Honey Fig and Bacon Brussel Sprouts Pizza

Indulge in an extraordinary culinary experience with this Honey Fig Bacon Brussel Sprouts Pizza! Featuring sweet honeyed figs, crispy bacon, tender brussels sprouts, creamy burrata, and a rich balsamic reduction, this pizza is bursting with incredible flavors that will captivate your palate.

There are moments in life that call for celebration, whether it’s a personal milestone or the joy of discovering an unexpectedly delicious recipe. As I sit here at my dining room table, surrounded by French pressed coffee and festive pink and leopard decorations, I’m filled with excitement. Today marks my three-year “blogoversary,” a significant journey that has transformed a simple hobby into my dream job. This blog, which began as a tentative step into the digital world of food and lifestyle, has blossomed into a full-time passion, thanks to the incredible community and the endless inspiration I find along the way.

My talented friend and photographer, Stacy Keck, will be capturing the essence of this milestone with a themed photoshoot, and I can’t wait to share the vibrant pictures and the full story of my blogging journey next week. But before diving into the celebratory chaos, I simply had to share a recipe that perfectly embodies the spirit of creativity and delight I’ve found over these past three years: a truly magnificent Honey Fig Bacon Brussel Sprouts Pizza. This isn’t just any pizza; it’s a testament to the magic that happens when fresh, seasonal ingredients come together in a symphony of flavors.

The Inspiration: San Diego Little Italy Farmers Market

For the past two years, living in San Diego’s vibrant Little Italy neighborhood has provided a constant source of culinary inspiration, especially through its incredible farmers market. Almost every Saturday, I wander through the bustling stalls, getting to know the local vendors and farmers, learning about what’s in season, and discovering new, exciting produce. This market isn’t just a place to buy groceries; it’s a community hub where ideas for delicious meals often spark.

A couple of weeks ago, a particular sight caught my eye (or rather, my Instagram feed!). My friends at Farm to Office shared a picture of their first batch of fresh figs for the season. Having been enchanted by their dried fruits, nuts, and sun-dried tomatoes every week, their fresh figs from last season had left a lasting impression. The moment I saw that photo, I knew I had to get my hands on them.

With a basket brimming with fresh figs, plump brussels sprouts, and luxurious burrata cheese, I headed home with a singular mission: to meld these exquisite ingredients into an unforgettable new recipe. The result? This sensational pizza, a perfect harmony of sweet, savory, creamy, and tangy notes that will undoubtedly become a new favorite in your kitchen.

Crafting the Perfect Honey Fig Bacon Brussel Sprouts Pizza

This pizza is a culinary adventure, balancing the earthy bitterness of brussels sprouts with the smoky richness of bacon, the delicate sweetness of figs, and the creamy indulgence of burrata, all brought together by a vibrant balsamic reduction. It’s a sophisticated dish that’s surprisingly simple to prepare, making it ideal for a weeknight dinner or entertaining guests.

Ingredients for Your Gourmet Pizza

Creating this masterpiece begins with quality ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need for both the homemade pizza dough and the delectable toppings:

Homemade Pizza Dough

• ½ cup warm water (approx. 105-115°F)
• ¼ oz active dry yeast (about 2 ¼ teaspoons)
• 2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
• ¼ tsp salt

While store-bought pizza dough or a pre-made crust offers a convenient shortcut, crafting your own dough adds an unparalleled depth of flavor and texture. I find that preparing the toppings while the dough rises makes the entire process efficient. This reliable pizza dough recipe is a long-standing favorite, first featured on the blog with my Prosciutto Arugula Thin Crust Pizza.

Honey Fig & Bacon Brussel Sprouts Pizza Toppings

• 2-3 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped
• 2 cups brussels sprouts, ends trimmed and quartered (or shredded for a different texture)
• ½ cup balsamic vinegar
• 1 cup fresh figs, quartered (choose ripe, soft figs for best flavor)
• 1 tbsp honey
• ¼ cup olive oil, plus extra for oiling the bowl
• 4 oz burrata cheese, torn into small pieces

Ingredient Notes: For the cheese, if burrata is unavailable, fresh mozzarella cheese makes an excellent substitute, offering a similar creamy texture when melted. When selecting figs, look for ones that are plump and slightly soft to the touch, indicating ripeness and optimal sweetness. For the brussels sprouts, ensure they are firm and tightly packed.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Follow these detailed steps to create your own irresistible Honey Fig Bacon Brussel Sprouts Pizza.

Preparing the Pizza Dough

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water and yeast. Gently stir to dissolve the yeast.
2. Allow the mixture to sit for 5-10 minutes. You’ll notice it begin to bubble and foam, which indicates the yeast is active.
3. Add the flour and salt to the yeast mixture. Mix thoroughly, either by hand or with a stand mixer equipped with a dough hook, until a cohesive, shaggy ball of dough forms. If the dough appears too dry, add a tiny bit more water, one teaspoon at a time, until it comes together.
4. Transfer the dough ball to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
5. Lightly oil a clean large bowl, place the kneaded dough in it, and turn to coat all sides with oil. This prevents it from sticking.
6. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let the dough rise in a warm place for 30-45 minutes, or until it has roughly doubled in size.

Preparing the Pizza Toppings

While your dough is rising, you can efficiently prepare all the delicious toppings.

7. In a large skillet, cook the chopped bacon over medium-high heat until it is beautifully crispy. This typically takes about 5-7 minutes.
8. Using a slotted spoon, remove the cooked bacon from the skillet and transfer it to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess grease. Set the crispy bacon aside.
9. Leave about a tablespoon or two of bacon grease in the skillet (discard any extra). Add the quartered brussels sprouts to the skillet and cook in the bacon grease for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are tender-crisp and slightly caramelized.
10. Remove the brussels sprouts from the heat and set them aside with the bacon.
11. For the balsamic reduction: In a small saucepan, bring the balsamic vinegar to a boil over medium heat.
12. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and simmer gently, allowing the vinegar to reduce by half. It should thicken slightly and become syrupy. This process usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
13. While the balsamic is reducing, combine the quartered fresh figs and honey in a small bowl. Toss gently to coat the figs evenly.

Assembling and Baking the Pizza

14. Once the pizza dough has risen, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven while preheating for a crispier crust.
15. On a lightly floured surface, gently punch down the risen dough to release air. Roll it out into your desired thin crust shape and size (approximately 12-14 inches in diameter).
16. Carefully transfer the rolled dough to a parchment-lined baking sheet or a pizza peel dusted with cornmeal if using a pizza stone.
17. Brush the entire surface of the pizza crust evenly with ¼ cup of olive oil.
18. Evenly scatter the cooked bacon, brussels sprouts, and honey-coated figs over the oiled crust.
19. Tear the burrata cheese into small, irregular pieces and strategically place them across the pizza, ensuring even distribution for creamy bites.
20. Finally, drizzle the luscious balsamic reduction generously over all the toppings. This step adds a crucial layer of tangy sweetness.
21. Carefully transfer the pizza to the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and crispy, and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Keep an eye on it to prevent over-browning.

The Flavor Experience

Upon its emergence from the oven, this pizza is a feast for the senses. The aroma alone is enough to make your mouth water. Each bite offers a delightful complexity: the natural sweetness of the honey-glazed figs plays harmoniously with the salty, smoky crunch of bacon. The tender, slightly bitter brussels sprouts provide a wonderful counterpoint, while the creamy, melt-in-your-mouth burrata cheese ties all the flavors together with its luxurious texture. Finally, the tangy balsamic reduction adds a bright, acidic finish that elevates every component. It’s truly a symphony of tastes and textures that will leave you wanting more.

I distinctly remember slicing into this pizza for the first time. It was so incredibly good that I devoured nearly half of it for dinner! After heading out to a friend’s comedy show, I came home still craving those unique flavors and helped myself to another slice. Seriously, I just couldn’t get enough of this amazing combination.

More Than Just a Recipe

This pizza is more than just a meal; it’s an experience, a delightful fusion of seasonal produce and classic comfort. It’s perfect for those looking to expand their pizza horizons beyond traditional toppings and impress with something truly special. Whether you’re celebrating a personal milestone, hosting a casual gathering, or simply treating yourself to a gourmet meal at home, this recipe is guaranteed to be a hit.

Don’t forget to check out my Instagram page later today for an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at my blogoversary photo shoot! Expect a flurry of confetti, delectable cupcakes, cheerful balloons, sweet ice cream cones, and fluffy cotton candy. It’s going to be a sugary celebration of three wonderful years, and I’m so thrilled to share it all with you. Um… did someone say sugar high? Haha!