Honey): Bacon Jalapeño Pizza (with Hot

Get your sweet heat fix!

Hot honey on pizza is my absolute go-to. But hot honey on this bacon jalapeño focaccia pizza is out of this world. It starts with a focaccia pizza dough – if you’re in a pinch, go ahead and grab a store-bought loaf. Remember, this is a judgement free blog. Spread with from-scratch pizza sauce (again, or use store-bought), sprinkled with freshly grated mozzarella and fontina cheeses and topped with sliced jalapeños, crispy chopped bacon and bake!

When you’re ready to serve remove from the pan and drizzle with hot honey. Want to up the spice level? Add a few pinches of red pepper flakes!

Serve this for dinner or at your next football party!

To cook this Bacon Jalapeño Pizza Set out:

• focaccia pizza dough recipe – The base for the pizza, yields a crispy crust exterior and soft, chewy interior.
• pizza sauce – Use either kitchen-made or store-bought.
• bacon – I use center cut bacon. Cook until only crispy as it will further crisp later on in the oven.
• mozzarella cheese – A familiar mild cheese used on pizza. Freshly grated is dependable!
• fontina cheese – Lends a more intense cheese flavor. Freshly grated is dependable!
• pepperoni (sliced) – Use regular or turkey pepperoni.
• jalapeño peppers – Set out about 2 to 3 jalapeños, sliced thin.
• hot honey – Adds a touch of sweetness and spice.
• red pepper flakes – Optional for extra spice.

Drizzle a generous amount of oil in the bottom of a metal 9×13 baking pan.

Prepare the focaccia pizza dough as directed. Follow all steps through the first rise, and then stretch it out into the oiled pan.

Lightly cover with a clean kitchen towel and let rise for 30 minutes.

Cook 6 slices of center cut bacon until only crispy, remove and finely chop. You’ll need 2/3 cup pizza sauce (more or less as desired), 2 cups freshly grated mozzarella, 1 cup grated fontina (tossing both cheeses together in a bowl), 24 slices of pepperoni, 2 small to medium jalapeños (sliced), hot honey and red pepper flakes – if using.

Once the dough has risen the second time, use your knuckle to make indentions in the dough.

Spread with pizza sauce.

And sprinkle with 1/2 of the cheese mixture.

Top with pepperoni, bacon and sliced jalapeños.

Then sprinkle with the remaining cheeses.

Bake on the middle or lower third of your oven for 9 minutes. Reduce the oven temperature to 375°, rotate the pan and continue baking for 9 to 12 more minutes or until the cheese has melted and is golden brown in spots.

Allow the pizza to cool in the pan slightly before using a spatula to carefully remove and transfer it to a cutting board.

Drizzle with hot honey and sprinkle with red pepper flakes if desired.

Cut down the middle and then across to yield 8 pieces.

Serve with extra hot honey on the side.

Enjoy! And if you give this dish a try, let me know! Snap a photo and tag me on twitter or instagram!