Imagine biting into a slice of pizza that perfectly balances sweet, savory, and smoky flavors—a culinary adventure that will tantalize your taste buds! Introducing the Bacon Bourbon Cherry Pizza, a unique twist on a classic favorite that combines the richness of crispy bacon with the sweetness of cherries and a hint of bourbon. This delightful creation is not only a feast for your palate but also a showstopper for your next gathering. Ready to impress your friends and family? Dive into this mouthwatering recipe and discover how to make your own gourmet pizza right at home!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 2 pizzas
Ingredients
- 1 pizza dough
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
- 1/2 cup cherries, pitted and halved
- 1/4 cup bourbon
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven to heat up as well.
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the pitted and halved cherries with the bourbon. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cherries are softened and the bourbon has reduced slightly. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pizza dough into two equal circles, about 12 inches in diameter. If the dough is sticky, sprinkle a little more flour on the surface and on the dough itself.
- Transfer the rolled-out dough to a pizza peel or a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Drizzle 1/2 tablespoon of olive oil over each pizza base and spread it evenly using a brush or the back of a spoon.
- Sprinkle a pinch of salt and pepper over each pizza base to season the dough.
- Evenly distribute the shredded mozzarella cheese over each pizza, leaving a small border around the edges for the crust.
- Next, sprinkle the crumbled cooked bacon evenly over the cheese on both pizzas.
- Using a spoon, evenly distribute the bourbon cherry mixture over the cheese and bacon on each pizza, ensuring that the cherries are spread out to provide flavor in every bite.
- Carefully slide the pizzas onto the preheated pizza stone in the oven, or place the baking sheet in the oven if you are not using a stone.
- Bake the pizzas for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and melted.
- Once cooked, remove the pizzas from the oven and let them cool for a couple of minutes. This will make them easier to slice.
- Slice the pizzas into wedges and serve warm. Enjoy your Bacon Bourbon Cherry Pizza!
Tips
- Preheat for Perfection: Make sure your oven is fully preheated to 475°F (245°C) before baking. This high temperature will help achieve a crispy crust while keeping the toppings perfectly cooked.
- Use a Pizza Stone: If you have a pizza stone, use it! Preheating the stone in the oven will give your pizza an extra crispy base that rivals your favorite pizzeria.
- Cherries Matter: Choose ripe, sweet cherries for the best flavor. The natural sweetness will complement the smoky bacon and rich bourbon beautifully.
- Bourbon Infusion: Allow the bourbon and cherry mixture to cool slightly before adding it to the pizza. This helps to enhance the flavors and prevents the cheese from melting too quickly.
- Don’t Rush the Cooling: After baking, let your pizza cool for a couple of minutes before slicing. This will help the cheese set a little, making it easier to cut and serve.
- Experiment with Toppings: Feel free to add other ingredients like arugula or goat cheese for an extra layer of flavor. The beauty of pizza is in its versatility!
- Serve with Style: Pair your Bacon Bourbon Cherry Pizza with a refreshing salad or a glass of bourbon for a complete meal that’s sure to impress!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 20g
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 45mg
