This BBQ Brisket Pizza brings together the smoky flavors of tender brisket with the perfect balance of melted mozzarella and gouda cheeses. The crust is crispy, golden, and slightly charred from the grill, adding that extra depth of flavor.
Whether you’re grilling for a casual dinner or impressing guests with something unique, this pizza will surely be the star of the show. The combination of smoky brisket, tangy BBQ sauce, and gooey cheese makes each bite unforgettable, while fresh cilantro adds a pop of color and freshness to complete the experience.
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
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1 pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
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1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite)
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2 cups cooked brisket, shredded
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1 small red onion, thinly sliced
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1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
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1/2 cup smoked gouda cheese, shredded
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1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
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1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
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Olive oil for brushing
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Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
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Preheat your grill to 400°F (204°C) and prepare your pizza stone or grill-safe pan.
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Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface to your desired thickness.
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Brush the pizza dough lightly with olive oil and transfer it to the grill. Cook for 3-4 minutes, until the bottom starts to brown.
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Remove the dough from the grill and flip it over.
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Brush BBQ sauce generously over the top of the pizza dough.
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Spread the shredded brisket evenly over the BBQ sauce, followed by red onion slices.
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Sprinkle both mozzarella and gouda cheeses on top.
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Return the pizza to the grill and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the crust is golden brown.
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Once done, remove from the grill, sprinkle with fresh cilantro and red pepper flakes (if using), and season with salt and pepper to taste.
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Slice and serve immediately.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 12 minutes | Total Time: 27 minutes
Kcal: 380 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
The Origin of BBQ Brisket Pizza
BBQ pizza has become a popular trend, thanks to its fusion of two beloved dishes: pizza and barbecue. However, when you elevate it with the rich and smoky flavor of brisket, you’re in for a real treat. Brisket, known for its melt-in-your-mouth tenderness and smoky flavor, is a classic staple of Southern and Texas BBQ traditions. When paired with a pizza crust and topped with the right cheeses and fresh herbs, the result is a pizza like no other.
This dish is perfect for any BBQ lover looking to try something new, or for anyone who enjoys experimenting with different pizza toppings. You can easily prepare it on the grill, which adds a level of smokiness and crispiness to the pizza crust that you won’t find in an oven-baked version.
Why BBQ Brisket Pizza Works So Well
One of the most enticing aspects of BBQ Brisket Pizza is how well the ingredients work together. The smoky BBQ sauce enhances the brisket, creating an irresistible savory-sweet flavor that perfectly complements the richness of the cheeses. Mozzarella, with its mild, creamy texture, and gouda, with its sharp and smoky flavor, melt together to create a gooey, delicious topping that elevates the entire pizza. The crispy pizza crust offers a satisfying crunch, while the grilled onions and fresh cilantro provide a refreshing contrast.
This pizza doesn’t just offer comfort food—it also delivers a depth of flavor that’s perfect for summer cookouts, family dinners, or a fun weekend meal. The brisket adds a meaty component that makes this pizza substantial, while the BBQ sauce adds a tangy, slightly sweet element that brings everything together.
Perfect for the Grill
What makes BBQ Brisket Pizza even more special is the fact that it’s cooked on the grill. Grilled pizza has become a favorite method for pizza lovers looking to achieve a smoky flavor and crispy texture that’s difficult to replicate in an oven. The high heat from the grill helps to char the crust slightly, adding a unique flavor profile that you can’t get from traditional baking. Additionally, the open flame and smoky elements from the grill further enhance the richness of the BBQ sauce and brisket.
Using the grill for this recipe gives you the opportunity to infuse the pizza with that undeniable BBQ flavor, and the result is a pizza that’s both crispy and flavorful from the first bite to the last. The crust, which crisps up beautifully from the grill’s heat, contrasts perfectly with the juicy, tender brisket and gooey cheese, making every slice irresistible.
Customization Options for BBQ Brisket Pizza
While the recipe calls for a combination of mozzarella and gouda cheeses, one of the best aspects of this pizza is its versatility. You can easily swap out cheeses to suit your preferences. For example, sharp cheddar or even smoked provolone could make a great alternative to gouda, adding even more smokiness to the flavor profile.
In terms of toppings, the possibilities are endless. You can add other grilled vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini to create a more vegetable-forward pizza. If you want to spice things up, consider adding jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce to bring some heat into the mix. For those who enjoy a sweeter contrast, try adding caramelized onions or pineapple for a unique twist on the classic BBQ flavor profile.
Making the Perfect BBQ Brisket
While you can certainly use store-bought brisket, taking the time to prepare your own will make a huge difference in the flavor of your pizza. Brisket is a cut of meat that benefits from slow cooking, allowing it to become incredibly tender and flavorful. Whether you’re smoking the brisket or using a slow-cooker, the process of cooking it low and slow ensures that it absorbs all the flavors of the seasoning, rubs, and smoke.
For those who don’t have the time to prepare homemade brisket, you can always opt for leftover brisket from a previous BBQ session. The beauty of this recipe is that it allows you to use up leftover brisket in a creative way, turning it into a new, exciting dish. Just make sure to shred the brisket before using it as a topping so that it’s easy to spread across the pizza.
Serving BBQ Brisket Pizza
BBQ Brisket Pizza is a crowd-pleaser, making it an ideal choice for everything from family dinners to backyard BBQs. The great thing about this pizza is that it’s easy to serve and eat. You can slice it into large pieces for a filling meal, or cut it into smaller slices for appetizers during a party. Pair it with a refreshing drink, such as a cold beer, lemonade, or iced tea, to balance the rich flavors of the pizza.
Because it’s cooked on the grill, this pizza also makes an excellent dish for outdoor gatherings. The combination of the smoky flavor from the brisket and the grilled crust makes it a perfect fit for summer BBQs or any event where you’re looking to impress guests with something out of the ordinary.
The Ideal Side Dishes
While BBQ Brisket Pizza is filling enough on its own, pairing it with a few side dishes can turn this meal into a complete feast. A fresh salad with crisp greens and a tangy vinaigrette would provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the pizza. You could also serve it with grilled vegetables, such as corn on the cob, asparagus, or a simple grilled potato salad. For a fun touch, try serving the pizza alongside a batch of coleslaw to enhance the BBQ theme.
For dessert, consider something light and fruity to balance the heaviness of the pizza. A lemon sorbet, fruit salad, or a slice of refreshing key lime pie would be the perfect finish to this meal.
Conclusion
BBQ Brisket Pizza is a flavorful and fun twist on the classic pizza, offering the smoky richness of BBQ brisket with the indulgence of gooey cheese and a crispy, charred crust. Whether you’re grilling it up for a casual weeknight meal or serving it at a weekend BBQ, this pizza is sure to impress. The combination of flavors, textures, and grilling technique makes it a standout dish that will have everyone coming back for more. The recipe is customizable to suit your tastes, and the grilled preparation adds an extra layer of depth and authenticity to the pizza. Next time you’re craving pizza, skip the takeout and give this BBQ Brisket Pizza a try—you won’t regret it!