Carbonara Pizza recipe
Introducing a delightful fusion of two beloved dishes, Carbonara Pizza transforms the classic Italian pasta into a mouthwatering pizza experience. This recipe blends the creamy richness of carbonara with the crispy, cheesy goodness of a freshly baked pizza, ensuring a flavor explosion in every bite.
Perfect for a cozy night in or an impressive dinner party, this dish features savory bacon, a blend of mozzarella and parmesan, and a perfectly baked egg in the center. The optional chili oil adds a spicy kick, elevating the taste to new heights.
With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, making Carbonara Pizza is both accessible and rewarding. Prepare to impress your family and friends with this innovative culinary creation that brings the comforting essence of carbonara right to your pizza stone.
Carbonara Pizza: Ingredients
This delectable Carbonara Pizza relies on a few key ingredients that come together to create a symphony of flavors.
Thick-Cut Bacon brings a savory, smoky depth, perfectly complementing the creamy toppings.
Fresh Mozzarella melts beautifully, creating a gooey, luxurious base, while Grated Parmesan adds a nutty richness that enhances every bite.
The Egg at the center offers a delightful, runny yolk that ties the dish together, enriching the pizza with its velvety texture.
To elevate the experience, Chili Oil introduces a spicy kick, balancing the richness with a hint of heat, making each slice irresistible.
Carbonara Pizza: A Culinary Delight
Carbonara Pizza is a mouthwatering fusion of classic Italian flavors, combining the richness of carbonara with the beloved comfort of pizza. This recipe is not only delicious but also easy to make, making it perfect for any occasion. Here, we’ll enhance your cooking experience with helpful tips, serving suggestions, and frequently asked questions.
Recipe Tips
- Dough Handling: For the best results, allow your store-bought pizza dough to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before stretching it. This relaxation period makes it easier to roll out, preventing it from springing back and ensuring a perfectly shaped crust.
- Bacon Cooking: To achieve the ideal bacon texture, cook it until it is mostly crispy but still slightly bendable. This ensures it will stay tender on the pizza while still providing that delicious crunch. You can also experiment with different types of bacon, like pancetta, for a unique flavor profile.
- Chili Oil Customization: The chili oil is optional but adds a fantastic flavor boost. Adjust the amount of crushed red chili flakes according to your heat preference. You can also infuse the oil with additional herbs, such as oregano or thyme, for an extra layer of complexity.
What to Serve with Carbonara Pizza
Pairing your Carbonara Pizza with complementary dishes can elevate your meal experience. Consider these suggestions:
- Simple Arugula Salad: A light arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette balances the richness of the pizza. The peppery notes of arugula and the acidity of the dressing provide a refreshing contrast that cleanses the palate.
- Garlic Bread: Serve slices of crispy garlic bread on the side for a delightful textural addition. The buttery, garlicky flavor of the bread is a fantastic match for the savory elements of the pizza, ensuring no morsel of deliciousness goes uneaten.
- Red Wine: A glass of medium-bodied red wine, such as Chianti or Merlot, complements the smoky flavors of the bacon and the creamy cheese. The wine’s acidity and fruitiness enhance the overall flavor profile of the dish, making your meal feel even more indulgent.
FAQ
1. Can I use homemade pizza dough instead of store-bought?
Absolutely! Homemade pizza dough can elevate your Carbonara Pizza. Just make sure it’s well-proofed and easy to stretch.
2. How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in the oven for the best texture.
3. Is it possible to make this pizza vegetarian?
Yes! You can substitute the bacon with sautéed mushrooms or smoked tempeh to maintain that rich, umami flavor without the meat.
4. What can I do if the egg yolk cooks too much?
To ensure the yolk remains runny, keep a close eye on the baking time after adding the egg. Bake until the whites are just set; the residual heat will continue to cook the yolk slightly.
Carbonara Pizza
Ingredients
- For Chili Oil optional
- Extra-virgin olive oil
- Crushed red chili flakes
- Grated garlic
- Kosher salt
- For Pizza
- Thick-cut bacon diced
- Store-bought pizza dough 9 oz
- All-purpose flour for dusting
- Freshly shredded mozzarella cheese
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Large egg
- Kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Chili Oil Preparation (optional): In a medium heatproof bowl, combine the crushed red chili flakes and grated garlic. In a small saucepan over medium heat, warm the olive oil until it is hot but not smoking, which should take about 2 to 3 minutes. Pour this oil over the chili and garlic mixture, stir well, and set aside to infuse.
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven temperature to 500°F and position a baking sheet on the middle rack to preheat.
- Cook the Bacon: Place the diced bacon in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook until the bacon is mostly crispy yet retains a slight bend, then transfer it to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess grease.
- Prepare the Pizza Dough: On a well-floured surface, stretch or roll the pizza dough into a round shape, approximately 10 to 11 inches in diameter. Transfer the dough onto a pizza peel, cutting board, or an upside-down baking sheet, ensuring that the crust can move freely without sticking.
- Assemble the Pizza: Distribute an even layer of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the dough, leaving the center clear for the egg and maintaining a 1-inch border around the edge for the crust. Scatter the cooked bacon evenly across the top.
- Bake the Pizza: Carefully remove the preheated baking sheet from the oven and transfer the prepared pizza onto it.
- Final Baking: Bake the pizza for 9 to 10 minutes or until the cheese is golden and bubbling. Once this is achieved, delicately crack the egg into the center of the pizza. You may also crack the egg into a small bowl first and then pour it onto the pizza. Return the pizza to the oven and bake until the egg white has set while the yolk remains runny, which will take an additional 2 to 3 minutes.
