BBQ Chickpea Pizza Recipe

Chickpeas: These are small, round beans that add protein and a slightly nutty flavor to the pizza.

Bbq sauce: A tangy and smoky sauce that gives the pizza its signature taste.

Pizza crust: The base for the pizza, usually pre-made and ready to bake.

Mozzarella cheese: A mild, melty cheese that covers the pizza and holds everything together.

Red onion: Adds a bit of crunch and a sharp, sweet flavor.

Cilantro: Fresh herb that adds a bright, fresh finish to the pizza.

One of the key steps in this BBQ Chickpea Pizza recipe is spreading the bbq chickpeas evenly over the pizza crust. Doing this right helps make sure every bite has a good mix of flavors and textures. Here’s how you can do it step by step:

1. After mixing the chickpeas with the bbq sauce, use a spoon or spatula to scoop up some of the mixture.
2. Start placing dollops of the bbq chickpeas all around the pizza crust—don’t just dump it in one spot.
3. Gently spread the mixture out toward the edges, but leave a little space around the crust’s border so it can get nice and crispy.
4. Try to keep the layer about the same thickness all over so it cooks evenly.

Spreading the bbq chickpeas evenly makes the pizza taste better because every slice will have a good balance of saucy chickpeas, melted cheese, and crunchy onions. If you pile it all in one spot, some parts might be soggy while others are dry, and that’s no fun.

When I first made this pizza, I just dumped the bbq chickpeas in the middle and tried to spread it quickly. The crust near the edges stayed dry, and the middle got a bit soggy. After that, I learned to take my time and spread it carefully, and it made a big difference. Also, if you don’t have a spatula, the back of a spoon works great for spreading!

This little trick helps your BBQ Chickpea Pizza come out looking and tasting just right, with every bite full of that yummy bbq flavor and gooey mozzarella cheese.

• chickpeas - Substitute with black beans: Black beans provide a similar texture and protein content, making them a great alternative.

• bbq sauce - Substitute with teriyaki sauce: Teriyaki sauce offers a sweet and savory flavor profile that can complement the other ingredients well.

• pre-made pizza crust - Substitute with whole wheat pita bread: Whole wheat pita bread is a healthier option and provides a similar base for the pizza toppings.

• shredded mozzarella cheese - Substitute with shredded cheddar cheese: Cheddar cheese melts well and offers a slightly sharper flavor that can enhance the overall taste.

• sliced red onion - Substitute with sliced green onion: Green onions provide a milder flavor and a bit of color contrast, making them a good alternative.

• chopped cilantro - Substitute with chopped parsley: Parsley offers a fresh, slightly peppery flavor that can replace cilantro without overpowering the dish.

• Allow the BBQ Chickpea Pizza to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation, which can make the crust soggy.
• For short-term storage, wrap the pizza slices individually in aluminum foil or plastic wrap. Place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
• For freezing, wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil. This double-layer method helps prevent freezer burn.
• Label each wrapped slice with the date to keep track of freshness.
• Place the wrapped slices in a freezer-safe bag or container. Store in the freezer for up to 2 months.
• To reheat refrigerated slices, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the slices on a baking sheet and heat for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
• For frozen slices, allow them to thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes.
• Alternatively, you can reheat slices in a microwave. Place a slice on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a damp paper towel. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, checking frequently to avoid overcooking.
• For a crispier crust, reheat slices in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes, covering with a lid to help melt the cheese.
• Avoid reheating the pizza multiple times as it can dry out the chickpeas and make the crust tough.

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the leftover BBQ Chickpea Pizza on a baking sheet and cover it loosely with aluminum foil. Bake for about 10-15 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the crust is crispy.

• For a quicker option, use a toaster oven. Set it to 375°F (190°C) and place the pizza directly on the rack. Heat for 5-7 minutes, keeping an eye on the cheese to ensure it doesn't burn.

• If you prefer using a skillet, heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Place the pizza slice in the skillet and cover it with a lid. Heat for about 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the crust is crispy.

• For microwave reheating, place a microwave-safe plate with the pizza slice in the microwave. Heat on high for 1-2 minutes. To avoid a soggy crust, place a cup of water in the microwave alongside the pizza to help maintain moisture balance.

• If you have an air fryer, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the pizza slice in the basket and heat for 3-5 minutes. This method will keep the crust crispy and the cheese perfectly melted.

• For a grill method, preheat your grill to medium heat. Place the pizza slice on a piece of aluminum foil and grill for about 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the crust is crispy.

• Oven: Used to bake the pizza at the required temperature of 425°F (220°C).

• Mixing bowl: Utilized to combine the chickpeas and BBQ sauce evenly.

• Can opener: Necessary for opening the can of chickpeas.

• Strainer: Helps in draining and rinsing the chickpeas.

• Pizza stone or baking sheet: Provides a surface to place the pre-made pizza crust for baking.

• Spatula: Useful for spreading the BBQ chickpeas evenly over the pizza crust.

• Cheese grater: If you have a block of mozzarella cheese, this tool will help you shred it.

• Knife: Essential for slicing the red onion and chopping the cilantro.

• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for slicing and chopping ingredients.

• Measuring cups: Ensures accurate measurement of the BBQ sauce, cheese, and other ingredients.

• Oven mitts: Protects your hands when removing the hot pizza from the oven.

• Pizza cutter: Makes it easy to slice the pizza into serving pieces.

Use pre-made crust: Save time by using a pre-made pizza crust instead of making dough from scratch.

Quick chickpeas: Use a can of chickpeas to avoid soaking and cooking dried chickpeas.

Pre-shredded cheese: Opt for pre-shredded mozzarella cheese to skip the grating step.

Pre-sliced onions: Buy pre-sliced red onions to reduce prep time.

Batch prep: Prepare multiple pizzas at once and freeze them for quick future meals.