If you are looking for a pizza that strikes the perfect balance between fresh, savory, and creamy, this Asparagus, Bacon, & Feta Pizza Recipe is exactly what you need. Crispy bacon, tender sautéed asparagus, and tangy feta cheese come together on a crisp, buttery crust with a luscious cream cheese garlic sauce that elevates every bite. Whether you are craving a gourmet-style pizza or simply want to impress friends and family, this recipe combines simple ingredients in a way that transforms a weeknight dinner into a little celebration. Prepare yourself for vibrant flavors and textures that make each slice downright unforgettable.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this pizza plays a star role, whether it’s adding richness, freshness, or that irresistible umami punch. These uncomplicated components are easy to find but essential to recreating the unique flavor profile of this Asparagus, Bacon, & Feta Pizza Recipe.
- Pizza dough: Use your favorite batch for a chewy, golden crust that holds all the toppings beautifully.
- Bacon slices: Adds smoky crunch and depth; cutting it bite-size ensures even distribution.
- Asparagus: Fresh stalks bring a tender snap and subtle grassy notes after a quick sauté.
- Shredded mozzarella: Melts perfectly to stringy, gooey goodness—divided to layer with toppings.
- Crumbled feta cheese: Introduces a tangy, creamy contrast to the richness of the bacon and sauce.
- Butter: For the base of the luscious cream cheese garlic sauce, boosting flavor and silkiness.
- Cream cheese: Gives the sauce a velvety smooth texture and mild tang.
- Garlic powder: Infuses the sauce with warming savory notes that elevate every mouthful.
- Milk: Thins the sauce just enough to spread easily without losing creaminess.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Imparts nutty, savory richness to the sauce with a hint of sharpness.
- Ground black pepper: Finished with a subtle kick to round out the sauce flavor.
How to Make Asparagus, Bacon, & Feta Pizza Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cream Cheese Garlic Sauce
Start by melting butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Then add the cream cheese and garlic powder, stirring continuously with a whisk until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Gradually pour in the milk, whisking well to eliminate any lumps and create a silky sauce. Finally, stir in the Parmesan cheese and sprinkle a bit of black pepper. Remove from heat once the sauce has thickened to a nice consistency that will spread easily but not run.
Step 2: Cook the Bacon
Pop the bacon in the freezer for about 10 minutes—this chill makes slicing it easier and cleaner. Cut the bacon into bite-sized pieces, then fry them in a pan until mostly crispy, but keep in mind the bacon will finish cooking in the oven, so don’t overdo it. Use a slotted spoon to remove the bacon, leaving about a tablespoon of bacon grease behind for the next step. This greasiness adds extra flavor to the asparagus.
Step 3: Sauté the Asparagus
Trim the woody ends off the asparagus and separate the tender heads. Slice each spear lengthwise, then cut into 1-2 inch pieces. Toss these pieces into the warm bacon grease and sauté for 2 minutes, seasoning with salt and pepper to enhance their natural flavor. Remove from heat promptly to keep the asparagus crisp-tender; placing them on a plate or bowl helps slow down further cooking.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake the Pizza
Roll out half of your pizza dough on a floured surface. To help the crust hold up against the toppings, brush it lightly with olive oil and bake it for just one minute at 450 degrees Fahrenheit. This step creates a firmer base without overcooking. Next, spread half of the prepared cream cheese garlic sauce evenly over the dough. Layer on half of the shredded mozzarella cheese, the sautéed asparagus, the bacon pieces, and finally crumble half of the feta cheese over the top. Bake the pizza in a preheated oven at 450 F for 8-10 minutes until the edges are golden and cheese is melted and bubbling. Repeat all steps with the second half of the dough for your second pizza.
How to Serve Asparagus, Bacon, & Feta Pizza Recipe
Garnishes
To make every slice pop, consider garnishing with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or basil that adds a burst of color and a herbal lift. A drizzle of good quality extra virgin olive oil or a little cracked black pepper right before serving will round out the flavors and make the pizza look irresistible on any table.
Side Dishes
This pizza is quite indulgent, so pairing it with lighter sides such as a crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette or roasted cherry tomatoes provides balance to the richness and keeps the meal feeling fresh without competing with the bold pizza flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party or casual gathering, cut the pizza into smaller squares and serve it as finger food on a wooden board with small bowls of extra crumbled feta and chili flakes on the side. This makes it interactive and fun, inviting everyone to customize their slices easily.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, allowing you to enjoy the unique blend of asparagus, bacon, and feta flavors even after the first meal.
Freezing
Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing to prevent freezer burn. Leftover pizza freezes well for up to 2 months, so you can have a quick gourmet snack ready whenever those cravings strike.
Reheating
The best method to reheat and restore the pizza’s crisp crust and melty cheese is to warm it in a preheated oven at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for about 8-10 minutes. Avoid microwaving since it can make the crust soggy and the cheese rubbery.
FAQs
Can I use frozen asparagus for this pizza?
While fresh asparagus is preferred for its texture and flavor, you can use frozen asparagus if needed. Just make sure to thaw and drain it well to avoid excess moisture that could make the pizza soggy.
Is it necessary to sauté the asparagus before adding it to the pizza?
Sautéing softens the asparagus and intensifies its flavor while preventing it from remaining too crunchy or releasing too much water during baking. It really adds a polished touch to this Asparagus, Bacon, & Feta Pizza Recipe.
Can I substitute the feta cheese with another type of cheese?
You can experiment with goat cheese for a similar tangy creaminess or omit the feta entirely if you prefer a milder flavor. However, feta’s sharpness is key in balancing the rich bacon and buttery sauce.
How can I make this recipe vegetarian-friendly?
Simply omit the bacon and increase the amount of asparagus and feta. For added smoky flavor without meat, consider adding smoked paprika to the sauce or including smoked mushrooms.
What type of pizza dough works best?
Any standard pizza dough recipe or store-bought dough will work well. Thin crust dough highlights the toppings, while a thicker crust gives a heartier bite—choose based on your preference.
Final Thoughts
This Asparagus, Bacon, & Feta Pizza Recipe is a delightful way to bring a fresh twist on pizza night that’s as vibrant on the plate as it is on the palate. Its blend of savory, tangy, and creamy flavors with the perfect hint of crunch will quickly make it one of your favorite go-to recipes. Don’t hesitate—grab the ingredients and treat yourself and your loved ones to a slice of pure pizza joy.
Print
Asparagus, Bacon, & Feta Pizza Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This delightful asparagus, bacon, and feta pizza combines a creamy garlic-Parmesan sauce with crispy bacon, tender sautéed asparagus, and melty mozzarella topped with tangy feta cheese. Perfectly baked on a lightly pre-baked pizza dough base, this recipe yields two small pizzas bursting with savory flavors and textures, ideal for a satisfying meal any time.
Ingredients
Pizza Dough
- 1 batch pizza dough (enough to make 2 small pizzas)
Bacon and Vegetables
- 8 slices bacon
- 1 small bunch asparagus
Sauce
- 1/4 cup butter
- 4 ounces cream cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 cup milk
- 3 ounces grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
Cheese and Toppings
- 2 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella, divided
- 4 ounces crumbled feta, divided
Instructions
- Make the Sauce: Melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add cream cheese and garlic powder, stirring continuously with a wire whisk until smooth. Slowly add milk a little at a time, whisking well to remove lumps. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and black pepper. Remove from heat when the sauce reaches a smooth and creamy consistency.
- Prepare the Bacon: Place bacon slices in the freezer for 10 minutes to firm up for easier slicing. Chop bacon into bite-sized pieces and fry in a skillet until mostly crispy but not overdone, as it will continue cooking in the oven. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside. Discard all but about one tablespoon of bacon grease from the skillet.
- Sauté the Asparagus: Trim off the woody ends of the asparagus and cut off the heads. Slice each spear lengthwise in half, then chop into 1 to 2 inch pieces. Add the asparagus pieces to the reserved bacon grease in the skillet and sauté for 2 minutes, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Remove promptly to a plate or bowl to prevent overcooking.
- Assemble and Bake the Pizza: Roll out half the pizza dough on a baking surface. Optionally brush with olive oil and bake at 450°F for 1 minute to firm the crust slightly. Spread half of the prepared sauce evenly over the dough, then sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella cheese. Distribute half of the sautéed asparagus and bacon pieces over the cheese. Finally, sprinkle half the crumbled feta on top. Bake in a preheated oven at 450°F for 8-10 minutes until the crust is golden and cheese melted. Repeat the process with the second half of the dough and remaining ingredients to make a second pizza.
Notes
- Freezing the bacon before slicing helps achieve cleaner, bite-sized pieces and easier handling.
- Pre-baking the pizza dough briefly firms it up, preventing it from becoming soggy under the sauce and toppings.
- Sautéing asparagus in bacon grease adds extra flavor to the vegetable.
- Keep an eye on the bacon during frying to avoid burning, as it will finish cooking in the oven.
- Adjust salt and pepper seasoning in asparagus sauté to taste based on bacon saltiness.
