I never imagined how much I’d fall in love with this unique combination of flavors until I made this recipe. The sweetness of apples, the sharpness of cheddar, the saltiness of bacon, and the aromatic touch of rosemary all come together like magic. It’s one of those pizzas that makes you feel like a gourmet chef. Every time I serve it, whether for family nights or casual gatherings, it’s a hit. I can’t wait to share how easy and fun it is to make!
Ingredients
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet active dry yeast
- ¾ cup warm water
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 large apple, thinly sliced
- 1 ½ cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Note: This recipe makes 2 pizzas, serving 4 people.
Variations
- Vegetarian Version: Use caramelized onions or toasted walnuts in place of bacon.
- Dairy-Free Option: Substitute cheddar with a plant-based cheese.
- Extra Sweetness: Drizzle honey or maple syrup over the pizza before serving.
- Herb Substitutions: Swap rosemary for thyme or sage for a different aroma.
Cooking Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Equipment You Need
- Mixing Bowl: To prepare the dough.
- Rolling Pin: For rolling the base evenly.
- Pizza Stone or Baking Sheet: To bake the pizza perfectly.
- Brush: For spreading olive oil on the dough.
- Knife: To slice the apples and chop rosemary.
How to Make Apple Cheddar Rosemary Bacon Pizza?
This pizza is a delightful blend of sweet and savory flavors, making it perfect for any occasion. With simple steps and fresh ingredients, you’ll have an unforgettable dish ready in no time!
Prepare the Dough
Start by activating the yeast. Combine the warm water and active dry yeast in a mixing bowl. Allow it to sit for about 5 minutes until you see bubbles forming. Then, add olive oil, salt, and the flour gradually, mixing until a soft dough forms. Knead well until smooth. Cover the bowl with a clean towel and leave the dough to rise for an hour or until it doubles in size.
Roll Out the Base
Once the dough has risen, lightly flour your work surface. Roll the dough out into your preferred shape, whether round or rectangular, and transfer it to a pizza stone or a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). Place your pizza stone or baking sheet inside to heat thoroughly while you prepare your toppings.
Add the First Layer of Flavor
Brush the rolled-out dough with olive oil generously. Sprinkle half of the chopped rosemary evenly on top to start building the flavor base.
Layer the Toppings
Evenly spread apple slices over the olive oil and rosemary. Follow by sprinkling a generous layer of shredded cheddar cheese. Next, scatter the crumbled bacon, ensuring every slice will have some. Finish with the rest of the rosemary.
Bake to Perfection
Season lightly with salt and black pepper, keeping in mind the saltiness of the bacon. Carefully place the pizza onto the preheated stone or tray. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the crust turns golden and the cheese melts and bubbles.
Slice and Serve
Once baked, remove the pizza and allow it to rest for a minute. Slice it into pieces and serve warm. It’s perfect on its own or paired with a fresh salad.
Learn more about creating the perfect crust texture by exploring this Neapolitan pizza crust recipe for that authentic Italian feel.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
Here’s what makes this pizza irresistible:
- Unique Flavor Combination: Sweet apples, sharp cheddar, and savory bacon create a magical balance.
- Simple to Make: You don’t need special skills or tools to pull this off.
- Customizable: Easily adapt it for different tastes or dietary needs.
- Great for Any Occasion: From casual dinners to parties, it’s always a hit.
- Visually Impressive: It looks as stunning as it tastes.
If you enjoy the crispy, golden crust achieved with unique techniques, consider trying this incredible cast iron skillet pizza method for a rustic twist.
How to Serve Apple Cheddar Rosemary Bacon Pizza?
Serve this pizza on a rustic wooden board to make it visually appealing. Garnish it with a sprig of fresh rosemary for a pop of green. You can also drizzle some honey over the top for a touch of sweetness. Pair it with a crisp white wine, a chilled iced tea, or even a side of arugula salad to complete the meal. You can also enjoy similar recipes like this delightful pepperoni pizza with hot honey, ricotta, olives, and basil for another creative take on pizza night.
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick nutritional snapshot for one slice of this pizza:
- Calories: 340
- Protein: 14g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fat: 18g
Make Ahead and Storage
If you’re short on time, you can prepare the dough the night before and refrigerate it, ready to use the next day. If there are leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to regain the crispy crust. For longer storage, bake the pizza fully, then freeze it wrapped in foil for up to 2 months. Reheat from frozen for best results.
Tips for Making the Recipe
I’ve made this pizza numerous times, and here are a few tips I swear by:
- Use tart apple varieties like Granny Smith; they balance the sweetness and sharpness perfectly.
- Bring ingredients like cheese and bacon to room temperature before topping to help them cook evenly.
- Avoid overloading the pizza with toppings to prevent sogginess.
- Always preheat your baking surface for an evenly cooked crust.
Apple Cheddar Rosemary Bacon Pizza Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet active dry yeast
- ¾ cup warm water
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 large apple thinly sliced
- 1 ½ cups sharp cheddar cheese shredded
- 4 slices bacon cooked and crumbled
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Start by activating the yeast. Combine the warm water and active dry yeast in a mixing bowl. Allow it to sit for about 5 minutes until you see bubbles forming. Then, add olive oil, salt, and the flour gradually, mixing until a soft dough forms. Knead well until smooth. Cover the bowl with a clean towel and leave the dough to rise for an hour or until it doubles in size.
- Once the dough has risen, lightly flour your work surface. Roll the dough out into your preferred shape, whether round or rectangular, and transfer it to a pizza stone or a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). Place your pizza stone or baking sheet inside to heat thoroughly while you prepare your toppings.
- Brush the rolled-out dough with olive oil generously. Sprinkle half of the chopped rosemary evenly on top to start building the flavor base.
- Evenly spread apple slices over the olive oil and rosemary. Follow by sprinkling a generous layer of shredded cheddar cheese. Next, scatter the crumbled bacon, ensuring every slice will have some. Finish with the rest of the rosemary.
- Season lightly with salt and black pepper, keeping in mind the saltiness of the bacon. Carefully place the pizza onto the preheated stone or tray. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the crust turns golden and the cheese melts and bubbles.
- Once baked, remove the pizza and allow it to rest for a minute. Slice it into pieces and serve warm. It’s perfect on its own or paired with a fresh salad.
Notes
- Use tart apple varieties like Granny Smith; they balance the sweetness and sharpness perfectly.
- Bring ingredients like cheese and bacon to room temperature before topping to help them cook evenly.
- Avoid overloading the pizza with toppings to prevent sogginess.
- Always preheat your baking surface for an evenly cooked crust.
