This isn’t your average pizza. By combining the rich, savory depth of smoked turkey with a blend of cheeses and a hint of a smoky BBQ sauce base, we’re elevating the humble pizza into a truly satisfying and sophisticated meal. It’s perfect for a cozy night in, a game day feast, or simply when you’re craving something deliciously different. The balance of flavors, from the tender turkey to the melty cheese and the crisp crust, makes this a dish you’ll want to revisit again and again.
Contents
Detailed Ingredients
For the Pizza Dough (or use store-bought):
- 1 ½ cups warm water (105-115°F / 40-46°C)
- 1 teaspoon active dry yeast
- Optional: 1 teaspoon sugar or honey (to activate yeast)
- 3 ¾ cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, plus more for bowl
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
For the Toppings:
- ½ cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand – smoky or sweet, depending on preference)
- 1 ½ cups shredded smoked turkey (or thinly sliced deli smoked turkey, roughly chopped)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup shredded smoked gouda or cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup finely diced red onion
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro or parsley (for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Dough (if making from scratch): In a large bowl, combine the warm water, yeast, and optional sugar/honey. Let sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy. Add the olive oil, salt, and gradually add the flour, mixing until a shaggy dough forms. Turn onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place in a lightly oiled bowl, turning once to coat. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
- Preheat Oven and Pizza Stone/Steel: While the dough is rising (or as you start preparing if using store-bought dough), preheat your oven to its highest setting (usually 475-500°F / 245-260°C). If using a pizza stone or steel, place it in the oven during preheating.
- Prepare the Dough for Baking: Once risen, punch down the dough gently and divide it into two equal balls if you want two smaller pizzas, or leave as one for a large pizza. On a lightly floured surface (or a piece of parchment paper for easier transfer), stretch or roll out the dough into your desired pizza shape (approximately 12-14 inches for one large pizza or 9-10 inches for two smaller ones).
- Assemble the Pizza: Carefully transfer the rolled-out dough to a pizza peel dusted with cornmeal or semolina (or directly onto parchment paper on a baking sheet). Spread the BBQ sauce evenly over the crust, leaving a small border for the crust.
- Add Toppings: Distribute the smoked turkey evenly over the sauce. Sprinkle both mozzarella and smoked gouda/cheddar cheeses over the turkey. Finally, scatter the diced red onion over the cheese.
- Bake the Pizza: If using a pizza stone/steel, carefully slide the pizza onto the preheated surface. If using a baking sheet, place the sheet directly into the oven. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown, the cheese is bubbly and melted, and the toppings are heated through. Keep a close eye on it, as oven temperatures vary.
- Finish and Serve: Carefully remove the pizza from the oven. Let it rest for 2-3 minutes before slicing. Garnish generously with fresh cilantro or parsley before serving.
Tips, Variations, and Storage
- Crispier Crust: For an extra crispy crust, preheat your pizza stone or steel for at least 30-60 minutes before baking.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce or sprinkle them over the pizza before baking for a spicy kick.
- Other Cheeses: Feel free to experiment with other smoky or sharp cheeses like provolone or white cheddar.
- Vegetable Additions: Sautéed bell peppers, jalapeños, or caramelized onions would make excellent additions.
- Homemade BBQ Sauce: If you have a favorite homemade BBQ sauce recipe, this is a great opportunity to use it!
- Storage: Leftover pizza can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a preheated oven (350°F / 175°C) or a toaster oven for best results, until heated through and crispy.
Pairings
- Wine: A medium-bodied red like a Zinfandel, Merlot, or a fruit-forward Cabernet Sauvignon would complement the smoky flavors beautifully.
- Beer: A craft amber ale, a porter, or even a crisp lager would pair well with the richness of the pizza.
- Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette or a coleslaw would provide a refreshing contrast to the hearty pizza.
- Sides: Roasted sweet potato fries or a corn on the cob would make great companions.
Quick Info
- Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus 1-1.5 hours for dough rise if making from scratch)
- Cook Time: 10-15 minutes
- Total Time: Approx. 30-35 minutes (excluding dough rise time)
- Servings: 4-6
- Cuisine: American / Fusion
