds a little bite, fresh tomato brings juicy freshness, and yellow bell pepper adds color, crunch, and subtle sweetness.

A combination of mozzarella and cheddar finishes it off with the best of both worlds. Mozzarella gives you that classic gooey pizza cheese while cheddar adds a sharper flavor that's right at home with barbecue.

Ingredients and Their Role in the Pizza

You don't need a long list of ingredients to make a flavorful BBQ pulled pork pizza. This is what you'll need and what each one contributes:

• Refrigerated Pizza Dough - A convenient shortcut that makes homemade pizza practical even on a weeknight.
• Cornmeal - Helps prevent the dough from sticking and makes it easier to slide the assembled pizza from the peel onto the hot stone.
• Pulled Pork - The star of the pizza. Tender cooked pork makes this recipe hearty and is a great way to transform leftovers into a new meal.
• Barbecue Sauce - Adds tangy, smoky, and slightly sweet flavor that pairs perfectly with pulled pork.
• Pasta Sauce - Gives the pizza a rich tomato base and balances the stronger sweet and smoky flavor of the barbecue sauce.
• Red Onion - Adds color, texture, and a sharper bite that balances the rich pork and cheese.
• Tomato - Brings fresh tomato flavor and a juicy contrast to the savory toppings.
• Yellow Bell Pepper - Adds mild sweetness, a little crunch, and plenty of color.
• Mozzarella Cheese - Melts into the classic stretchy, gooey cheese you want on homemade pizza.
• Cheddar Cheese - Adds richer, sharper cheese flavor that works particularly well with barbecue sauce and pulled pork.

Equipment Needed

You don't need a lot of special equipment to make pizza at home, but these kitchen tools can make the process easier and help you get a crispy, evenly baked crust.

• Pizza Stone - Holds plenty of heat and helps the bottom of the crust cook quickly so it gets crisp and golden.
• Pizza Peel - Makes it much easier and safer to transfer the assembled pizza onto the hot stone and remove it after baking.
• Pizza Wheel - Quickly cuts the finished pizza into clean slices.

Tip: Don't have a pizza stone? You can still make homemade pizza using a pizza pan or sturdy baking sheet. The crust may have a slightly different texture, but it will still be delicious.

How to Make BBQ Pulled Pork Pizza

Making BBQ pulled pork pizza at home is easy when you start with refrigerated dough and pork that's already cooked. It's a fun way to turn a few convenient ingredients and leftovers into a hot, cheesy homemade pizza for dinner. Here's what to do:

Before starting, place your pizza stone in the oven and preheat it to 500°F. This gives the stone a head start on heating up. Leave it in the oven for about 15-20 minutes after the oven reaches the appropriate temperature for the crispest crust.

1. Roll out the dough on a flat surface dusted with cornmeal. Brush with olive oil.
2. Mix BBQ sauce and pasta sauce together and spread on pizza dough. Remember to keep it at least ½" away from the edge.
3. Scatter the pulled pork, sliced red onion, tomato and bell pepper on top of sauce.
4. Sprinkle the cheeses over the toppings.
5. When the pizza stone is hot, remove from the oven and slide the topped pizza dough onto the stone.
6. Return to the oven and bake for 12 minutes or until dough is browned and toasty.

Recipe Tips for Success

Homemade pizza is pretty forgiving, but a few simple tricks can make the difference between a good pizza and a great one. Keep these tips in mind for an easy transfer, crispy crust, and perfectly cooked toppings.

• Let cold dough warm up - Refrigerated pizza dough is much easier to stretch after sitting at room temperature for 30-60 minutes.
• Give stubborn dough a rest - If the dough keeps shrinking back while you're shaping it, let it rest for 10 to 15 minutes. This gives the gluten time to relax so the dough will stretch more easily.
• Preheat the pizza stone - Give the stone at least 20 to get thoroughly hot. Starting the pizza on a hot surface helps create a crisp bottom crust.
• Drain overly juicy pulled pork - You want tender pork, but excess liquid can soak into the crust and make it soggy.
• Don't use too much sauce - A thin, even layer is enough, particularly if your pulled pork already has barbecue sauce mixed into it.
• Remove excess moisture from the tomato - Pat the chopped tomato with a paper towel before adding it to the pizza to keep extra moisture off the crust.
• Slice the onion thinly - Thin slices will soften more easily during the relatively short baking time.
• Keep the bell pepper pieces small - Smaller pieces cook more quickly and are easier to eat on a slice of pizza.
• Don't overload the toppings - Pulled pork is heavier than many traditional pizza toppings. Adding too much can weigh down the dough and keep the crust from getting crisp.
• Leave a border - Keep the sauce and toppings about ½ inch from the edge so they don't bubble over and you get a nicely formed crust.
• Check for sticking - Give the peel a gentle shake before transferring the pizza to make sure it slides easily. Add a little more cornmeal underneath any spots that stick.
• Work quickly once the dough is on the peel - The longer topped dough sits on the peel, the more likely it is to stick.
• Let the pizza rest before slicing - Give it a couple of minutes after it comes out of the oven so the cheese and toppings can settle and are less likely to slide off when you cut it.

Recipe Variations to Make It Your Own

One of the best things about homemade pizza is how easy it is to change the toppings. Keep the pulled pork or use it as a starting point for one of these delicious variations.

• Spicy BBQ Pizza - Use spicy barbecue sauce and add sliced jalapeños for extra heat.
• Hawaiian-Style - Add pineapple chunks for a sweet and smoky combination with the pulled pork.
• Add Bacon - Sprinkle cooked crumbled bacon over the pizza for even more smoky flavor.
• Change the Bell Pepper - Use red, orange, or green bell pepper instead of yellow.
• Skip the Tomatoes - Leave off the fresh tomatoes for a more traditional barbecue-style pizza.
• Pickled Red Onions - Instead of baking raw red onion on the pizza, scatter pickled red onions over the top after baking for a tangy bite.
• Smoked Gouda - Replace some of the cheddar with smoked Gouda to play up the smoky barbecue flavor.
• Pepper Jack - Swap some or all of the Cheddar for Pepper Jack if you want more heat.
• All BBQ Sauce - Skip the pasta sauce and use a thin layer of your favorite barbecue sauce for a stronger barbecue flavor.
• BBQ Chicken Pizza - Replace the pulled pork with shredded cooked chicken.
• Add Cilantro - Sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro over the pizza after baking for a fresh finish.

What to Serve with BBQ Pulled Pork Pizza

This pizza is hearty enough to be a meal on its own, but a fresh salad or barbecue-inspired side makes pizza night even better. Keep things light or lean into the BBQ theme depending on what you're craving.

• Coleslaw - Cool, crisp, and tangy slaw is a great contrast to the smoky pork and melted cheese.
• Green Salad - A simple tossed salad with vinaigrette adds something light and fresh to the meal.
• Caesar Salad - Crisp romaine and tangy Caesar dressing are always an easy pairing with pizza.
• Corn on the Cob - Sweet corn fits right in with the barbecue flavors.
• Roasted Vegetables - Broccoli, zucchini, Brussels sprouts, or a mixture of your favorite vegetables makes an easy side.
• Potato Salad - Turn pizza night into a barbecue-inspired dinner with a cool and creamy potato salad.
• Baked Beans - A hearty option that's a natural match for pulled pork and barbecue sauce.
• Fresh Fruit - Watermelon, pineapple, or a simple fruit salad provides a refreshing contrast to the rich pizza.

How to Store, Freeze, and Reheat

Leftover barbecue pulled pork pizza stores and reheats well, so don't worry if you have a few slices left after dinner.

Storing: Let the pizza cool, then place leftover slices in an airtight container or wrap them tightly. Refrigerate for up to 3 to 4 days.

Freezing: Let the pizza cool completely. Freeze individual slices in a single layer until firm, then wrap them well and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 2 months for the best quality.

Reheating in the air fryer: Place a slice in the air fryer and heat until the crust is crisp and the cheese and toppings are hot.

Reheating in the oven: Place slices on a baking sheet and warm them in the oven until heated through. This is a good option when reheating several pieces at once.

Reheating in a skillet: Place a slice in a skillet over medium-low heat and warm until the bottom is crisp. Cover the skillet briefly toward the end if needed to help the cheese and toppings heat through.

Reheating in the microwave: The microwave is the quickest option, but the crust will be softer than with the air fryer, oven, or skillet.

Frozen pizza can be thawed overnight in the refrigerator before reheating or reheated directly from frozen, allowing additional time for it to heat through.

More Pulled Pork Recipes

Pulled pork is one of those ingredients that makes meal planning easy because one batch can become several completely different dinners. From nachos and baked potatoes to chili and casseroles, here are more delicious ways to turn pulled pork into a satisfying meal.

• Air Fryer Pulled Pork Nachos - Crispy tortilla chips piled with pulled pork and plenty of melty cheese make an easy appetizer, snack, or casual meal.
• Pulled Pork Baked Potatoes - Fluffy baked potatoes loaded with tender pulled pork and tasty toppings make an easy and filling dinner.
• Pulled Pork Casserole - Savory pulled pork topped with cornbread turns leftovers into a warm and hearty casserole.
• Pulled Pork Chili - Tender pulled pork gives a hearty pot of chili plenty of smoky, savory flavor.
• Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork - Tender barbecue pork cooks low and slow for an easy meal that's perfect for sandwiches and plenty of other recipes.

Find lots of easy pork recipes here on 2CM!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use leftover pulled pork for pizza?

Absolutely. This pizza is a great way to turn leftover pulled pork into a completely different meal. If the pork is very saucy, drain off some of the excess liquid before adding it to the pizza so the crust doesn't become soggy.

What sauce goes on pulled pork pizza?

This recipe combines pasta sauce and barbecue sauce. The pasta sauce provides a rich tomato base, while barbecue sauce adds smoky, tangy, and slightly sweet flavor.

Using the two together creates a balanced sauce that complements the pulled pork without letting the barbecue sauce overpower the rest of the pizza.

Can I use only barbecue sauce instead of mixing it with pasta sauce?

Yes. If you prefer a stronger barbecue flavor, you can use your favorite barbecue sauce on its own.

Spread it in a relatively thin layer because barbecue sauce can be thicker and sweeter than traditional pizza sauce.

What cheese goes best with BBQ pulled pork pizza?

Mozzarella and cheddar are a great combination. Mozzarella melts beautifully and gives you that classic stretchy pizza cheese, while cheddar adds sharper flavor that pairs well with barbecue.

Smoked Gouda, Monterey Jack, and Pepper Jack are also delicious options.

What toppings go well with pulled pork pizza?

Red onion, bell peppers, tomatoes, jalapeños, pineapple, bacon, pickled onions, and fresh cilantro all pair well with pulled pork.

You can choose a few favorites rather than piling on too many toppings, which can weigh down the crust.

Do I need to heat pulled pork before putting it on pizza?

You don't need to fully reheat cooked pulled pork before adding it to the pizza because it will heat as the pizza bakes. However, it's helpful to take refrigerated pork out shortly before making the pizza so it isn't ice-cold when it goes into the oven.

How do you keep pulled pork pizza from getting soggy?

Drain excess liquid from the pulled pork, don't use too much sauce, and remove excess moisture from fresh tomatoes before adding them.

A thoroughly preheated pizza stone also helps the bottom of the crust begin cooking immediately.

Can I make BBQ pulled pork pizza without a pizza stone?

Yes. Use a pizza pan or sturdy baking sheet instead. The crust may have a slightly different texture, but you can still make a delicious homemade pizza.

Keep in mind that the baking time may differ when you aren't using a preheated pizza stone.

Can I use store-bought pizza dough?

Yes. Refrigerated store-bought pizza dough is one of the shortcuts that makes this recipe so convenient.

Let cold dough sit at room temperature for about 20 to 30 minutes before shaping it. If it continues springing back as you stretch it, let it rest another 10 to 15 minutes before trying again.

Can I make BBQ pulled pork pizza ahead of time?

It's better to prepare the toppings ahead and assemble the pizza immediately before baking. Leaving sauce and toppings on raw pizza dough for too long can make the crust soggy and make the pizza more difficult to transfer to the stone.

For meal prep, prepare the pulled pork, sauce mixture, cheese, onion, and bell pepper ahead and store them separately.

Can you freeze pulled pork pizza?

Yes. Cool leftover pizza completely, freeze the slices until firm, then wrap them well and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.

Freezing individual slices makes it easy to pull out only what you need for a quick meal.

What's the best way to reheat leftover pizza?

An air fryer is one of the best options for a slice or two because it heats the toppings while helping the crust become crisp again. The oven works well for several slices, and a covered skillet is another good way to get a crisp bottom crust.

The microwave works when you're short on time, although the crust will be softer.

Can I use pulled chicken instead of pork?

Yes. Replace the pulled pork with shredded or pulled cooked chicken for an easy BBQ chicken pizza. It's another great way to use leftover meat and turn it into a new meal.