Irresistible Garlicky Kale and Bacon Pizza: Your Ultimate Homemade Recipe
Prepare to elevate your pizza nights with an extraordinary culinary creation: Garlicky Kale and Bacon Pizza! This recipe isn’t just about making pizza; it’s about bringing the vibrant, sophisticated flavors of your favorite gourmet pizzeria directly into the warmth of your own kitchen. Imagine biting into a slice where the rich, savory crunch of perfectly cooked bacon meets the earthy, slightly bitter notes of tender kale, all harmonized by a delightful garlicky kick. Each mouthful is an explosion of textures and tastes, promising an experience so delicious you’ll find yourself reaching for ‘just one more slice’ again and again.
Crafting this masterpiece is surprisingly straightforward, yet the results are profoundly satisfying. It’s incredibly cheesy, incredibly flavorful, and guaranteed to become the star of your next family dinner or pizza party. Whether you’re a seasoned home chef or a casual cook looking for a show-stopping meal, this Garlicky Kale and Bacon Pizza offers a fantastic blend of ease, comfort, and undeniable deliciousness that’s sure to impress everyone at the table.
Table of Contents
- Ingredients You’ll Need
- How to Make Garlicky Kale and Bacon Pizza
- Expert Pizza-Making Tips
- Frequently Asked Questions About Pizza
- More Pizza Recipes You’ll Love
- Full Garlicky Kale and Bacon Pizza Recipe
Get ready for a flavor combination that will change your pizza game forever: kale and bacon, united in culinary harmony. While it might sound like an unexpected pairing, trust us – these two ingredients are a match made in heaven, especially when treated to our special secret. This isn’t just any kale; these are crispy kale chips, delicately piled atop a golden, chewy homemade pizza dough, and here’s the game-changing part: they’re lovingly tossed in rich, flavorful bacon fat. Yes, you read that correctly: bacon fat!
The inspiration for this magic struck in a flash. There was fresh, vibrant kale. There was a skillet shimmering with leftover bacon grease, a precious byproduct of crispy, savory bacon. And there was absolutely no doubt in our minds what needed to happen next. It was a moment of pure culinary enlightenment, a dream of crispy, bacon-fat-infused kale chips that miraculously came true right on top of a pizza. This ingenious use of bacon drippings ensures every piece of kale is imbued with incredible flavor, transforming a simple vegetable into an irresistible topping.
This particular pizza redefines what a pizza can be. While many crave a saucy base, this recipe boldly steps into a sauce-free zone. And honestly, nobody misses traditional marinara sauce when you’re feasting on the ultimate trifecta of salty bacon, creamy mozzarella, and aromatic garlic. It’s a minimalist approach that maximizes flavor, allowing the star ingredients to truly shine. As a bonus, can you guess what secret ingredient we brush onto the crust for an extra layer of savory depth and a beautiful golden finish? Hint: it’s directly related to our other star ingredient!
Ingredients You’ll Need for Garlicky Kale and Bacon Pizza
Crafting this delicious Garlicky Kale and Bacon Pizza requires a thoughtful selection of fresh, high-quality ingredients. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need and why each component is essential to achieving that perfect flavor balance:
- Pizza Dough: The foundation of any great pizza! You’ll need 1 pound of dough. For convenience, store-bought pizza dough works wonderfully. However, if you’re aiming for that truly authentic, fresh-baked taste and texture, we highly recommend trying our simple homemade pizza dough recipe, which only requires five basic ingredients and yields an incredibly pliable and delicious crust.
- Cornmeal: A crucial element for perfect baking. Sprinkling a thin layer of cornmeal onto your baking sheet or pizza peel creates a non-stick surface, allowing your pizza dough to slide easily and preventing it from sticking. It also contributes to a wonderfully crisp crust on the bottom, adding a subtle texture and flavor.
- Thick-Cut Bacon: The undisputed star! We specify thick-cut bacon for a reason. Its robust texture holds up beautifully when cooked twice—first in the skillet until crisp, and then again in the hot oven. Regular bacon tends to become overly brittle or even burn before the rest of the pizza is perfectly baked. The rendered fat from this bacon is also a key flavor enhancer for the kale and the crust.
- Curly Kale Leaves: This hearty green adds a fantastic depth of flavor and a beautiful texture when cooked until slightly crisp. Before incorporating it into the pizza, it’s vital to remove the tough, fibrous stems. Simply grip the base of the stem with one hand and use your other hand to firmly pull the greens off. Tear the leaves into bite-sized 1-inch pieces for even distribution.
- Olive Oil: Just a touch of good quality olive oil helps tenderize the kale and ensures it bakes up with a lovely soft-yet-crispy texture, preventing it from drying out in the high heat of the oven. It also aids in distributing the garlic and bacon fat evenly.
- Fresh Garlic: No “Garlicky” pizza would be complete without it! Freshly minced garlic is essential for infusing the kale with its pungent, aromatic flavor. Mincing allows for an even distribution, ensuring every bite of kale gets that wonderful garlicky kick. A garlic press can also make this step quick and easy.
- Fresh Mozzarella: For that classic, irresistible cheesy stretch and creamy texture, fresh mozzarella is the way to go. Look for the kind that’s typically sold in 8-ounce balls, packed in water. You’ll need about 6 ounces, thinly sliced, to create an even layer of melty goodness without overwhelming the other toppings. Its mild, milky flavor perfectly complements the bacon and kale.
- Red Onions: Adding a vibrant pop of color and a delightful mild sharpness, thinly sliced red onions contribute to the pizza’s complex flavor profile. Slicing them thinly is key to ensuring they cook quickly and soften beautifully in the oven’s short baking time, preventing any raw crunch.
- Parmesan Cheese: A final flourish of flavor! A generous sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese after baking adds a salty, nutty, and umami-rich finish that truly elevates this pizza. Its sharp flavor beautifully contrasts with the richness of the bacon and mozzarella.
See the full recipe card below for precise measurements and quantities. Each ingredient plays a vital role in creating a balanced and incredibly flavorful pizza experience.
How to Make Garlicky Kale and Bacon Pizza: Step-by-Step Guide
Making this incredible Garlicky Kale and Bacon Pizza at home is a rewarding experience. Follow these detailed steps to achieve a perfectly crispy crust and a symphony of flavors:
- Prepare Your Oven and Dough: Begin by preheating your oven to a blazing 500ºF (260ºC). This high temperature is crucial for achieving that authentic pizzeria-style crispy crust. While the oven heats, roll out your pizza dough on a lightly floured surface. Aim for a circular shape, approximately 12 inches in diameter and about 1/4-inch thick. If your dough is resisting stretching, don’t force it; simply let it rest for a few minutes to allow the gluten to relax, then try stretching it again. Patience here will pay off with a perfectly shaped crust.
- Ready the Baking Surface: To prevent any sticking and ensure a crisp bottom crust, turn a baking sheet upside down (this helps with transferring the pizza later) and sprinkle it generously with cornmeal. Carefully transfer your rolled-out pizza dough onto this prepared baking sheet. Ensure the cornmeal is evenly distributed underneath the dough.
- Cook the Bacon and Flavor the Kale: In a large skillet or pan, cook the diced thick-cut bacon over medium-low heat. Allow the bacon to slowly render its fat and become beautifully crisp. This slow rendering is key to getting maximum flavor from the bacon. Once crisped, use a slotted spoon to remove the bacon pieces, transferring them to a large bowl. Importantly, leave most of the rendered bacon fat in the skillet. Scoop about 2 teaspoons of these precious bacon drippings into the bowl with the cooked bacon. To this bowl, add the prepared kale, olive oil, and minced garlic. Toss everything thoroughly to ensure the kale is well-coated with the aromatic bacon fat, olive oil, and garlic. This step is where the kale truly transforms, absorbing all that incredible savory flavor.
- Layer the Mozzarella: Once your dough is on the baking sheet, it’s time for the cheese. Arrange the thinly sliced fresh mozzarella in an even layer across the pizza dough. Make sure to leave a visible 1/2-inch border around the edges of the dough; this will become your delicious, crisp crust. The mozzarella will melt beautifully, creating a creamy base for the toppings.
- Add the Remaining Toppings and Finish the Crust: Now, take your glorious kale mixture and evenly scatter it over the mozzarella. Don’t be shy; pile it high! Next, sprinkle the thinly sliced red onions on top of the kale. For a final touch of flavor and a perfectly golden, savory crust, brush the exposed ring of pizza dough (the 1/2-inch border you left) with the remaining bacon drippings from the skillet. This step is a secret weapon for an exceptionally tasty crust.
- Bake to Perfection: Carefully slide the baking sheet with your pizza into the preheated 500ºF oven. Bake for approximately 10 to 12 minutes. About halfway through the baking time, rotate the baking sheet 180 degrees. This ensures even cooking, as the back of most ovens tends to be hotter than the front. The pizza is ready when the crust is golden brown and crispy, and the cheese is bubbly and slightly caramelized.
- Final Touches and Serve: Once baked, remove the pizza from the oven and carefully transfer it to a cutting board. Immediately sprinkle a generous amount of freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the hot pizza. This adds an extra layer of salty, umami flavor. Let it cool for just a minute or two before slicing into your desired portions. Serve hot and enjoy every delicious bite of your homemade Garlicky Kale and Bacon Pizza!
Expert Pizza-Making Tips for Success
Achieving a truly exceptional homemade pizza can be made even easier with these expert tips:
- Dough Shape Versatility: Don’t feel confined to a perfect circle! Your pizza dough can be rolled into any desired shape – round for classic appeal, rectangular for easy slicing, or even a free-form, rustic shape for a charmingly homemade look. The key is even thickness for consistent baking. If you’re struggling to stretch the dough, allow it to rest for an additional 10-15 minutes at room temperature. This relaxes the gluten, making the dough much more pliable and easier to work with.
- Pizza Stone vs. Baking Sheet: While an inverted baking sheet works perfectly well and is accessible to everyone, a preheated pizza stone or steel can take your crust to the next level. If using a stone, place it in the oven during the entire preheating phase to ensure it gets extremely hot. This intense direct heat helps create an even crispier, more perfectly browned crust, mimicking a professional pizza oven.
- Monitor Oven Temperatures: Every oven is unique, and temperatures can vary significantly. Always bake your pizza on the middle rack for optimal heat distribution. It’s also wise to check your pizza frequently, especially towards the end of the baking time. Look for a golden-brown crust and bubbling cheese. If one side is browning faster, remember to rotate the pizza halfway through baking.
- Kale Preparation is Key: The kale leaves absolutely must be thoroughly coated in the bacon drippings and olive oil. If they are too dry, they will burn and become bitter before your pizza dough is fully cooked. While it may initially seem like a surprisingly large amount of kale when you pile it onto the dough, remember that kale cooks down significantly once baked. Don’t hesitate to heap it high – it will shrink to a perfect proportion.
- Storage and Reheating: If you’re lucky enough to have leftover pizza, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For the best reheating results that maintain crispness, avoid the microwave. Reheat slices in a preheated oven (around 350°F/175°C) or, even better, in an air fryer at 400°F (200°C) for just 2-4 minutes until warmed through and crispy.
Frequently Asked Questions About Garlicky Kale and Bacon Pizza
Have some lingering questions about making the perfect Garlicky Kale and Bacon Pizza? We’ve got answers to common queries to help you master this delicious recipe.
Absolutely! For this bacon pizza, it is essential to cook the bacon until it’s crispy before adding it as a topping. If you were to place raw bacon directly onto the pizza, the fat would not render properly in the oven’s short baking time, resulting in chewy, undercooked bacon that lacks that desirable crisp texture and rich flavor. Pre-cooking ensures the bacon is perfectly crunchy and infuses the kale with its delicious drippings.
Reheating leftover pizza while maintaining its delicious crispiness is an art! While there are many methods, one of my favorites is using an air fryer. Reheating pizza in a 400ºF (200ºC) air fryer for just a couple of minutes (typically 2-4 minutes, depending on your air fryer and slice thickness) will make the crust wonderfully crispy and the cheese perfectly re-melted. Alternatively, a preheated oven (around 350°F or 175°C) on a baking sheet for 5-8 minutes also works great, or you can even use a skillet on the stovetop over medium heat with a lid for a few minutes for a crispy bottom.
While curly kale is recommended for its texture, you can experiment with other varieties. Lacinato kale (dinosaur kale) also works well, just be sure to remove the tough stems and tear it into small pieces. The key is to ensure it’s well-coated in bacon drippings and olive oil so it crisps up nicely and doesn’t burn.
While fresh mozzarella offers the best melt and creamy texture, you can substitute with low-moisture, shredded mozzarella if needed. Be aware that the texture will be slightly different, but the flavor will still be delicious. Avoid pre-shredded mozzarella if possible, as it often contains anti-caking agents that can affect the melt.
Absolutely! To make this recipe vegetarian, simply omit the bacon. For a similar savory depth, you can sauté the kale with smoked paprika or a dash of liquid smoke along with the garlic and olive oil. You could also add other roasted vegetables like mushrooms or bell peppers for extra flavor and texture.
More Pizza Recipes You’ll Love to Make at Home
If you’ve fallen in love with the joy of creating delicious pizzas at home, you’re in for a treat! The world of homemade pizza is vast and full of exciting possibilities beyond this Garlicky Kale and Bacon masterpiece. Here are some more fantastic pizza recipes that we think you’ll absolutely adore trying in your own kitchen:
- Quick & Easy Air Fryer Pizza Pockets
- The Ultimate Cheesy Garlic Bread Pizza
- Gourmet French Bread Pizza with Creamy Burrata
- Fun & Flavorful Pepperoni Pizza Pasta Bake
- Unique Everything Bagel Breakfast Pizza
- Or explore our comprehensive collection of The Best Homemade Pizza Recipes for endless inspiration!
There’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of pulling a piping hot, perfectly baked pizza from your own oven. Each of these recipes offers a unique twist on the classic, proving that homemade pizza can be just as exciting, if not more so, than anything you’d order out. So, gather your ingredients, fire up your oven, and embark on your next delicious pizza adventure!
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Garlicky Kale and Bacon Pizza
Ingredients
- 1 pound store-bought or homemade pizza dough
- Cornmeal, for dusting baking sheet
- 4 slices thick-cut bacon, cut into 1/4-inch pieces
- 2 1/2 cups curly kale leaves, torn into 1-inch pieces
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 ounces mozzarella, thinly sliced
- 1/3 cup thinly sliced red onions
- Shredded Parmesan cheese, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 500ºF (260ºC) to ensure it reaches optimal baking temperature for a crispy crust.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pizza dough until it forms a roughly 12-inch wide circle and is about 1/4-inch thick. If the dough is resistant, let it rest for a few minutes before trying again. (Refer to Kelly’s Notes for more dough tips.)
- Invert a baking sheet (or use a pizza peel) and sprinkle it liberally with cornmeal. Carefully transfer the prepared pizza dough onto the cornmeal-dusted baking sheet.
- Cook the diced thick-cut bacon in a medium sauté pan over medium-low heat until the fat has rendered and the bacon is crispy. Use a slotted spoon to remove the cooked bacon pieces to a large mixing bowl, reserving 2 teaspoons of the bacon drippings in the skillet for later use. To the bowl with the bacon, add the torn kale leaves, olive oil, and minced garlic, tossing thoroughly to combine and coat the kale evenly.
- Arrange the thinly sliced mozzarella in a single, even layer over the pizza dough, making sure to leave a 1/2-inch border around the edges of the crust. Next, evenly scatter the flavorful kale and bacon mixture on top of the mozzarella. Finish by distributing the thinly sliced red onions over the kale. Finally, brush the exposed border of the pizza dough with the reserved bacon drippings for an extra savory and golden crust.
- Bake the pizza for 10 to 12 minutes, rotating the baking sheet halfway through the cooking time to ensure even baking and a uniformly golden-brown crust. The pizza is ready when the crust is perfectly baked and golden, and the cheese is bubbly. Remove the pizza from the oven and transfer it to a cutting board. Immediately sprinkle with freshly shredded Parmesan cheese, then slice and serve hot. Enjoy your delicious homemade Garlicky Kale and Bacon Pizza!
Kelly’s Notes
- The pizza dough can be rolled into any desired shape, including round, rectangular, or free-form, for a more rustic and personal look. Don’t stress about perfect symmetry!
- You can achieve an extra crispy crust by using a preheated pizza stone or steel in place of the inverted baking sheet. Ensure it’s hot before placing the pizza.
- Oven temperatures and positions may vary, so always make sure you are baking your pizza on the middle rack and check it frequently for even browning and doneness.
- It is absolutely crucial that the kale leaves are well coated in the bacon drippings and olive oil. If they are not adequately coated, they will likely burn before the pizza dough is fully baked. And yes, it may seem like a large amount of kale when you pile it onto the dough, but don’t worry—it will cook down significantly and beautifully once baked, becoming tender-crisp.
- ★ Did you make this delicious Garlicky Kale and Bacon Pizza? We’d love to hear from you! Don’t forget to give it a star rating below and leave a comment to share your experience!
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