Get ready to transform your outdoor cooking with this incredibly delicious Caramelized Apple and Bacon Pizza on the Blackstone! We love putting a savory twist on a sweet favorite, SugarBee® apples.

This post is sponsored by SugarBee®.

This isn’t your average pizza – we’re talking about a mouthwatering combination of crispy bacon, tender caramelized apples and onions, and gooey cheese, all brought together on your flat top griddle. It’s the perfect sweet and savory fusion that will make your next outdoor gathering unforgettable.

While the final crisp of the crust is achieved in an oven (or a Blackstone pizza oven attachment if you have one!), we’ll leverage the power of your Blackstone Griddle for those perfectly cooked bacon, apples, and onions that truly make this pizza sing!

Why You’ll Love This Blackstone Pizza:

• Sweet & Savory Perfection: The irresistible blend of smoky bacon, sweet caramelized apples, and savory red onion.
• Unique Flavor Profile: A gourmet twist on traditional pizza, perfect for adventurous eaters.
• Blackstone Versatility: Utilize your griddle for efficient cooking of toppings, minimizing stovetop mess.
• Crowd-Pleasing: A definite showstopper that’s ideal for entertaining or a fun family meal.

The Star of the Pizza: SugarBee® Apples

One sunny spring day, a honey bee was collecting pollen, carrying it from apple blossom to apple blossom. It stopped at an unknown tree, then passed the pollen along to a Honeycrisp apple tree. The beloved, unique, and sweet SugarBee® apple had been created! What a pleasant surprise, right?

Although these apples are known for their natural sweetness with notes of honey, caramel, and molasses. Plus, they have a touch of acidity for a perfectly balanced and crisp bite that makes you want more.

Tips for Blackstone Pizza Success:

• Outdoor Oven: While the recipe uses an indoor oven, a dedicated outdoor pizza oven (like a Blackstone Pizza Oven) will give you an even crisper crust and faster cook times!
  • Tips for the dough: If the dough keeps sticking, make sure your griddle is clean and free of any previous food that may still be on the griddle. If your dough continues to stick to the griddle, add a little olive oil to the griddle directly. Another reason your dough may be sticking is the griddle isn’t finished fully warming up.
  • Using a dome: If you have a basting dome, you can place it over the pizza to help melt the cheese and cook the bread a little faster. 
• Cleanup: A griddle scraper and paper towels are your best friends for quick Blackstone cleanup after cooking the toppings.

Tips & Substitutions for Blackstone Pizza Success:

• Dough Choice: Fresh pizza dough from your local grocery store, bakery, or even a pre-made “5-minute dough” works perfectly for this recipe.
  • Substitution: You can use pre-made pizza crusts or flatbreads for an even quicker assembly, though the texture will differ from fresh dough.
• Cheese Alternatives: Feel free to experiment with other cheeses like sharp cheddar, provolone, or a blend of Italian cheeses.
  • Substitution: Smoked cheddar or provolone would enhance the smokiness of the bacon. For a dairy-free option, use your favorite plant-based shredded cheese. Crumbled blue cheese (for a strong, pungent flavor) or even a sprinkle of grated Parmesan can be used.
• Blackstone Adaptations for Baking: While the recipe uses an indoor oven, a dedicated outdoor pizza oven (like a Blackstone Pizza Oven) will give you an even crisper crust and faster cook times! If you don’t have a pizza oven attachment for your Blackstone, an indoor oven or even a regular grill with a lid and pizza stone can work.
• Bacon Alternatives:
  • Substitution: Prosciutto or pancetta can be used for a similar salty, savory kick. For a vegetarian option, try smoked tempeh bacon or leave it out entirely and focus on the apple and onion flavors.
• Arugula/Spinach Alternatives:
  • Substitution: Kale (massaged with a little oil and lemon juice) or fresh basil leaves can be used in place of arugula or spinach.
  • Substitution: Crumbled blue cheese (for a strong, pungent flavor) or even a sprinkle of grated Parmesan can be used.

Ingredients for Caramelized Apple & Bacon Pizza:

For the Pizza:

• 2 tbsp olive oil, for brushing
• 1 prebaked pizza crust
• 4 slices bacon, chopped
• ½ red onion, sliced into ¼” pieces
• 2 SugarBee® apples peeled, cored and sliced into ¼” pieces
• 2 tbsp light brown sugar
• 5 oz. Smoked Gouda cheese, freshly grated

For the Toppings:

• 2 cups arugula
• 1 tbsp lemon juice (1/2 lemon)
• Crumbled goat cheese

How to Make an Apple & Bacon Pizza on The Blackstone

Prep & Cook Toppings on the Blackstone

Preheat & Prep: If you plan to finish the pizza in your indoor oven, preheat it to 450°F (230°C). If using a Blackstone pizza oven attachment, preheat it according to the manufacturer’s directions.

Crispy Bacon on the Blackstone: Heat your Blackstone Griddle to medium heat. Add the chopped bacon to the griddle and cook, stirring occasionally, until crispy (about 6–8 minutes). Use a slotted spoon to transfer the cooked bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, reserving the delicious bacon fat on the griddle.

Caramelized Apples & Onions: To the residual bacon fat on the Blackstone, add the sliced red onion, diced SugarBee® apples, and brown sugar. Cook over medium heat, gently tossing with a spatula, until the apples and onions are slightly softened and beautifully caramelized (about 4–5 minutes). Remove from the griddle and set aside.

Assemble and Bake the Pizza

Prepare the Pizza Dough: Lightly brush your pizza stone or a large baking sheet with oil. Place the fresh pizza dough in the center. Stretch or roll the dough to the edges, pressing with your fingers as needed to form your crust.

Layer the Flavors: Evenly sprinkle the Gouda cheese over the prepared pizza dough. Next, distribute the cooked onion and apple mixture over the cheese. Finally, scatter the crispy bacon pieces on top.

Bake to Golden Perfection: Carefully transfer to a pizza stone (or baking sheet) with the assembled pizza into the preheated oven. Bake for 13–15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and melted.

• Blackstone Pizza Oven Users: Follow your pizza oven’s specific instructions for baking time and temperature to achieve a perfectly crisp crust.

Finishing Touches

Dress with Greens: While the pizza bakes, in a mixing bowl, toss the arugula (or baby spinach) with the lemon juice until the leaves are lightly coated.

Serve & Garnish: Once the pizza is golden and cooked, remove it from the oven (or Blackstone pizza oven). Top generously with the dressed arugula. If desired, sprinkle with crumbled goat cheese for an extra layer of flavor. Slice and serve immediately!

This Caramelized Apple and Bacon Pizza is more than just a recipe; it’s an experience! The combination of sweet, savory, and smoky flavors, perfected with the ease of your Blackstone Griddle for the toppings, makes this a must-try for any outdoor cooking enthusiast. Impress your guests and delight your taste buds with this unforgettable pizza.

What’s your favorite unique pizza topping? Share in the comments below!

Why We Love SugarBee®

Besides the taste, we love the origin story of the SugarBee®. It is the only apple created by bees with notes of honey, caramel and molasses. They are crisp, juicy and sweet which make them perfect for on-the-go snacking or mouth-watering recipes at home. 

You can spot a SugarBee® apple by its bi-colored red and yellow attributes and the bee seal of approval – a unique honeycomb sticker. 

More SugarBee® Apple Recipes

• Hone Bee Food Art
• Mason Jar: Apple Chicken Salad
• Apple Cinnamon Babka Bread