Breakfast pizzas are a fun, creative way to start the day, offering a fresh take on traditional breakfast items. Imagine the rich, savory goodness of BBQ chicken pizza but on a flaky puff pastry base—this is exactly what the Puff Pastry Breakfast Pizza offers. It combines the familiar flavors of BBQ chicken, crispy turkey bacon, gooey mozzarella, and the aromatic zing of onions, all atop a light, golden puff pastry crust. This easy-to-make dish is perfect for breakfast or brunch and is sure to satisfy your cravings with its balance of flavors and textures.
1. Gather All the Ingredients
The first step is to make sure you have everything ready. Gather all the ingredients on your counter, so you won’t need to run back and forth. This will save you time and keep the cooking process smooth and efficient. The puff pastry should be thawed to room temperature, as this ensures it will roll out evenly and bake perfectly.
2. Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). This high temperature helps the puff pastry become golden and crispy, while the toppings bake to perfection. Line your baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the pastry from sticking and to make cleanup easier.
3. Prepare the Puff Pastry Base
Unfold your thawed puff pastry sheet and roll it out gently. You want it to be flat and even, resembling a pizza crust. If you’d like a smaller, personal-sized pizza, you can cut the puff pastry into smaller portions to suit your preference.
Using the tip of a knife, score a border around the edges of the pastry about ½ inch from the edge. Be careful not to cut all the way through—this score line will help the edges rise and create a beautiful, raised crust. Then, using a fork, prick holes all over the center of the pastry. This step is crucial because it allows steam to escape as the puff pastry bakes, preventing air bubbles from forming in the dough.
4. Prepare the Egg Wash
To give your puff pastry a lovely golden finish, you’ll need to create an egg wash. Scramble one egg in a small bowl and use a pastry brush to coat the exposed surface of the puff pastry. This will help the edges brown beautifully as the pastry bakes.
5. Bake the Puff Pastry
Place the prepared puff pastry sheet on your lined baking sheet and bake for about 10 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the pastry has puffed up. This initial bake creates the perfect base for your pizza toppings.
6. Cook the Chicken
While the puff pastry is baking, heat a small amount of oil in a skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken breast lightly with salt and pepper, then cook it for about 5 to 7 minutes on each side, or until it’s fully cooked and golden brown. You may want to cover the skillet to retain moisture while cooking. Once the chicken is cooked, allow it to cool for a few minutes before chopping it into small cubes.
7. Cook the Turkey Bacon
In the same skillet, add the chopped turkey bacon. Cook it over medium heat for about 4 to 5 minutes, or until it becomes crispy. Turkey bacon adds a delicious, crunchy texture to the pizza that contrasts beautifully with the softness of the puff pastry and chicken.
8. Assemble the Pizza
Once the puff pastry has been pre-baked, it’s time to assemble your pizza. Start by spreading the BBQ sauce evenly over the puff pastry base. Don’t overdo it—just enough to cover the surface in a thin layer. The smoky sweetness of the BBQ sauce will act as a flavor foundation for the other toppings.
Next, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce, making sure it’s evenly distributed. Add the chopped chicken, turkey bacon, and sliced red onion. The red onion provides a mild bite and adds a pop of color to your pizza, while the cheese will melt into a gooey, savory layer.
9. Bake the Assembled Pizza
Place the pizza back in the oven and bake it for an additional 20 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and the toppings are heated through. The puff pastry crust should be golden and crispy around the edges, with the cheese perfectly bubbly.
10. Garnish and Serve
Once the pizza is done baking, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped green onions and fresh cilantro. These fresh herbs add a burst of color and flavor, making the pizza even more inviting. Slice the pizza into portions, and you’re ready to serve!