Brussels Sprouts Pizza with Bacon and Pear

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Need something different for pizza night? This Brussels sprouts pizza also features bacon and pear for a salty-sweet combo.

Ever since I was introduced to roasted Brussels sprouts a few years ago I’ve looked forward to their season.

I’ve even tried growing them in my garden a few times, but for all the things I’ve grown I haven’t been successful with brassicas.

It seems like every other month or so that article circulates about how Brussels sprouts legitimately are tastier than they were in our parents’ or grandparents’ time.

While this is true, I’m also willing to blame our general dislike of sprouts on how they had been prepared. That is, not very creatively.

Unless you enjoy boiled vegetables, but I don’t.

I first got this idea for this pizza years and years ago after visiting a coffee shop that was serving up spinach, bacon, and pear pizzas.

I was new to Brussels sprouts at the time, constantly looking for new ways to enjoy them, so I decided to remake that pizza but with sprouts in the place of the spinach.

Admittedly, this pizza requires a bit more work than the standard pepperoni pie, but I think it’s worth it. 

How to prep Brussels sprouts

For this pizza, you will want to cut the sprouts thinly. This ensures they get cooked on the pizza.

You could also do a quick saute of the sprouts before adding to the pizza. I do this when I have some extra time, but it isn’t necessary.

First, trim off the bottom of the sprout where it was previously attached to the stalk. 

Peel off the first outer leaf and discard. Remove any other leaves that might be wilted or browned.

Slice each sprout thinly from top to bottom. You’ll need to hold the pieces in place as you cut, especially as you get to the end, or the knife can slip on the leaves.

Toss the leaves into a bowl, separating them a bit, and continue with the rest.

Add some olive oil, salt, and pepper, and stir well to coat. This will help the leaves soften a little before adding to the pizza.

Cooking bacon for pizza

One question that comes up frequently is, “Do I need to cook the bacon for pizza ahead of time?”

This is understandable, because after all, you’re putting it in the oven!

However, it’s hard to ensure raw meats get cooked thoroughly on a pizza without burning the rest of the ingredients.

That’s why meats like chicken, Italian sausage, and yes, bacon, are cooked ahead of time. Aged salami like pepperoni do not need to be cooked before adding to pizza.

Cook your bacon using whatever method you prefer, but cook it slightly less crispy than you would if you were just enjoying on its own. 

This way, it will have been cooked to temperature, but will also crisp a little more in the oven.

Layering the toppings

When I make pizzas, I tend to go back and forth between whether the toppings will go on top of the cheese or under the cheese.

For my BBQ pulled pork pizza, I put the toppings between the cheese layers. 

It really just depends on your preference, but for this Brussels sprouts pizza I like to have the sprouts right on top of the garlicky olive oil, with the bacon and pear on top of that, and finished with the cheese.

This pizza doesn’t use a ton of cheese, instead relying on the rest of the toppings for the flavor.

I’ve made it with mozzarella, parmesan, smoked gouda, and a mix of Italian cheeses, but you really can’t go wrong, so use your favorite.

This recipe makes a 12-inch pizza, but there are enough toppings for a 14-inch pizza. If you do use a larger crust, add enough olive oil to make sure the crust gets an even layer, and however much cheese you prefer.

If you love sprouts, try my spicy glazed Brussels sprouts!

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Brussels Sprouts Pizza

This Brussels sprouts pizza also features bacon and pear for a salty-sweet combo.
Author : Megan Myers
5 from 1 vote
Print Pin Recipe Save Review
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 372 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1/2 pound pizza dough
  • 2 to 4 slices bacon
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced or pressed
  • 8 ounces Brussels sprouts
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 pear, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella, parmesan, or other cheese

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 450°F. If you have a pizza stone, make sure it is in the oven while preheating — you want it nice and hot!
  • In a frying pan, cook bacon until just crisp. Remove to a paper towel to drain.
  • Trim ends off Brussels sprouts, remove any wilted leaves, then slice thinly from top to bottom. Place in a bowl, then drizzle with about 2 teaspoons olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Stir to coat.
  • Roll out pizza dough onto pan or pizza peel for transferring to stone. Spread on remaining olive oil and garlic, leaving a bare border around the edge of the pizza.
  • Scatter on sprouts and bacon, then arrange pear slices. Top with shredded cheese.
  • Bake for 10-12 minutes, until crust is crispy and cheese has melted. Let cool for 5 minutes before cutting.

Nutrition

Serving: 2 slicesCalories: 372 kcalCarbohydrates: 39 gProtein: 14 gFat: 19 gSaturated Fat: 5 gCholesterol: 26 mgSodium: 625 mgFiber: 4 gSugar: 7 g

Nutrition information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate based on online calculators. Any nutritional information found on Stetted should be used as a general guideline only.

Tried this recipe?Leave a comment below!
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About Megan

I focus on fresh ingredients and easy methods, with spins that keep meals interesting. Dinnertime shouldn’t be stressful or complicated, and I’m here to help you enjoy the time spent in the kitchen. Read more…

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10 Comments

  1. Just pinned this on my “recipes to try” Pinterest board. Think I’ll gild the lily and use blue cheese or a bit of goat cheese too. This is going to be my dinner Friday night, looks great.

    1. They have been really easy to grow! I bought a couple seedlings from the local nursery and they have been doing great. I do think maybe I was supposed to stake them or something because they aren’t as tall as I normally see stalks. But it’s my first year, so I hope I’ll get it down next winter 🙂

  2. there’s something so great about brussels sprouts and bacon together — i might have to try this out (if i can find myself a decent gluten-free dough recipe first since i haven’t been making pizza at home lately)

  3. never thought of this veggie on pizza! thx for idea. love the pics. and dying to know which coffee shop works for you, because i’m in the same shoes as you. I get 2.5 hours to work while kiddo is at preschool. i usually want good coffee and a good lunch too!

  4. The one thing I do different and with utmost enthusiasm is put the chees next to the crust, with the moist veggies always on top. This allows the moisture to escape and the veggies to braze.

    When the cheese is on top, the moisture gets trapped and goes into the crust. I don’t like soggy crusts and cheese on top is the path towards sog.