Description
This delicious Bacon Pizza features a crispy homemade crust topped with a creamy white sauce, sweet caramelized onions, crispy bacon, and fresh baby spinach. Perfectly balanced with rich flavors and a satisfying texture, it’s an easy-to-make savory treat that comes together in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
DOUGH:
- 1 package (1/4 ounce) active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm water (110° to 115°)
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 2-3/4 to 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 2 tablespoons canola oil
CARAMELIZED ONIONS:
- 2 tablespoons canola oil
- 2 large sweet onions, thinly sliced
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon minced fresh rosemary
WHITE SAUCE:
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 cup half-and-half cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
TOPPINGS:
- 5 bacon strips, cooked and crumbled
- 1 cup fresh baby spinach
Instructions
- Prepare the pizza dough: In a large bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm water (110° to 115°). Add the sugar and let it stand for five minutes until foamy. Stir in 2-3/4 to 3 cups of all-purpose flour, salt, and canola oil, then beat until the dough is smooth.
- Let the dough rise: Cover the bowl and let the dough rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 15 to 20 minutes. While the dough rises, prepare the onions as outlined in the next steps.
- Preheat and parbake the crust: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Punch down the dough and press it evenly onto the bottom and up the sides of a greased 14-inch pizza pan, forming a slight edge on the crust. Prick the dough several times with a fork, then bake for 6 to 8 minutes to partially bake the crust.
- Caramelize the onions: In a large skillet over medium heat, warm 2 tablespoons of canola oil. Add the thinly sliced onions and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Cook and stir for 6 to 8 minutes until softened. Reduce heat to medium-low and continue to cook, stirring occasionally, for 30 to 40 minutes until onions are deeply golden brown. Stir in minced fresh rosemary to finish.
- Make the white sauce: In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook, stirring, for about 1 minute. Stir in the flour until well blended. Gradually add the half-and-half cream, bringing the mixture to a boil. Cook and stir for 1 to 2 minutes until thickened. Remove from heat and stir in grated Parmesan cheese.
- Assemble the pizza: Spread the warm white sauce evenly over the parbaked pizza crust. Layer the caramelized onions, cooked crumbled bacon, and fresh baby spinach on top.
- Bake until golden: Place the assembled pizza back into the oven and bake for 13 to 15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and toppings are heated through.
- Serve: Remove from oven, cut into wedges, and serve warm.
Notes
- Starting the onions while the dough rises saves time and ensures everything is ready simultaneously.
- Parbaking the crust prevents it from becoming soggy once toppings are added.
- You can substitute fresh rosemary with dried rosemary if unavailable, but use less (about 1/4 teaspoon).
- For extra crisp bacon, cook it in the oven on a foil-lined pan before crumbling.
- Spinach can be lightly sautéed before adding if you prefer it softer.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American