
Hey friends! Let me tell you about the night I transformed sad fridge leftovers into a meal my kids actually cheered for. Picture this: half a tub of pulled pork from Sunday’s BBQ, a lonely onion, and that almost-empty BBQ sauce bottle. Enter Pulled Pork BBQ Pizza—the cheesy, smoky hero that saved dinner. Today, I’m sharing my secrets for making this crowd-pleaser your new weeknight MVP. Perfect for busy moms, meal-preppers, or anyone who wants to feel like a kitchen rockstar without the hassle.
Why I Make Pulled Pork Pizza Instead of Ordering
I used to stare at leftover pulled pork like it was a chore. Then I discovered three things:
- Takeout pizza costs $30+ (and never has enough cheese!).
- Homemade lets me hide veggies (shhh…spinach blends right in!).
- It’s faster than drive-thru (30 minutes start to finish!).
Now, it’s my go-to for using leftovers, feeding sleepover crowds, and winning “Mom’s Best Cook” votes from my toughest critics (my kids).
My Never-Fail Pulled Pork BBQ Pizza Recipe
This recipe works with store-bought dough, naan bread, or even tortillas. I’ve made it with pork from the slow cooker, grocery store rotisserie chicken, and even jackfruit for vegan friends.
Ingredients

(Makes one 12” pizza)
- Dough: 1 lb store-bought dough (or homemade)
- Sauce: ½ cup BBQ sauce + 1 tbsp honey
- Cheese: 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar-mozzarella blend
- Toppings: 1 ½ cups pulled pork, ½ red onion (sliced), 2 tbsp pickled jalapeños
- Finish: Cilantro, lime wedges, ranch drizzle
Step-by-Step

- Prep the Dough:
- Let dough rest 30 minutes (cold dough fights back!).
- Stretch on greased baking sheet.
- Sweeten the Sauce:
- Mix BBQ sauce and honey (cuts the vinegar bite kids hate).
- Assemble & Bake:
- Preheat oven to 450°F.
- Spread sauce, sprinkle cheese, add pork and onions.
- Bake 15-18 minutes until crust is golden.
- Add Zing:
- Top with jalapeños, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime.
Pro Tip: For crispy pork bits, broil 1 minute at the end!
5 Pulled Pork Pizza Twists I Love

- Hawaiian Surprise: Add pineapple chunks + crispy bacon.
- Breakfast Pizza: Top with scrambled eggs + avocado.
- Southern Belle: Mix coleslaw into the sauce.
- Spicy Fiesta: Use chipotle BBQ sauce + pickled red onions.
- Vegan Magic: Swap pork for jackfruit + vegan cheese.
How I Make It Kid-Friendly
My son once declared onions “the devil’s confetti.” Here’s my stealthy fix:
- Blend onions: Pulse in food processor until invisible in sauce.
- Cheese letters: Spell names with shredded cheese.
- Dip station: Serve with ranch + extra sauce for dunking.
Why Homemade Beats Takeout
Restaurant BBQ pizzas often skimp on meat and drown in sugar. At home, I control:
- Quality: Real smoked pork vs. mystery meat.
- Health: Less sugar, more veggies sneaked in.
- Cost: $8 feeds four vs. $35+ delivery.
My Freezer Hack for Crazy Weeks
I freeze pulled pork in 1-cup portions and:
- Thaw pork overnight.
- Assemble pizza on store-bought crust.
- Bake straight from fridge—adds 2 minutes to cook time.
Pairing Ideas for Pizza Night
- Sides: Quick cucumber salad or roasted broccoli.
- Drinks: Iced peach tea or Mexican Coke.
- Dessert: Brownie bites or watermelon slices.
Fix Common Pizza Fails

My first attempt was a soggy, bland mess. Lessons learned:
- Soggy crust? Pat pork dry with paper towels first.
- Too sweet? Add 1 tsp apple cider vinegar to sauce.
- Bland cheese? Mix in smoked gouda or pepper jack.
Pulled Pork Pizza Isn’t Just Dinner!
I’ve served this as:
- Appetizers: Cut into squares for game day.
- Lunchboxes: Pack cold slices (they’re shockingly good!).
- Brunch: Add fried eggs + hot sauce.
The Night This Pizza Saved My Sanity
Last month, my slow cooker died mid-pork cook. I salvaged half-raw meat by shredding and frying it crispy. Tossed it on pizza with extra sauce? My husband still thinks it was “gourmet.” Mom wins don’t need to be pretty!
Final Thoughts
Pulled Pork BBQ Pizza isn’t just food—it’s a leftover miracle. It’s sticky fingers, laughter over “who took the biggest slice,” and the pride of creating something from (almost) nothing. Whether you’re cooking solo or herding kids, this recipe bends to your life.
So next time you see that leftover pork, grab some dough instead of sighing. Your future self (and hungry family!) will thank you.
Your Turn!
I Turned Leftover Pulled Pork Into Our Family’s Favorite Pizza (And You Can Too!)
Description
Pulled Pork BBQ Pizza combines tender, smoky pulled pork with tangy barbecue sauce, melty cheese, and a crispy crust. This sweet and savory pizza is perfect for barbecue lovers and a great way to use leftover pulled pork.
Ingredients
For the Base:
For the Toppings:
Instructions
Preheat the Oven
-
Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). Place a pizza stone or baking sheet inside to heat.
Prepare the Dough
-
Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface into your desired shape and thickness.
-
Transfer it to a piece of parchment paper for easy handling.
Assemble the Pizza
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Spread a thin layer of barbecue sauce over the pizza dough, leaving a small border for the crust.
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Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella evenly over the sauce.
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Distribute the pulled pork evenly across the pizza.
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Add the red onion slices and pickled jalapeños for a tangy kick.
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Top with the remaining mozzarella cheese.
Bake the Pizza
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Carefully slide the pizza (with parchment paper) onto the hot stone or baking sheet.
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Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and the crust is golden brown.
Garnish and Serve
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Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for a minute.
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Drizzle with extra barbecue sauce and sprinkle with fresh cilantro leaves for a burst of flavor.
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Slice and serve immediately.
Note
- For a smoky flavor, use a barbecue sauce with a hickory or mesquite profile.
- To make it spicier, add more jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce.
- This recipe is perfect for leftover pulled pork, but you can also use store-bought pulled pork to save time.