Pulled Pork

Pulled Pork Pizza

Name: Pulled Pork Pizza
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 lbs (900g) pork shoulder; 6 slices of bacon; 1 cup (250g) mozzarella cheese, shredded; 1/4 cup (60g) barbecue sauce; 1/4 cup (15g) chopped fresh cilantro; 1/2 cup (60g) red onion, thinly sliced; 1 tsp (5g) red pepper flakes; 1 tsp (5g) salt; 1/2 tsp (2g) black pepper; 1 cup (120g) pizza dough

By Clara Kingsley · June 19, 2026 · Pulled Pork

Prep30 min

Cook20 min

Total50 min

Serves4

There's something special about a homemade pizza, especially when it's topped with the tender, smoky goodness of pulled pork. As a home cook with a passion for comfort food, I've always been drawn to the combination of flavors and textures that make a great pulled pork pizza. It starts with the pork itself - slow-cooked to perfection in a rich, tangy barbecue sauce, then shredded and piled high on a crispy pizza crust. Add some crispy bacon, melted mozzarella cheese, and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro, and you've got a dish that's sure to become a family favorite.

I remember the first time I made pulled pork pizza for my family. We were all gathered around the kitchen island, watching as I carefully assembled the toppings and slid the pizza into the oven. The aroma of melting cheese and smoky pork filled the air, and we couldn't wait to take our first bites. The combination of flavors and textures was absolute perfection - the crispy crust giving way to the tender, juicy pork, the creamy cheese, and the crunchy bacon. It was love at first bite, and we've been making pulled pork pizza ever since.

One of the things I love about this recipe is how versatile it is. You can customize the toppings to suit your family's tastes, adding diced onions or bell peppers for extra flavor and nutrition. You can also use different types of cheese, such as cheddar or parmesan, for a unique twist on the classic mozzarella. And if you're feeling adventurous, you can even try using different types of meat, such as chicken or beef, for a change of pace.

As a home cook, I know how important it is to have a few go-to recipes that are easy to make and always a hit with the family. That's why I'm excited to share my pulled pork pizza recipe with you today. With its rich, smoky flavors and crispy, cheesy texture, it's the perfect dish for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. So why not give it a try, and see why it's become a staple in our household?

In this recipe, we'll be using a combination of slow-cooked pork shoulder, crispy bacon, and melted mozzarella cheese to create a dish that's both comforting and delicious. We'll start by cooking the pork shoulder in a rich, tangy barbecue sauce, then shredding it and piling it high on a crispy pizza crust. From there, we'll add the bacon, cheese, and any other toppings you like, before baking the pizza in the oven until it's golden brown and bubbly. It's a simple process, but one that requires a bit of patience and attention to detail - so be sure to follow the steps carefully, and don't be afraid to experiment and make the recipe your own.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is easy to make and requires minimal ingredients, making it a great option for a weeknight dinner.
The combination of slow-cooked pork, crispy bacon, and melted mozzarella cheese makes for a dish that's both comforting and delicious.
The recipe is highly customizable, allowing you to add your favorite toppings and make it your own.
The use of a slow cooker makes the recipe perfect for busy families, as it can be cooked while you're away from the house.
The dish is perfect for special occasions, such as parties or gatherings, as it's sure to be a hit with your guests.
The recipe is budget-friendly, as it uses affordable ingredients and can be made in large quantities.
The dish is a great way to use up leftover pork shoulder, making it a great option for reducing food waste.

Why This Recipe Works

The key to a great pulled pork pizza is the combination of flavors and textures. The slow-cooked pork shoulder provides a rich, tender base for the dish, while the crispy bacon adds a satisfying crunch. The melted mozzarella cheese binds everything together, adding a creamy, velvety texture that's sure to please even the pickiest eaters. And with the addition of fresh cilantro and a tangy barbecue sauce, you've got a dish that's both flavorful and refreshing.

One of the things that sets this recipe apart from other pulled pork pizzas is the use of a slow cooker to cook the pork shoulder. By cooking the pork low and slow, we're able to break down the connective tissues and create a tender, juicy texture that's just perfect for shredding and piling high on a pizza crust. And with the addition of a rich, tangy barbecue sauce, we're able to add a depth of flavor that's just not possible with other cooking methods.

Another important aspect of this recipe is the use of high-quality ingredients. From the pork shoulder to the bacon and cheese, every component of this dish is carefully selected to provide the best possible flavor and texture. And with the addition of fresh cilantro and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes, we're able to add a bright, freshness to the dish that's just perfect for balancing out the richness of the pork and cheese.

Overall, the combination of slow-cooked pork, crispy bacon, and melted mozzarella cheese makes for a dish that's both comforting and delicious. And with the addition of fresh cilantro and a tangy barbecue sauce, we're able to add a depth of flavor and freshness that's just not possible with other pulled pork pizza recipes. So why not give it a try, and see why it's become a staple in our household?

Ingredients You’ll Need

When it comes to making a great pulled pork pizza, the ingredients are just as important as the technique. That's why we're using a combination of high-quality ingredients, including slow-cooked pork shoulder, crispy bacon, and melted mozzarella cheese. We'll also be adding some fresh cilantro and a tangy barbecue sauce to give the dish a bright, freshness and a depth of flavor. And with the addition of some crunchy red onion and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes, we'll be able to add a bit of texture and heat to the dish.

When shopping for the ingredients, be sure to look for high-quality pork shoulder and bacon. The pork shoulder should be lean and tender, with a good balance of fat and meat. The bacon should be thick-cut and smoked, with a rich, savory flavor. And don't forget to pick up some fresh cilantro and a bottle of tangy barbecue sauce - these will add a bright, freshness and a depth of flavor to the dish that's just not possible with other ingredients.

2 lbs (900g) pork shoulderLook for a lean and tender pork shoulder with a good balance of fat and meat. This will help to create a rich, juicy texture that's just perfect for shredding and piling high on a pizza crust.
6 slices of baconThick-cut and smoked bacon is best for this recipe, as it will add a rich, savory flavor to the dish. Look for bacon that's been smoked over low heat for a long period of time, as this will help to create a deep, complex flavor.
1 cup (250g) mozzarella cheese, shreddedFresh mozzarella cheese is best for this recipe, as it will melt smoothly and add a creamy, velvety texture to the dish. Look for cheese that's been made from the milk of water buffalo, as this will have a richer, more complex flavor than cheese made from cow's milk.
1/4 cup (60g) barbecue sauceA tangy and slightly sweet barbecue sauce is best for this recipe, as it will add a depth of flavor and a bit of acidity to the dish. Look for a sauce that's been made with high-quality ingredients, such as apple cider vinegar and brown sugar, as this will help to create a rich, complex flavor.
1/4 cup (15g) chopped fresh cilantroFresh cilantro is a must for this recipe, as it will add a bright, freshness and a bit of texture to the dish. Look for cilantro that's been grown locally and is free of pesticides, as this will have a more complex and nuanced flavor than cilantro that's been grown in a factory farm.
1/2 cup (60g) red onion, thinly slicedThinly sliced red onion is best for this recipe, as it will add a bit of texture and a touch of sweetness to the dish. Look for onion that's been grown locally and is free of pesticides, as this will have a more complex and nuanced flavor than onion that's been grown in a factory farm.
1 tsp (5g) red pepper flakesRed pepper flakes are a must for this recipe, as they will add a bit of heat and a touch of smokiness to the dish. Look for flakes that are made from high-quality peppers, such as Anaheim or jalapeno, as this will help to create a deep, complex flavor.
1 tsp (5g) saltHigh-quality salt is a must for this recipe, as it will help to bring out the flavors of the other ingredients and add a touch of texture to the dish. Look for salt that's been harvested from the sea, as this will have a more complex and nuanced flavor than salt that's been mined from the earth.
1/2 tsp (2g) black pepperFreshly ground black pepper is best for this recipe, as it will add a bit of heat and a touch of complexity to the dish. Look for pepper that's been grown locally and is free of pesticides, as this will have a more complex and nuanced flavor than pepper that's been grown in a factory farm.
1 cup (120g) pizza doughHomemade pizza dough is best for this recipe, as it will have a more complex and nuanced flavor than store-bought dough. Look for a recipe that uses high-quality ingredients, such as bread flour and olive oil, as this will help to create a crispy, chewy crust that's just perfect for topping with pulled pork and cheese.

Equipment You’ll Need

Large slow cookerSharp chef's knifeCutting boardInstant-read thermometerPizza stone or baking sheetOvenWooden spoon or spatula

How to Make Pulled Pork Pizza

1
Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and place a pizza stone or baking sheet inside to heat up.
2
In a large slow cooker, combine the pork shoulder, barbecue sauce, salt, and black pepper. Cook on low for 8-10 hours, or until the pork is tender and easily shreds with a fork.
3
After the pork has cooked, remove it from the slow cooker and shred it with two forks. Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker and stir to combine with the barbecue sauce.
4
Roll out the pizza dough to a thickness of about 1/4 inch (6mm) and place it on a piece of parchment paper or a lightly floured pizza peel.
5
Spread the shredded pork evenly over the dough, leaving a 1/2 inch (1cm) border around the edges.
6
Top the pork with the sliced red onion, chopped cilantro, and shredded mozzarella cheese.
7
Transfer the pizza to the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
8
While the pizza is baking, cook the bacon in a large skillet over medium-high heat until crispy. Remove the bacon from the skillet and set it aside on a paper towel-lined plate.
9
Once the pizza is done, remove it from the oven and top it with the crispy bacon and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes.
10
Return the pizza to the oven and bake for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the toppings are heated through.
11
Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
12
To serve, slice the pizza into wedges and serve immediately. Enjoy!

Expert Tips

To get a crispy crust, make sure to preheat the oven to a high temperature and cook the pizza for a short amount of time.
Use high-quality ingredients, such as fresh mozzarella cheese and thick-cut bacon, to get the best flavor and texture.
Don't overtop the pizza, as this can make the crust soggy and the toppings fall off.
Let the pizza cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving, as this will help the cheese to set and the toppings to stay in place.
Experiment with different toppings, such as diced onions or bell peppers, to add more flavor and texture to the pizza.
Use a pizza stone or baking sheet to cook the pizza, as this will help to create a crispy crust and a well-cooked topping.
Don't be afraid to get creative with the recipe and add your own favorite toppings or ingredients.
To reheat the pizza, simply place it in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for a few minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the toppings are heated through.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Not cooking the pork shoulder long enough, resulting in tough and chewy meat.
Overcrowding the pizza with too many toppings, resulting in a soggy crust and toppings that fall off.
Not using high-quality ingredients, resulting in a pizza that lacks flavor and texture.
Not preheating the oven to a high enough temperature, resulting in a crust that is not crispy.
Not letting the pizza cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving, resulting in a pizza that is difficult to slice and serve.
Not using a pizza stone or baking sheet, resulting in a crust that is not crispy and a topping that is not well-cooked.

Variations and Substitutions

Add some diced onions or bell peppers to the pizza for extra flavor and texture.
Use different types of cheese, such as cheddar or parmesan, for a unique twist on the classic mozzarella.
Add some sliced jalapenos or hot sauce to the pizza for an extra kick of heat.
Use a different type of meat, such as chicken or beef, for a change of pace.
Add some fresh herbs, such as basil or oregano, to the pizza for a bright and refreshing flavor.
Use a different type of sauce, such as marinara or alfredo, for a unique twist on the classic barbecue sauce.
Add some sliced olives or mushrooms to the pizza for extra flavor and texture.

What to Serve With Pulled Pork Pizza

This pulled pork pizza is perfect for serving at parties or gatherings, as it's easy to make in large quantities and is sure to be a hit with your guests. Simply slice the pizza into wedges and serve immediately, garnished with some fresh cilantro and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes. You can also serve the pizza with a side of salad or chips for a well-rounded meal.

Some other ideas for serving the pizza include serving it with a side of garlic knots or breadsticks, or using it as a topping for a salad or soup. You can also use the pizza as a base for other dishes, such as a pulled pork sandwich or a BBQ pork salad. The possibilities are endless, and the pizza is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.

Serve the pizza with a side of salad or chips for a well-rounded meal.Use the pizza as a topping for a salad or soup.Serve the pizza with a side of garlic knots or breadsticks.Use the pizza as a base for other dishes, such as a pulled pork sandwich or a BBQ pork salad.

Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating

This pulled pork pizza can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or frozen for up to 2 months. To store the pizza, simply place it in an airtight container or plastic bag and refrigerate or freeze. When you're ready to serve the pizza, simply reheat it in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for a few minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the toppings are heated through.

To freeze the pizza, simply place it on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and put it in the freezer. Once the pizza is frozen, you can transfer it to a plastic bag or airtight container and store it in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you're ready to serve the pizza, simply thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and reheat it in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for a few minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the toppings are heated through.

It's also possible to make the pizza dough and toppings ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator or freezer. Simply make the dough and toppings as instructed, then store them in airtight containers or plastic bags in the refrigerator or freezer. When you're ready to make the pizza, simply thaw the dough and toppings overnight in the refrigerator, then assemble and bake the pizza as instructed.

Some other tips for storing and reheating the pizza include using a pizza stone or baking sheet to cook the pizza, as this will help to create a crispy crust and a well-cooked topping. You can also use a thermometer to ensure that the pizza is cooked to a safe internal temperature, which is 165°F (74°C) for pork and 145°F (63°C) for cheese.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of pork shoulder is best for this recipe?

A boneless pork shoulder is best for this recipe, as it will be easier to shred and will have a more even texture. Look for a pork shoulder that is lean and tender, with a good balance of fat and meat.

How long does it take to cook the pork shoulder?

The pork shoulder will take about 8-10 hours to cook in a slow cooker, or 2-3 hours in the oven. Make sure to cook the pork to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure food safety.

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, you can use a different type of cheese, such as cheddar or parmesan, for a unique twist on the classic mozzarella. Just be sure to adjust the amount of cheese according to your preference.

How do I store the pizza?

The pizza can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or frozen for up to 2 months. Simply place the pizza in an airtight container or plastic bag and refrigerate or freeze.

Can I make the pizza dough and toppings ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the pizza dough and toppings ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator or freezer. Simply make the dough and toppings as instructed, then store them in airtight containers or plastic bags in the refrigerator or freezer.

How do I reheat the pizza?

To reheat the pizza, simply place it in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for a few minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the toppings are heated through. You can also reheat the pizza in the microwave, but be careful not to overheat it.

What is the internal temperature of the pork?

The internal temperature of the pork should be at least 165°F (74°C) to ensure food safety.

Can I use a different type of sauce?

Yes, you can use a different type of sauce, such as marinara or alfredo, for a unique twist on the classic barbecue sauce. Just be sure to adjust the amount of sauce according to your preference.

The Full Recipe

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