If you’re a pizza lover like me, you’re going to fall head over heels for this easy skillet pizza with Brussels and bacon. I made it last week, and I’m still amazed by how perfectly crispy, cheesy, and flavorful it turned out.
The deep-dish style crust, combined with savory roasted Brussels sprouts, crunchy bacon, and a drizzle of hot honey, is pure magic. And guess what? You don’t even need fancy pizza tools to whip it up at home. Trust me, once you try this recipe, takeout pizzas might just become a distant memory.
For a tropical-inspired pairing, consider trying coconut-crusted mahi-mahi with pineapple beer butter sauce alongside this pizza.
Ingredients You’ll Need and Why They Work
Here’s everything you need to make this irresistible skillet pizza. I’ve added a few pro tips along the way to make things even easier for you.
- 1 cup Brussels sprouts (halved or quartered)
Brussels sprouts are packed with flavor when roasted; they add a nutty, slightly sweet taste. Fresh ones work best here for the right texture. - 3 slices of bacon
Crisp, salty bacon balances the earthy sweetness of the Brussels sprouts beautifully. - 2 tablespoons olive oil
This keeps the crust crispy and adds richness. Always choose a good-quality olive oil for better flavor. - ½ teaspoon dried Italian herbs
These herbs create a beautiful baseline of flavor for the crust. - ½ teaspoon garlic salt
Infuses the dough with just the right amount of garlicky goodness. - ½ teaspoon garlic powder
Adds depth and warmth to every bite of the crust. - ½ teaspoon kosher salt
Enhances all the flavors without overpowering them. - ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
Adds a slight kick of heat. You can adjust the amount based on your spice tolerance. - 1 lb pizza dough (store-bought)
Make sure it’s at room temperature before starting. Pre-made pizza dough saves time and delivers reliable results. - 6 oz mozzarella cheese (diced, low-moisture preferred)
Dicing the cheese helps it melt evenly. Go for low-moisture mozzarella to avoid extra sogginess. - ¼ cup grated Pecorino cheese
This adds a salty, tangy finish to the pizza. - Hot honey (for drizzling)
The perfect sweet-and-spicy topper to take the flavors over the edge.
Note: This recipe makes about 2-4 servings, perfect for a small dinner or a fun weekend treat. Adjust ingredients based on the number of people you’re serving.
Variations and Add-Ins
If you’d like to tweak the recipe or accommodate different dietary needs, here are some options you can try:
- Dairy-Free: Use a plant-based cheese alternative instead of mozzarella and Pecorino.
- Gluten-Free: Many stores sell gluten-free pizza dough that pairs well here. Just follow the same steps!
- Vegetarian: Skip the bacon and add sliced mushrooms, caramelized onions, or roasted red peppers instead.
- Spicy: Increase the amount of red pepper flakes or drizzle extra hot honey after baking.
For another creative twist, you might enjoy this easy ricotta cheese pasta with chicken recipe.
Cooking Time
This recipe is quick and easy, ideal for a weeknight meal. Here’s how the timing breaks down:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Equipment You’ll Need
Here’s the gear you’ll need to get cooking:
- 8-inch cast iron skillet: Delivers the crispy, deep-dish crust.
- Baking sheet: Perfect for roasting the Brussels sprouts and bacon.
- Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easy.
- Sharp knife: For chopping Brussels sprouts and bacon.
- Rolling pin: To roll out the pizza dough evenly.
How to Make Easy Skillet Pizza with Brussels and Bacon
Here’s a simple guide to making this cheesy, savory skillet pizza:
Prepare the Brussels Sprouts and Bacon
Before assembling the pizza, start with your roasted toppings. Preheat your oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Spread the halved or quartered Brussels sprouts on one side of the sheet.
Drizzle them with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. On the other side of the tray, lay out the bacon strips. Roast for 10-12 minutes, flipping the bacon midway. Once done, allow the bacon to cool slightly, then chop it into bite-sized pieces.
Season Your Pizza Dough
Take your pizza dough out of the fridge ahead of time to reach room temperature. Season your skillet by heating it gently over medium heat and drizzling in some olive oil. Sprinkle the dried Italian herbs, garlic powder, garlic salt, red pepper flakes, and kosher salt right into the oil for a flavorful base.
Shape and Cook the Dough
Roll the dough into a circle roughly 9 inches in diameter. Carefully lay it into the hot skillet, pressing it gently toward the edges. Cook the dough for about five minutes until the bottom takes on a golden, crispy tone. Don’t worry if the top still looks doughy; that will come together beautifully in the next step.
Add the Toppings
Sprinkle your diced mozzarella evenly over the dough. Then, top it with the roasted Brussels sprouts and crispy bacon pieces. Sprinkle a pinch of kosher salt and pepper over the toppings. Finally, add grated Pecorino cheese for a sharp, salty finish.
Broil to Perfection
Transfer the skillet to your oven’s broiler for just 1-2 minutes. Watch it closely! You’re aiming for those golden brown bubbles of cheese and a perfectly crisp crust. Once done, drizzle hot honey across the top for that final explosion of flavor.
Additional Tips for Making This Recipe Better
Here are a few tricks I picked up while making this skillet pizza:
- Get the dough right: Always make sure the pizza dough is at room temperature to avoid it shrinking when rolling.
- Prep toppings ahead of time: Have everything ready so you can quickly assemble the pizza once the crust is cooked.
- Don’t skip the hot honey: It’s the unexpected hero here, amplifying the flavors with its sweet heat.
- Watch the broiler: Broiling happens fast, so keep an eye to avoid burning.
How to Serve Easy Skillet Pizza with Brussels and Bacon
Presentation matters! Slice your pizza into neat wedges and serve directly from the skillet for a rustic, cozy vibe. Garnish with extra Pecorino or freshly cracked pepper for added flair. Pair it with a light salad or a glass of wine to complete the meal.
Nutritional Information
This pizza isn’t just delicious; it’s a satisfying meal. Here’s a snapshot of its nutritional value per serving:
- Calories: 450
- Protein: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fat: 25g
How to Store the Pizza
If you’ve got leftovers, here’s how to keep them fresh:
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to three days.
- Freeze: Wrap individual slices in foil or plastic and freeze for up to a month.
- Reheat: Warm it up in the oven or a skillet to preserve the crispy texture. Avoid microwaving to keep the crust from getting soggy.
You can also enjoy similar dinner recipes to elevate your weeknight meals.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This skillet pizza has so much going for it. Here’s why you’ll love it:
- Quick and simple: From prep to plate in just 30 minutes!
- Customizable: Change up toppings to suit cravings or dietary needs.
- Crowd-pleaser: The perfect combo of crispy, cheesy, and savory.
- Accessible: No pizza stone or fancy equipment required.
- Bursting with flavor: From the seasoned crust to the honey drizzle, every bite is balanced and bold.
FAQs
Can I use a larger skillet?
Yes, but be aware the crust will be thinner in a 10-inch or 12-inch skillet. The flavor, however, remains incredible.
Is gluten-free dough an option?
Absolutely! Many stores offer gluten-free pizza dough, or you can make your own. The cooking process remains the same.
Can I substitute the Brussels sprouts?
Of course! Roasted zucchini, sauteed kale, or even artichokes would work beautifully as alternatives.
What other cheeses can I use?
Feel free to experiment with cheeses like Gouda, fontina, or even goat cheese for unique flavor profiles.