Black-and-Blue Pizzas

Black-and-Blue Pizzas are a delicious and indulgent treat, loaded with flavorful toppings and gooey melted cheese. This recipe, shared by Michelle Huelskamp from Marion, North Carolina, offers a rich and filling pizza experience that is sure to satisfy your cravings. Serve it with a refreshing green salad to complete the meal.

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 loaves (1 pound each) frozen bread dough, thawed
• 8 bacon strips, chopped
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
• 5 teaspoons blackened seasoning
• 3 shallots, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 jar (15 ounces) Alfredo sauce
• 2 1/2 cups sliced fresh shiitake mushrooms
• 1 can (3.8 ounces) sliced ripe olives, drained
• 1/2 cup finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes (not packed in oil)
• 1 1/4 cups (5 ounces) crumbled blue cheese
• 3 tablespoons minced fresh basil or 3 teaspoons dried basil
• 2 tablespoons minced fresh thyme or 2 teaspoons dried thyme
• 12 slices provolone cheese
• 3 ounces Parmesan cheese, shaved into strips or 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

PREPARATION:

1. Roll the thawed bread dough into two 16×10-inch rectangles and transfer them to ungreased baking sheets. Build up the edges slightly.
2. In a large skillet, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crisp. Remove the bacon to paper towels, reserving 2 tablespoons of drippings. Sprinkle the chicken strips with blackened seasoning and cook them in the reserved drippings until no longer pink. Add the shallots and minced garlic, and cook for an additional minute. Set aside.
3. Spread the Alfredo sauce evenly over the pizza crusts. Top with the cooked chicken mixture, bacon, sliced mushrooms, drained olives, and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Sprinkle with crumbled blue cheese, minced basil, and minced thyme. Layer the provolone cheese slices on top, followed by the Parmesan cheese strips or grated Parmesan cheese.
4. Bake the pizzas at 450°F for 14-18 minutes or until the toppings are bubbly and the cheese is melted.

YIELD: 2 pizzas (12 pieces each)

PREP TIME: 40 minutes

BAKE TIME: 15 minutes

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS:

• You can customize the toppings to your preference by adding or substituting ingredients like bell peppers, red onions, or cooked sausage.
• If you prefer a spicier flavor, you can use a hot blackened seasoning or add crushed red pepper flakes to the pizza.
• Make sure to adjust the baking time if using a different brand of bread dough or if you prefer a softer or crispier crust.

TIPS:

• Allow the bread dough to thaw completely before rolling it out to ensure it is pliable and easy to work with.
• For a crispy crust, preheat the baking sheets in the oven before transferring the rolled-out dough onto them.
• To save time, you can use pre-cooked chicken strips or rotisserie chicken instead of cooking the chicken breasts from scratch.
• Experiment with different cheese combinations, such as adding mozzarella or Gorgonzola, to create your own unique flavor profile.

Black-and-Blue Pizzas are a true delight for pizza lovers seeking a rich and indulgent experience. This recipe, courtesy of Michelle Huelskamp from Marion, North Carolina, offers a delicious combination of toppings that includes bacon, chicken, mushrooms, olives, sun-dried tomatoes, blue cheese, and a flavorful blend of herbs and spices. The pizzas are generously smothered in Alfredo sauce and topped with layers of provolone and Parmesan cheese, creating a mouthwatering melange of flavors.

These pizzas can be easily customized to suit individual preferences. Feel free to experiment with additional toppings or adjust the spiciness by using different blackened seasonings or adding crushed red pepper flakes. The recipe yields two pizzas, making it perfect for a gathering or a satisfying family meal.

Serve the Black-and-Blue Pizzas with a side of fresh green salad to complement the richness of the toppings. Whether enjoyed for a weekend indulgence or served at a casual gathering, these pizzas are sure to be a hit. So gather your ingredients, roll out the dough, and savor the combination of gooey melted cheese, savory meats, and bold flavors that make these pizzas truly irresistible.