Pizza Carbonara
Pizza Carbonara combines crispy bacon, creamy Parmesan sauce, and melted Monterey Jack cheese on a crispy crust, offering a rich, savory taste perfect for casual gatherings or weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
- 10 oz. refrigerated pizza crust ⓘ
- 1/3 cup finely chopped onion
- 2 garlic cloves minced ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon butter ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour ⓘ
- 1/8 teaspoon white pepper ⓘ
- 1 cup milk ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon chicken bouillon granules ⓘ
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 pound sliced bacon cooked and crumbled ⓘ
- 1.5 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese ⓘ
- 3 green onions thinly sliced ⓘ
Instructions
- Unroll the pizza crust and press onto a greased 12-inch pizza pan, building up the edges slightly.
- Prick the dough thoroughly with a fork.
- Bake at 425°F for 7 to 10 minutes or until lightly browned.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of cream to the sauce or using smoked bacon. If you don’t have Monterey Jack cheese, you can substitute with mozzarella for a milder taste. To save time, pre-cooked bacon can be used, but ensure it's crispy for the best texture. Remember to adjust cooking times if using a thicker crust.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Pizza Carbonara hot, garnished with additional green onions for a fresh touch. Pair it with a simple side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. It also works well with a light white wine or a crisp lager, enhancing the flavors. Browse more Italian recipes for more delightful pairings.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place slices in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes or until warmed through, ensuring the crust remains crispy. Alternatively, use a microwave, but be mindful that it may become slightly chewy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pizza Carbonara contains roughly 1522 calories, with 24g protein, 126g carbohydrates, and 105g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (89% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (70% of the Daily Value), and protein (49% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 952mg per serving (41% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! While Monterey Jack adds a nice meltiness, you can substitute it with mozzarella or even a sharp cheddar for a different flavor profile. Just keep in mind that the taste and texture might vary slightly, so choose based on your preference.
How can I make this recipe vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version of Pizza Carbonara, simply omit the bacon and consider adding sautéed mushrooms or spinach for added flavor and texture. You can also use a plant-based bacon alternative for a similar taste without the meat.
What can I serve with this pizza?
This Pizza Carbonara pairs wonderfully with a light arugula salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette. You could also serve it with antipasto platters or a selection of Italian cheeses to complement the rich flavors of the pizza.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).