Pulled Pork Pizza on the grill is more than just a meal; it’s an experience. Imagine succulent, tender pulled pork, sweet kernels of grilled corn, a delightful zing from fresh cilantro cream, all atop a perfectly charred pizza crust. This isn’t just a recipe; it’s a culinary journey that promises to be your new favorite way to enjoy pizza.
There’s something truly magical about the aroma of a pizza cooking outdoors, especially when it’s crowned with such a vibrant array of flavors. This particular combination, featuring tender pulled pork, the irresistible sweetness of corn, and the bright, herbaceous notes of cilantro cream, creates a symphony of taste that will have everyone reaching for another slice. Prepare yourself for a dish so “delightful” and “scrumptious” that it might just become a weekly craving!
The inspiration for this sensational pizza struck me recently at a conference, where I encountered a pulled pork and sweet corn pizza with an unforgettable cilantro cream. The moment I tasted it, I knew I had to recreate it, to bring that extraordinary flavor home. Our version is generously loaded with incredibly tender pulled pork, crispy bacon, juicy sweet pineapple, and bursts of smoky grilled corn. All of these incredible toppings are nestled over gooey, melted mozzarella cheese, thinly sliced red onions, and even a hint of vibrant red bell pepper. Each bite is a perfect balance of savory, sweet, and tangy, making it an absolute showstopper.
Often, after we prepare our World’s Best Carolina Pulled Pork, we find ourselves with a generous amount of leftovers. While having leftover pulled pork is hardly a “problem,” it has sparked our latest obsession: transforming it into this incredible pulled pork pizza. This dish is a celebration of flavors – scrumptious, perfectly sweet and salty, wonderfully bright, and incredibly fresh. We simply cannot get enough of it, and we are confident you’ll feel the same way!
Mastering Your Pulled Pork: Tips for Perfection
Creating the perfect pulled pork is the foundation of this outstanding pizza. Whether you’re making it fresh or utilizing leftovers, understanding a few key techniques can elevate your dish.
Can Pulled Pork Be Made A Day Ahead?
Absolutely, preparing your pulled pork a day or even two in advance is not only feasible but often recommended. If you’re following our renowned pulled pork recipe, the preparation and slow cooking process naturally extends over a couple of days. This makes advance preparation incredibly practical, allowing the flavors to meld and develop even further, resulting in a richer, more profound taste for your pizza. Storing cooked pulled pork properly ensures it remains delicious and ready for your pizza creation.
What If My Pork Will Not Shred?
Encountering pulled pork that resists shredding can be frustrating, but it usually points to one of two common issues. Firstly, it might simply not be fully cooked. Pulled pork achieves its signature fall-apart tenderness through a “low and slow” cooking method, which breaks down tough connective tissues. If the internal temperature hasn’t reached the point where these tissues dissolve (typically around 200-205°F or 93-96°C), it won’t pull easily. Secondly, cooking the pork too high and too fast can cause the meat to become tough and dry, preventing it from shredding. Patience is key when it comes to pulled pork; a truly tender cut will practically shred itself with minimal effort.
Can Pulled Pork Be Refrozen?
Yes, you can safely refreeze pulled pork, provided it was initially thawed in the refrigerator and handled properly. Once thawed, store it in an airtight container and refreeze it within two days to maintain quality and safety. Freezing cooked pulled pork is an excellent way to prepare for future meals, making it a convenient ingredient for your next pizza night or any other dish. Whether it’s freshly made, refrigerated from a day or two prior, or retrieved from the freezer, all forms of pulled pork will perform beautifully on this pizza.
Sweet Corn Secrets: Elevating Your Pizza Topping
Sweet corn adds a delightful pop of sweetness and texture to this pizza, and how you prepare it can make a significant difference in its flavor profile. Grilled corn, in particular, introduces a smoky depth that complements the pulled pork perfectly.
What Is The Best Way To Cook Sweet Corn?
There are several excellent methods for cooking corn on the cob, each imparting a unique quality. For this Pulled Pork Pizza, we highly recommend grilling for that extra layer of smoky flavor, but other methods work wonderfully too:
- Boil: A classic method for tender, juicy corn. Remove the husk and silk, then place the cobs in a large stockpot. Fill with enough water to cover the cobs and add about a tablespoon of salt. Once the water reaches a rolling boil, cook for approximately 5-7 minutes until tender-crisp.
- Microwave: For a quick and easy approach, microwave your cobs (with husks still on) two at a time for 4-6 minutes. The husk helps steam the corn, keeping it moist. Once cool enough to handle, remove the husks and silk effortlessly.
- Grill: This is our absolute preferred method for this recipe. Grilling corn caramelizes its natural sugars, intensifying its sweetness and adding a beautiful smoky char that enhances the overall pizza experience. For comprehensive instructions and all the secrets to perfectly grilled corn, head to our best grilled corn post.
While any of these methods will yield delicious corn for your pizza, the smoky undertones achieved through grilling truly elevate this dish. The slight char on the kernels adds another dimension of flavor and texture that is simply irresistible.
Can Cooked Corn Be Left Out?
For food safety, it’s crucial to refrigerate hot foods, including cooked corn, as soon as possible. Harmful bacteria can begin to multiply rapidly if food is left at room temperature for more than two hours. To enjoy your corn safely and maintain its freshness, transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate promptly.
The Cilantro Conundrum: Understanding this Distinctive Herb
Cilantro is a cornerstone of our exceptional cilantro cream, but it’s an herb that famously divides opinions. Understanding its nature can shed light on why some people adore it and others… well, don’t.
What Is Cilantro?
Cilantro refers to the fresh leaves of the coriander plant, an aromatic Mediterranean herb belonging to the parsley family. Both its leaves (cilantro) and seeds (coriander) are widely used in culinary applications around the world, each offering distinct flavors. It’s fascinating to note that the strong “anti-cilantro” sentiment among some individuals isn’t just a matter of preference. Research has shown that a specific genetic predisposition can cause cilantro to taste like soap to certain people. This genetic variation, primarily linked to a gene that detects aldehyde chemicals, explains why this herb elicits such a strong, divisive reaction. So, if you’ve ever thought someone who dislikes cilantro was “crazy,” now you know there’s a scientific reason behind their aversion!
The Symphony of Flavors: What Toppings Go on Pulled Pork Pizza?
While we’ve touched upon the stars of the show – pulled pork, sweet corn, and cilantro cream – it’s the carefully curated combination of all the toppings that transforms this pizza into a truly extraordinary, utterly scrumptious culinary masterpiece. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating a balanced and exciting flavor profile.
- Pulled Pork: The heart of the pizza, offering savory, smoky, and tender goodness.
- Pineapple, chopped: Provides a burst of sweet and tangy juiciness, balancing the richness of the pork and bacon. It’s a classic BBQ pairing for a reason!
- Red bell pepper, chopped: Adds a crisp texture, a touch of vibrant color, and a subtle sweetness that complements the other flavors.
- Red onion, thinly sliced: Delivers a sharp, pungent bite that cuts through the richness and adds a fresh, aromatic element.
- Grilled corn: Offers a smoky sweetness and a delightful pop in every bite.
- Bacon, cooked and chopped: Introduces an irresistible salty, crispy texture and an extra layer of savory depth.
- Tillamook Mozzarella Farmstyle Cheese Shreds: We highly recommend Tillamook for its superior melting quality and rich, creamy flavor, which perfectly binds all the toppings together. Truly, the best cheese ever for pizza!
- Cilantro, chopped: A fresh, herbaceous garnish that brightens the entire dish and ties into the cilantro cream.
- Cilantro cream: (Recipe details below) The secret sauce that brings all these diverse flavors into a harmonious, tangy, and refreshing finish.
Crafting the Perfect Base: Homemade Pizza Crust & Grilling Techniques
The foundation of any great pizza is its crust, and for a grilled pizza, the right technique is essential for achieving that perfect crispy-chewy texture and smoky flavor. Making your own crust takes this Pulled Pork Pizza to an even higher level.
How Do I Make Homemade Pizza Crust?
A good homemade pizza crust elevates the entire experience. For a detailed, step-by-step guide to crafting our favorite pizza dough, we invite you to visit our post for our Elote Mexican Corn Grilled Pizza. This recipe provides all the necessary instructions for a robust and flavorful crust that stands up beautifully to grilling and a generous amount of toppings. Alternatively, a high-quality store-bought dough can also work wonders, especially on busy weeknights, just ensure it’s at room temperature before working with it.
Once your dough is ready, mastering the art of grilling pizza is key to unlocking incredible flavor. You can find all our expert tips and tricks for achieving that perfect smoky char and tender interior on our Pesto Pepperoni and Sausage Grilled Pizza guide. Grilling pizza requires a hot grill and swift action, but the results—a slightly smoky, crisp crust with perfectly melted toppings—are truly rewarding.
The Secret Sauce: How Do I Make Cilantro Cream?
The cilantro cream is, arguably, the crowning glory of this Pulled Pork Pizza. Its vibrant, zesty, and creamy profile cuts through the richness of the pork and cheese, adding an indispensable layer of freshness. Making it is surprisingly simple, requiring just a few fresh ingredients that blend into a magical condiment:
Ingredients for Cilantro Cream:
- Fresh cilantro (of course!) – The star herb, providing its signature bright, aromatic flavor.
- Ripe avocado – Adds a luxurious creaminess and healthy fats.
- Sour cream (or Mexican crema for a slightly tangier, thinner consistency) – The base for the creamy texture.
- Garlic clove – For a pungent, aromatic kick.
- Jalapeño – Offers a mild, fresh heat. Adjust to your preference.
- Lime juice (freshly squeezed is highly preferred for maximum zest) – Brightens all the flavors and prevents the avocado from browning.
- Olive oil – Helps create a smooth, emulsified texture and adds a subtle richness.
- Cumin – Introduces a warm, earthy undertone that complements Mexican-inspired flavors.
- Salt – To enhance and balance all the flavors.
- (Note: The original text mentioned “minus the mayo” but mayo is not listed in the ingredients. We’ll proceed without mayo as per the ingredients list.)
Instructions for Cilantro Cream:
Combine all the listed ingredients (cilantro, avocado, sour cream/crema, garlic, jalapeño, lime juice, olive oil, cumin, and salt) in a blender. Process until the mixture is perfectly smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Once your pizza is hot off the grill, generously drizzle this delightful cilantro cream over the top before serving. It’s truly a game-changer!
Pizza Longevity: Storing and Freezing Your Delicious Creation
You’ve put effort into making this incredible Pulled Pork Pizza, so knowing how to properly store and even freeze it ensures you can enjoy its delightful flavors for longer.
How Long Will Pizza Last?
If stored correctly, leftover pizza can be kept in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. Ensure it’s placed in an airtight container or tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out or absorbing other odors from the fridge. For optimal taste and safety, reheat thoroughly before eating.
Can You Freeze Cooked Pizza?
Yes, absolutely! Freezing cooked pizza is a fantastic way to prepare quick and easy meals for busy nights. We frequently utilize a food saver to preserve our pizzas, ensuring they remain fresh and delicious upon reheating. For this particular Pulled Pork Pizza, we recommend freezing it without the cilantro cream. The cream is best made fresh and drizzled on just before serving to maintain its vibrant flavor and creamy texture. Store individual slices or whole pizzas in an airtight container or a heavy-duty freezer bag to prevent freezer burn. When you’re ready to enjoy, you can reheat frozen pizza slices in the microwave for speed, or in the oven for a crispier crust. A toaster oven also works wonderfully for individual slices.
This Pulled Pork Pizza, complete with sweet corn and a tangy cilantro cream, is a truly delightful, scrumptious, and practically perfect dish that you can easily make right at home on your grill! It truly doesn’t get much better than this. It’s an ideal way to utilize any leftover pulled pork, transforming it into a fresh, exciting meal that celebrates the joy of cooking and the start of a wonderful weekend!
And on a side note, for those wondering, Mary Poppins Returns was indeed super cute! We thoroughly enjoyed it – much like we enjoy every slice of this amazing pizza!
Pulled Pork and Sweet Corn Pizza with Cilantro Cream Recipe
This recipe creates two delicious pizzas, perfect for sharing or for enjoying as leftovers. The prep time is a quick 10 minutes, with a cook time of just 5 minutes, bringing your total time to a mere 15 minutes!
Ingredients:
For the Pizza Crust:
- 2 Cups Warm Water
- 2 teaspoons Sugar
- 1 Tablespoon Yeast
- 5 Cups Flour, divided
- 1 Tablespoon Salt
For the Pizza Toppings:
- Olive Oil
- 2 Cups Mozzarella Cheese Shreds (Tillamook Farmstyle is highly recommended)
- Cooked Pulled Pork
- 1 Cup Chopped Pineapple
- 1/2 Red Bell Pepper, minced
- 1/4 Cup Red Onion, thinly sliced
- 1 Ear of Corn, grilled and kernels removed (see our grilled corn guide)
- 4 Slices Cooked Bacon, chopped
For the Cilantro Cream Sauce:
- 1 Avocado, peeled and pitted
- 1 Clove Garlic, peeled
- Half of a Small Jalapeño (remove seeds for less heat)
- 2/3 Cup Fresh Cilantro Leaves, loosely-packed
- 1/4 Cup Fresh Lime Juice
- 2 Tablespoons Olive Oil
- 2 Tablespoons Apple Cider Vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon Cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon Kosher Salt
- 1/4 Cup Sour Cream, or Mexican crema
Instructions:
For the Crust:
- In a large bowl, mix warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes until the yeast proofs (becomes foamy).
- Add 2 ½ cups of flour to the proofed yeast mixture and mix well using a KitchenAid mixer with a dough hook or by hand.
- Gradually add the remaining 2 ½ cups of flour and the salt. Knead the dough until it is smooth and elastic.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the dough rest in a ball for 10 to 20 minutes.
- Remove the dough from the bowl. Add more flour as needed, a little at a time, until it is no longer sticky but still pliable. Divide the dough into two equal portions for two pizzas. Press each portion into a circle and brush one side generously with olive oil.
For the Pizza:
- Preheat your grill to 500 degrees Fahrenheit (260°C). Place the oiled side of the pizza dough down on the hot grill grates. Brush the top side of the dough with more olive oil.
- As soon as grill marks appear on the bottom of the crust (typically 1-2 minutes), flip the dough. Quickly spread the mozzarella cheese over the crust, then add all the desired toppings, reserving the cilantro cream for after cooking.
- Close the grill lid for 1-2 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the crust is cooked through and lightly golden. If the crust is browning too quickly, turn down the flames.
- Carefully remove the pizza from the grill, slice, and drizzle generously with the prepared cilantro cream sauce before serving.
- *Note for Oven Baking: Alternatively, you can heat your oven to 500 degrees Fahrenheit (260°C). Prepare the dough as instructed, add all toppings (except cilantro cream), and bake until the cheese is gooey and bubbly, and the crust is golden brown. Serve with a drizzle of fresh cilantro cream!
For the Cilantro Cream Sauce:
- Place all ingredients except the sour cream (avocado, garlic, jalapeño, cilantro leaves, lime juice, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, cumin, and kosher salt) into a blender. Blend until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy.
- Transfer the blended mixture to a small bowl. Add the sour cream (or Mexican crema) and whisk until thoroughly combined and smooth. Taste and adjust seasonings if necessary.
- Drizzle this fresh cilantro cream over your finished pizza just before serving.
Recipe Notes:
- This pizza will keep well for 3-4 days in the refrigerator when stored in an airtight container.
- For best results, prepare the cilantro cream fresh just before serving.
Nutrition Information (per 1 pizza serving – approximation):
Serving: 1 pizza, Calories: 2024kcal, Carbohydrates: 282g, Protein: 69g, Fat: 69g, Saturated Fat: 25g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 7g, Monounsaturated Fat: 32g, Trans Fat: 1g, Cholesterol: 119mg, Sodium: 4820mg, Potassium: 1441mg, Fiber: 19g, Sugar: 21g, Vitamin A: 2534IU, Vitamin C: 103mg, Calcium: 703mg, Iron: 17mg
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
More PIZZA RECIPES you are sure to love:
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- Elote Mexican Corn Grilled Pizza
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- Pulled Pork Pizza
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- All our Pizza recipes!
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