Half-and-Half Bacon and Plain Pizza with Broccoli Bites
A classic pizza split evenly with savory bacon on one side and simple cheese on the other, paired with crispy broccoli bites as a flavorful appetizer. This italian-inspired pizza ready in about 30 minutes pairs pizza dough, tomato sauce, shredded mozzarella cheese for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 12 oz pizza dough
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce
- 8 oz shredded mozzarella cheese
- 6 slices bacon strips
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- for dusting all-purpose flour
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 475°F and lightly dust a pizza peel or baking sheet with 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour. Roll out 12 oz pizza dough on a floured surface to a 12-inch circle.
- Step 2: Transfer dough to the baking sheet, spread 1/2 cup tomato sauce evenly over the surface, then sprinkle 8 oz shredded mozzarella cheese over the entire pizza.
- Step 3: Cook 6 slices of bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy, about 6-7 minutes, then drain on paper towels and chop roughly. Arrange bacon on one half of the pizza.
- Step 4: Bake the pizza in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes until the crust is golden and cheese is bubbling and lightly browned.
- Step 5: While pizza bakes, toss 2 cups broccoli florets with 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/4 cup grated parmesan, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper until evenly coated.
- Step 6: Spread broccoli mixture on a parchment-lined baking sheet and roast in the oven alongside pizza for 10-12 minutes until crisp-tender and golden on edges.
- Step 7: Remove pizza and broccoli bites from oven; let pizza cool 3 minutes before slicing. Serve broccoli bites warm as a savory side.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Half-and-Half Bacon and Plain Pizza with Broccoli Bites take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Half-and-Half Bacon and Plain Pizza with Broccoli Bites?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep pizza dough from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Half-and-Half Bacon and Plain Pizza with Broccoli Bites?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Half-and-Half Bacon and Plain Pizza with Broccoli Bites for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Half-and-Half Bacon and Plain Pizza with Broccoli Bites?
Italian pizza like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.