Are you ready to elevate your pizza night to a whole new level? Imagine sinking your teeth into a slice of deep dish pizza that perfectly balances the savory crunch of crispy bacon with the earthy goodness of Brussels sprouts. This delightful Italian-inspired dish is not only a feast for the eyes but also a celebration of flavors that will leave your taste buds dancing. With just a little prep time and a few simple ingredients, you can create a mouthwatering masterpiece that serves six and is sure to impress your family and friends. Don’t miss out on the chance to make this unique pizza that’s as delicious as it is unexpected!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs 5 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup Brussels sprouts, halved
- 6 slices bacon, chopped
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup marinara sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C). Place a 12-inch cast-iron skillet or deep-dish pizza pan in the oven while it preheats to ensure a crispy crust.
- Prepare the Brussels sprouts by washing them thoroughly, trimming the ends, and cutting them in half. Pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until it becomes crisp and renders its fat, approximately 5-7 minutes. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the bacon fat in the pan.
- Add halved Brussels sprouts to the bacon fat, sautéing them until they begin to caramelize and turn golden brown, about 5-6 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Remove the hot skillet from the oven using oven mitts. Carefully stretch the pizza dough to fit the skillet, allowing some excess to climb up the sides, creating a deep-dish style crust.
- Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce across the bottom of the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Evenly distribute the shredded mozzarella cheese over the marinara sauce, creating a consistent base layer.
- Scatter the sautéed Brussels sprouts and crispy bacon pieces uniformly across the cheese layer.
- Fold the overhanging dough edges slightly inward to create a rustic, raised border around the pizza.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the crust turns golden brown and the cheese is completely melted and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and let the pizza rest for 5-10 minutes to allow the cheese to set and make cutting easier.
- Slice into 6 wedges and serve hot, garnishing with additional Italian seasoning or fresh herbs if desired.
Tips
- Choose the Right Dough: Whether you opt for store-bought or homemade pizza dough, ensure it's fresh for the best texture. If making from scratch, allow it to rise adequately for a fluffy crust.
- Crispy Crust: Preheating your skillet in the oven is key to achieving that irresistible crispy crust. Don’t skip this step!
- Brussels Sprouts Prep: Make sure to dry the Brussels sprouts thoroughly after washing to prevent excess moisture, which can make the pizza soggy.
- Bacon Flavor: For an extra layer of flavor, consider using thick-cut bacon. The crispy bits will add a delightful crunch and richness to your pizza.
- Layering: When assembling, be strategic with your layers. Spread the marinara sauce evenly and don’t skimp on the mozzarella for a cheesy delight.
- Rest Before Slicing: Allowing the pizza to rest for 5-10 minutes after baking helps the cheese set, making it easier to slice and serve.
- Garnish for Flair: A sprinkle of fresh herbs or additional Italian seasoning just before serving can brighten the flavors and add a pop of color.With these tips in hand, you're all set to create a deep dish pizza that’s sure to become a family favorite!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 26g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 55mg
