As many of you already know, or have probably noticed if you've been reading long, I eat a mostly vegetarian diet. I didn't grow up eating this way. My childhood was filled with chicken fingers and hamburgers. You know, kid stuff. :)
But the thing I miss most about eating meat is not actually the meat, it's the BBQ sauce. I love it! So finding ways to add more BBQ sauce into my current diet is always a priority for me.
Did you know that BBQ sauce makes a great pizza sauce? Oh yes. It's one of my favorites for sure. So that paired with one of my very favorite vegetables (brussels sprouts!) and my favorite food group (pizza!) is a total trifecta.
OK, pizza isn't a food group. You got me there. But geez, wouldn't that be great if pizza could be a food group? Dare to dream.
BBQ Brussels Sprout Pizza, makes two.
For the dough:
2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (one packet)
pinch of sugar
1 1/8 cups warm water
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/4 teaspoons salt
For the toppings (keep in mind this is for two, so cut in half if you are only making one):
1/4 cup BBQ sauce
1/2 cup brussels sprouts, cut into fourths
1/2 red onion
2 cups shredded cheese (mozzarella, pepper jack, colby jack, or a combination)
To make the dough, begin by stirring together the warm water and sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the top of the water and allow that to sit and activate for 5-6 minutes. In a large bowl, combine the oil, flours, and salt.
Pour the yeast mixture in with the flour, and stir until a dough ball forms. Knead for 3-4 minutes until the dough begins to feel elastic-like. Place in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and allow to rise for 1 hour or until nearly doubled in size. This makes enough dough for two pizzas. So, if you only want to make one at a time, I'd recommend freezing half of the dough after it has risen to use at a later date. Or you can try cutting the entire recipe in half if you prefer.
Finely chop the onions and saute in a little oil over medium heat. Cook until they are brown, but not burnt. This will bring out a little sweetness in the onions, which goes well with the BBQ sauce. Once done set aside.
Cook the cut brussels sprouts in a similar way. You're looking to soften them and add a few crispy edges, but they won't necessarily be completely cooked through. And that's OK! They will cook a little more while on the pizza. I cooked mine in the pan (with oil over medium heat) for about 5 minutes. How long you cook them is really up to you and how you like your brussels, just don't burn them. 🙂
Roll out the dough and cook at 400°F for 6-7 minutes. Then spread on the BBQ sauce. I'm not a super fancy/expensive BBQ person. I've been using the KC Masterpiece brand for years and love it. Use whatever you love. Then add the cooked onions, brussels, and the cheese. Bake for an additional 10-12 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and the edges of the crust look crispy.
I like to sprinkle on a few red pepper flakes, but that's totally optional. I love when pizza places have red pepper flakes at the table. I'm not a super spicy-foods person, but a little heat can add a lot of interest.
Make a veggie-filled pizza this week. You'll feel good about it while also getting to enjoy one of my very favorite comfort foods. Happy pizza nights! xo. Emma
Credits // Author and Photography: Emma Chapman. Photos edited with A Beautiful Mess actions.
What a fun idea!! Never thought of BBQ + Brussels Sprouts.
http://www.tasteneapolitan.com/
Definitely going to have to give this a try. One of our favorites is BBQ sauce + shrimp + bacon + red onion. I too loooooooove BBQ pizzas!
Emma, I love this recipe. I am currently not a good cook but am practicing so I need to ask questions so I learn. I’m not fond of Brussel sprouts. What would be another green veg for the pizza or even veg combination for the pizza? Would a red, yellow, green pepper pizza be a good choice? Love your recipes. Living brilliantly! X
looks so good! i don’t think i would have put bbq sauce with brussels sprouts but that looks delicious!
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@waterlilyshop
Made this for dinner last night. Left off the onions, because my husband isn’t a friend to the onions. This pizza? I had my doubts. But I love pizza and I love brussels and I love BBQ sauce and I love Emma so I obviously had to give it a go. All in all, this is one of the best pizza topping combinations I’ve had. It’s a keeper for sure. All you peeps planning on trying it better do it now!!!!! Thanks, Emma!! Elizabeth O
Made this tonight but added Parma ham too. It was fab so thanks foe the idea. Never would gave thought of putting sprouts on a pizza in a million years.???
I just made this (without cheese, because I’m vegan) and it was delicious! Next time I’d add more brussels (maybe mine were freakishly huge?) but it was amazing. The dough especially was delicious!
We love brussel sprouts in our house but never thought of putting them on pizza before. Looks like I know what we’re going to be making this weekend. Thanks for sharing the recipe and I agree with you on the bbq sauce on pizza it’s amazing and we use it a lot for that exact purpose.
yum!! this looks amazing!
xx nikki
www.dream-in-neon.com
Brussel sprouts are you favourite vegetable? Swap them for something else and this sound delicious
Lauren
livinginaboxx
That looks so good.
We just did this for dinner it was ridiculously delicious!!!!
Sounds yummy! I love bbq sauce as a pizza base!
www.peonyandpeach.blogspot.com
Okay, I laughed out loud when I read that you don’t miss meat, but you miss BBQ sauce! That was hilarious to me. This recipe looks delicious. Thanks for sharing.
http://absolutelytara.com
This looks amazing! Definitely going to try it soon! 😀
http://www.misadventuro.us
What a great idea! Saving this for the weekend. Thanks for sharing, love your blog.
Pizza is just.. Pizza. There is no other way to describe it xx.
jeansandmacaroons.blogspot.com
This looks great! I’ve thought a lot about going vegetarian, but one reason I haven’t is a lack of imagination for veggie-filled foods. Love how creative this is. I NEVER would have thought of the Brussel sprout/bbq combination!
Dear Emma,
I am a dietitian by trade and Pizza is most definitely its own food group 😉
Eat your heart out (I do!).
p.s. I am a HUGE fan of your super healthy, delicious meals! You lead such a great example of balance and moderation.
Sounds and looks amazing!
Would like to try this out.I really like your recepts Emma!
Have a nice day.
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