BLT Pizza Recipe

Pre-made pizza crust: This is the base of your pizza and saves time compared to making dough from scratch.

Mozzarella cheese: Shredded mozzarella melts beautifully and gives the pizza a gooey, cheesy texture.

Bacon: Cooked and crumbled bacon adds a smoky, crispy flavor that’s essential for the blt taste.

Cherry tomatoes: These small tomatoes are sweet and juicy, perfect for topping your pizza.

Lettuce: Shredded lettuce adds a fresh crunch after baking, just like in a blt sandwich.

Mayonnaise: Spread on top after baking, it adds creaminess and ties all the flavors together.

Olive oil: Brushed on the crust before baking, it helps create a golden, crispy base.

One of the key steps in this BLT pizza recipe is spreading the olive oil over the pizza crust before adding the toppings. Doing this right helps the crust bake up nicely and keeps it from getting soggy. Here’s how to do it simply:

1. Pour a small amount of olive oil (about a tablespoon) into a bowl or just use the bottle.
2. Use a clean pastry brush or the back of a spoon to spread the oil evenly across the whole surface of the pizza crust.
3. Make sure to cover the edges too, because that helps the crust turn golden and crispy.
4. Don’t soak the crust—just a thin layer is perfect.

Spreading the olive oil like this creates a barrier that stops the moisture from the cheese and tomatoes from making the crust soggy. It also adds a little extra flavor and helps the crust get that nice, slightly crunchy texture we all love. Plus, it makes the pizza look shiny and inviting when it comes out of the oven.

When I first tried this, I didn’t spread the oil evenly and ended up with some parts of the crust that were dry and others that got a bit too oily. Now I take my time to spread it carefully, and it makes a big difference. Also, if you don’t have a brush, just use a folded paper towel to spread the oil gently—it works just as well and is super easy to clean up.

This simple step makes baking the BLT pizza smoother and tastier, so don’t skip it!

• pre-made pizza crust - Substitute with whole wheat pizza crust: Adds a nutty flavor and increases fiber content.

• pre-made pizza crust - Substitute with cauliflower crust: A low-carb alternative that is gluten-free.

• shredded mozzarella cheese - Substitute with shredded provolone cheese: Offers a slightly sharper taste and melts well.

• shredded mozzarella cheese - Substitute with vegan mozzarella cheese: A dairy-free option for those who are lactose intolerant or vegan.

• bacon - Substitute with turkey bacon: Lower in fat and calories, but still provides a similar smoky flavor.

• bacon - Substitute with tempeh bacon: A plant-based alternative that offers a smoky flavor and chewy texture.

• cherry tomatoes - Substitute with grape tomatoes: Similar in size and sweetness, making them an easy swap.

• cherry tomatoes - Substitute with sun-dried tomatoes: Adds a more intense, concentrated tomato flavor.

• shredded lettuce - Substitute with arugula: Provides a peppery taste and adds more nutrients.

• shredded lettuce - Substitute with baby spinach: Offers a mild flavor and is rich in vitamins and minerals.

• mayonnaise - Substitute with Greek yogurt: A healthier option that adds creaminess and tang.

• mayonnaise - Substitute with avocado: Adds a creamy texture and healthy fats.

• olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Has a higher smoke point and a neutral flavor.

• olive oil - Substitute with coconut oil: Adds a subtle coconut flavor and is stable at high temperatures.

• Allow the BLT pizza to cool completely before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can make the crust soggy.
• Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. This ensures that each slice retains its freshness and prevents any flavors from mingling.
• Place the wrapped slices in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag. This extra layer of protection helps maintain the pizza's texture and flavor.
• Store the container or bag in the refrigerator if you plan to consume the pizza within 3-4 days. This keeps the ingredients fresh and safe to eat.
• For longer storage, place the wrapped slices in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. This prevents the slices from sticking together.
• Once frozen, transfer the slices to a resealable freezer bag or airtight container. Label with the date to keep track of storage time.
• When ready to eat, reheat refrigerated slices in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the crust is crispy.
• For frozen slices, reheat directly from the freezer in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through and the cheese is bubbly.
• Avoid microwaving the BLT pizza as it can make the crust chewy and the lettuce wilted. The oven method ensures a crispy crust and fresh toppings.
• If you prefer, you can add fresh lettuce and mayonnaise after reheating to maintain their crispness and flavor.

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the leftover BLT 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 method, use a skillet on the stovetop. Heat the skillet over medium heat and place the pizza slices in the skillet. Cover with a lid and cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the crust is crispy.

• If you have an air fryer, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the pizza slices in the air fryer basket and cook for about 3-5 minutes, checking frequently to ensure the cheese doesn't overcook.

• For a microwave option, place a microwave-safe plate with the pizza slices in the microwave. Place a cup of water next to the plate to keep the crust from getting too chewy. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, or until the cheese is melted. Note that this method may not keep the crust as crispy as other methods.

• Oven: Used to bake the pizza at the specified temperature until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

• Baking sheet: Provides a flat surface to place the pizza crust on for baking.

• Pastry brush: Useful for spreading olive oil evenly over the pizza crust.

• Cheese grater: Needed if you are shredding mozzarella cheese from a block.

• Knife: Essential for halving the cherry tomatoes and slicing the pizza.

• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for cutting the cherry tomatoes and shredding lettuce.

• Mixing bowl: Can be used to mix the shredded lettuce with mayonnaise if desired.

• Spatula: Handy for spreading mayonnaise over the pizza.

• Cooling rack: Allows the pizza to cool slightly after baking to make it easier to handle.

• Pizza cutter: Ideal for slicing the pizza into serving pieces.

Pre-cook bacon: Cook and crumble bacon ahead of time. Store it in the fridge to save prep time.

Use pre-shredded cheese: Opt for pre-shredded mozzarella to cut down on preparation.

Pre-wash lettuce: Wash and shred lettuce in advance. Keep it in an airtight container.

Halve tomatoes early: Slice cherry tomatoes beforehand and store them in the fridge.

Preheat oven: Start preheating your oven while you prepare the ingredients to save time.