Bacon Tortilla Pizzas are a quick and delicious snack or meal option that combines the irresistible flavor of crispy bacon with the convenience of tortillas. These tortilla pizzas are easy to make, perfect for when you’re short on time or craving something cheesy and savory. With a crispy tortilla base, tangy tomato sauce, and gooey mozzarella cheese, these pizzas hit all the right notes. Plus, they can be customized with optional ingredients like onions, green peppers, or hot sauce for a bit of extra flavor. Whether you’re making them as a quick lunch, dinner, or party snack, these bacon tortilla pizzas are sure to be a hit!
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
For the Base Pizza:
- Tortillas (as many as you need for the number of pizzas)
- Tomato sauce (enough to spread on each tortilla)
- Bacon (cooked and crumbled, as desired)
- Mozzarella cheese (shredded, to taste)
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
Optional Ingredients:
- Chopped onion (optional, for extra flavor)
- Chopped green pepper (optional, for crunch)
- Hot sauce (optional, for spice lovers)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Bacon
- Cook the Bacon:
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until it’s crispy and golden brown, about 6-8 minutes. Drain the excess fat on paper towels and let it cool slightly.
- Once cooled, crumble the bacon into small pieces. Set aside for topping the pizzas.
Step 2: Prepare the Tortillas
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Crisp the Tortillas:
- Place the tortillas directly on a baking sheet or pizza stone. You can spray the tortillas lightly with cooking spray or brush them with a bit of olive oil to help them crisp up in the oven.
- Bake the tortillas for 5-7 minutes until they are just beginning to crisp. This step helps ensure the tortilla base doesn’t become soggy once the toppings are added.
Step 3: Assemble the Pizzas
- Spread the Tomato Sauce:
- Once the tortillas are slightly crisped, remove them from the oven. Spread a thin layer of tomato sauce over each tortilla, leaving a small border around the edges for a “crust.”
- Add Toppings:
- Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded mozzarella cheese over the tomato sauce. Follow this by sprinkling the crumbled bacon on top.
- If you are using optional ingredients like chopped onion or green pepper, add them at this stage.
- For spice lovers, drizzle a little hot sauce over the toppings if desired.
Step 4: Bake the Tortilla Pizzas
- Bake the Pizzas:
- Return the assembled tortilla pizzas to the oven. Bake for another 7-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and starting to turn golden.
- Keep an eye on the pizzas to ensure the tortillas don’t burn.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
- Garnish with Parsley:
- Once the pizzas are out of the oven, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top for a burst of color and freshness.
- Serve:
- Slice the tortilla pizzas into quarters or halves and serve hot. They can be enjoyed as a quick snack, appetizer, or light meal.
Cooking Tips:
- Tortilla Thickness: For a crispier pizza, use thin flour tortillas. Thicker tortillas (like whole wheat or larger wraps) will create a chewier texture but can hold more toppings.
- Crispy Bacon: To ensure the bacon stays crispy on the pizza, cook it thoroughly before adding it to the tortilla. This prevents the bacon from becoming chewy during the baking process.
- Cheese Options: Mozzarella is a classic choice, but feel free to experiment with other cheeses like cheddar, gouda, or even a mix of different cheeses for extra flavor.
- Seasoning: Add a sprinkle of Italian herbs (like oregano, basil, or thyme) to the tomato sauce for a more traditional pizza flavor.
- Grill Option: You can also make these tortilla pizzas on the grill! Place the tortilla directly on the grill grates and follow the same process, but keep a close eye as they can cook quickly.
Storage:
- Refrigeration: If you have leftover tortilla pizzas, store them in an airtight container or wrap them in foil. They will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Reheating: To reheat, place the pizzas in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes or until warmed through. You can also reheat them in a skillet on the stovetop to regain some crispiness.
- Freezing: To freeze, allow the cooked tortilla pizzas to cool completely, then wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven.
Nutritional Facts (per serving, based on 1 tortilla pizza with bacon and cheese):
- Calories: 350
- Total Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
- Sodium: 750mg
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 3g
- Protein: 17g
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Can I use a different base other than tortillas?
Yes, you can substitute tortillas with flatbreads, pita bread, or naan for a similar style of pizza. Just adjust the baking time slightly as these bread options are thicker and may require longer to crisp.
2. Can I make this pizza without bacon?
Absolutely! If you want a vegetarian version, simply leave out the bacon and load up on other toppings like mushrooms, olives, or spinach. You can also use plant-based bacon alternatives.
3. How do I prevent the tortillas from getting soggy?
Pre-baking the tortillas before adding the sauce and toppings helps prevent sogginess. Using a thin layer of sauce and not overloading the pizza with toppings will also keep the tortillas crispy.
4. Can I add more toppings?
Yes, feel free to get creative with the toppings! Popular options include olives, mushrooms, jalapenos, spinach, or even sliced avocado after baking for a fresh twist.
5. What other sauces can I use instead of tomato sauce?
You can substitute the tomato sauce with pesto, BBQ sauce, or even a white garlic sauce for a different flavor. Each sauce will give the pizza a unique taste profile.
Conclusion:
Bacon Tortilla Pizzas are a fun and simple way to enjoy homemade pizza without the hassle of making dough. These pizzas are crispy, cheesy, and packed with flavor from the bacon and mozzarella, with the option to customize them to your taste with additional toppings. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch, a fun family dinner, or a crowd-pleasing appetizer, these tortilla pizzas are the perfect solution. They’re easy to make, versatile, and can be tailored to fit your preferences, making them a fantastic option for any meal. Try them out today and enjoy the deliciousness of pizza in a fraction of the time!