BBQ Pulled Pork Pizza with Sweet Corn and Cilantro Cream

Welcome to your new favorite obsession: Pulled Pork Pizza with Sweet Corn and Cilantro Cream, grilled to perfection! Imagine a golden, crispy pizza crust, generously topped with succulent pulled pork, bursts of sweet grilled corn, tangy pineapple, crisp red onions, savory bacon, and gooey melted mozzarella, all finished with a vibrant, creamy cilantro sauce. This isn’t just any pizza; it’s a culinary masterpiece that combines the best of smoky barbecue with the beloved comfort of homemade pizza, creating an explosion of flavors and textures in every bite.

There’s something truly magical about cooking pizza on the grill. It imparts a unique smoky flavor and delivers an incredibly crisp crust that’s hard to achieve in a conventional oven. This recipe takes that grilled pizza experience to the next level by featuring tender, flavorful pulled pork as its star topping. Paired with fresh, sweet corn and a bright, zesty cilantro cream, this pizza isn’t just delightful; it’s an unforgettable summer meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.

The inspiration for this incredible pizza struck me at a recent conference, where I had the most unexpectedly delicious pulled pork and sweet corn pizza with a cilantro cream drizzle. I knew immediately that I had to recreate that amazing combination at home. The blend of rich, smoky pulled pork with the refreshing sweetness of corn, the zesty kick of cilantro, and the creamy texture of the sauce was simply irresistible. It’s a harmonious balance of sweet, salty, savory, and fresh flavors, making it a perfect dish for any occasion, especially when you’re looking to impress without too much fuss.

We often find ourselves with leftover pulled pork after making our World’s Best Carolina Pulled Pork. Frankly, having extra of that tender, slow-cooked meat is a problem we’re happy to have! Our latest and greatest discovery for repurposing those delicious leftovers is this very pulled pork pizza. It transforms simple leftovers into something extraordinary. The savory pulled pork, combined with sweet pineapple, crunchy red onions, and a sprinkle of red bell pepper, all spread over gooey cheese and a perfectly grilled crust, creates a truly scrumptious and satisfying meal. It’s sweet, salty, bright, and fresh – a flavor profile that keeps us coming back for more, slice after glorious slice!

Mastering Pulled Pork for Your Pizza

The foundation of an outstanding pulled pork pizza is, naturally, exceptional pulled pork. Whether you’re making it fresh for this recipe or utilizing glorious leftovers, understanding a few key tips about preparing and storing pulled pork can make all the difference in your pizza’s flavor and texture.

Can Pulled Pork Be Made A Day Ahead?

Absolutely! Preparing your pulled pork a day or even two ahead of time is not only possible but highly practical, especially if you’re following a recipe like our “World’s Best Carolina Pulled Pork,” which involves a slow cooking process. Making it in advance allows the flavors to meld and deepen, often resulting in an even more delicious and tender product. Once cooked, allow the pulled pork to cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This advance preparation saves you time on pizza night, making the assembly process quick and enjoyable.

What If My Pork Will Not Shred?

If you find your pork butt resisting the shredding fork, it usually points to one of two common issues. Firstly, it might simply not be done cooking. Pulled pork should be cooked “low and slow” until it reaches an internal temperature of around 200-205°F (93-96°C). At this temperature, the collagen breaks down sufficiently, allowing the meat to effortlessly pull apart. If it’s still tough, give it more time in the smoker or oven. Secondly, you may have cooked it at too high a temperature, too quickly. High heat can cause the proteins to seize up, resulting in dry, tough meat that won’t shred properly. The key to perfect pulled pork is patience and consistent low heat, ensuring a succulent, fall-apart texture every time.

Can Pulled Pork Be Refrozen?

Yes, you can refreeze pulled pork, provided it has only been thawed once and handled safely. If you thawed a batch of pulled pork and didn’t use it all, you can safely refreeze the unused portion within a couple of days of thawing, as long as it has been kept continuously refrigerated. Always store it in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag to prevent freezer burn and maintain quality. This makes pulled pork a fantastic meal prep ingredient, allowing you to enjoy it in multiple meals like this incredible pizza!

The beauty of this pulled pork pizza recipe is its flexibility. You can use freshly made pulled pork, a batch that’s been chilling in your fridge for a day or two, or even frozen pulled pork from a previous cookout. No matter its origin, as long as it’s delicious and properly prepared, it will contribute a wonderful depth of flavor to your pizza.

Perfecting the Sweet Corn

Sweet corn is a crucial component that adds a burst of freshness and sweetness to balance the richness of the pulled pork. While any cooking method for corn on the cob will work, grilling imparts a desirable smoky char that elevates its flavor.

What Is The Best Way To Cook Sweet Corn?

There are several excellent ways to prepare corn on the cob, each offering a slightly different result for your pulled pork pizza:

• Boil: For a quick and classic approach, remove the husk and silk, then place the cobs in a large stockpot. Fill with enough water to cover the cobs, add a tablespoon of salt, and bring to a boil. Once boiling, cook for just 5-7 minutes until tender-crisp.
• Microwave: This is a surprisingly easy method. Place 2 cobs (with husks on) in the microwave and cook for 4-6 minutes. The husks steam the corn, making it tender. Once cool enough to handle, remove the husks and silk.
• Grill: Our absolute favorite method for this pizza! Grilling sweet corn adds a beautiful char and a subtle smoky flavor that complements the pulled pork perfectly. For detailed instructions on achieving perfectly grilled corn, check out our best grilled corn post. The smoky notes from the grill truly make this pizza sing.

Whichever method you choose, ensure the kernels are tender and vibrant. The grilled method, in particular, enhances the overall barbecue-inspired theme of this pizza, adding an extra layer of deliciousness.

Can Cooked Corn Be Left Out?

For food safety, hot foods, including cooked corn, should be refrigerated as soon as possible. Harmful bacteria can begin to multiply rapidly if food is left at room temperature for more than two hours. To maintain freshness and prevent spoilage, cool cooked corn quickly and store it promptly in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

The Magic of Cilantro Cream

The cilantro cream isn’t just a topping; it’s the bright, zesty counterpoint that ties all the robust flavors of this pizza together. Its fresh, herbaceous notes cut through the richness of the pork and cheese, making every bite incredibly balanced and refreshing.

What Is Cilantro?

Cilantro refers to the fresh leaves of the coriander plant, an aromatic herb belonging to the parsley family. Both its leaves (cilantro) and seeds (coriander spice) are widely used in culinary applications around the world, particularly in Mexican, Indian, and Middle Eastern cuisines. While many adore its bright, citrusy flavor, cilantro is famously divisive. Interestingly, some individuals possess a genetic variation that causes cilantro to taste like soap or dirt. If you’re one of those people, rest assured, you’re not alone, and it’s not “crazy” to dislike it! For everyone else, fresh cilantro adds an unparalleled burst of flavor and a beautiful green hue to our cream sauce.

When selecting cilantro, look for vibrant green leaves without any wilting or yellowing. To store, trim the ends of the stems, place them in a glass of water like a bouquet, and cover loosely with a plastic bag. Refrigerate, changing the water every few days, and it can last for over a week. For this recipe, fresh cilantro is non-negotiable for that authentic, bright flavor.

Crafting the Perfect Pulled Pork Pizza Topping Combination

While the pulled pork and cilantro cream are stars, it’s the thoughtful combination of all the toppings that transforms this into a truly exceptional pizza experience. Each ingredient plays a vital role in creating a balanced and flavorful profile.

What Toppings Go on Pulled Pork Pizza?

Here’s a breakdown of the fantastic toppings that make this pizza so utterly scrumptious, along with why each one is essential:

• Pulled Pork: The undisputed king of this pizza, providing rich, smoky, and tender meatiness. It’s the hearty base upon which all other flavors build.
• Pineapple, chopped: A controversial but brilliant addition! The sweet and tangy notes of pineapple cut through the richness of the pork and cheese, adding a bright, tropical counterpoint that is surprisingly delicious.
• Red bell pepper, chopped: Adds a subtle sweetness, a touch of vibrant color, and a slight crunch, complementing the other ingredients without overpowering them.
• Red onion, chopped: Offers a sharp, slightly pungent bite that provides a welcome contrast to the sweet elements. When grilled, it mellows slightly, becoming sweeter.
• Grilled corn: Fresh, sweet, and with a hint of smoky char, the corn kernels add pops of flavor and texture that perfectly echo the barbecue theme.
• Bacon, cooked and chopped: Because everything is better with bacon! Its salty, crispy texture and savory flavor enhance the overall richness and depth of the pizza.
• Tillamook Mozzarella Farmstyle Cheese Shreds: We swear by Tillamook for its superior melt and creamy texture. A generous layer of high-quality mozzarella creates that irresistible gooey cheese pull. Feel free to use your favorite brand of whole milk mozzarella.
• Fresh Cilantro, chopped: Added after grilling, fresh cilantro provides a burst of herbaceous, citrusy freshness that awakens the palate.
• Cilantro cream (recipe below): The glorious finishing touch! This creamy, zesty sauce brings all the flavors together, adding moisture, tang, and a vibrant kick that truly completes the pizza.

The synergy of these toppings creates a pizza that is truly unique and bursting with flavor. Don’t be shy about experimenting with the quantities to suit your personal preference!

Crafting Your Homemade Pizza Masterpiece

With your incredible toppings ready, the next step is the canvas: your pizza crust. Grilling pizza is a game-changer, offering a crispy, airy crust with a delightful smoky flavor. While you can certainly use a store-bought crust for convenience, making your own elevates the experience to a gourmet level.

How Do I Make Homemade Pizza Crust?

A great pizza starts with a great crust. For a detailed guide on making our perfect homemade pizza dough, head over to our post for our Elote Mexican Corn Grilled Pizza. That recipe provides step-by-step instructions for creating a dough that’s both pliable and delicious, ideal for grilling. If you’re new to grilling pizza, don’t worry! We’ve got you covered. You can also check out our Pesto Pepperoni and Sausage Grilled Pizza post for all our best tips and tricks for successfully grilling pizza, ensuring a beautifully cooked crust with minimal fuss.

How Do I Make Cilantro Cream?

My absolute favorite element on this pulled pork pizza is the luscious cilantro cream. It’s incredibly easy to make and packs a huge flavor punch. You’ll need just a few simple, fresh ingredients:

• Fresh cilantro (of course, plenty of it!)
• Ripe avocado, for creaminess and healthy fats
• Sour cream (or for an extra tangy kick, authentic Mexican crema)
• Fresh garlic clove, for pungent aroma
• Half of a small jalapeño, for a touch of heat (adjust to your preference)
• Freshly squeezed lime juice, for bright acidity
• Good quality olive oil
• Ground cumin, for warm, earthy notes
• Pinch of kosher salt, to enhance all flavors
• Apple Cider Vinegar (for a touch of tang and balance)

To make the cream, simply combine all these ingredients (minus the sour cream/crema initially) into a blender. Blend until you achieve a wonderfully smooth and vibrant green sauce. Then, gently whisk in the sour cream or Mexican crema until fully incorporated. This ensures the best texture and prevents over-blending the dairy. Drizzle this incredible sauce generously over your pizza once it comes off the grill, just before serving, for the ultimate flavor experience.

Storing and Enjoying Your Pizza Later

Sometimes, despite our best efforts, there might be a slice or two of this amazing pulled pork pizza left over. Or perhaps you’re planning ahead and want to make a larger batch to enjoy on a busy weeknight. Knowing how to properly store and reheat your pizza is key to extending its deliciousness.

How Long Will Pizza Last?

If your pizza is properly stored in the refrigerator, it will retain its quality and be safe to eat for 3 to 4 days. To maximize freshness, transfer cooled slices to an airtight container or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before refrigerating. For even longer storage, freezing is an excellent option that allows you to enjoy this flavorful pizza weeks later.

Can You Freeze Cooked Pizza?

Absolutely! Freezing cooked pizza is a fantastic way to prepare quick and easy meals for those busy nights. We do this often, and it makes dinner a breeze. For this particular Pulled Pork and Sweet Corn Pizza with Cilantro Cream, we recommend freezing it *without* the cilantro cream. The fresh avocado and cilantro in the cream can change texture upon thawing. Instead, prepare a fresh batch of cilantro cream just before serving your reheated pizza for the best results. Store individual slices or whole pizzas in an airtight container or a heavy-duty freezer bag, ensuring as much air is removed as possible. When you’re ready to eat, you can reheat frozen pizza slices in the microwave for a quick bite or in the oven (or even on the grill!) for a crispier crust. A hot oven at 375-400°F (190-200°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and the crust is crisp, usually does the trick. Once reheated, add that fresh drizzle of cilantro cream and enjoy!

This Pulled Pork Pizza with Sweet Corn and Cilantro Cream truly is a masterpiece – delightful, scrumptious, and practically perfect in every way. The best part? You can create this gourmet grilled pizza right in your own backyard! It’s not only an incredible way to use up leftover pulled pork but also a fantastic excuse to fire up the grill and celebrate the weekend. This recipe promises a unique flavor adventure that will quickly become a beloved staple in your culinary repertoire.

More Irresistible PIZZA RECIPES You’ll Love:

If you’ve fallen in love with homemade pizza, especially on the grill, explore these other fantastic recipes from our collection:

• Pesto Pepperoni and Sausage Grilled Pizza
• Elote Mexican Corn Grilled Pizza
• Pepperoni Pizza Stuffed Crescent Rolls
• Pepperoni Pizza Dip
• Homemade Pizza Sauce
• Zucchini Pizza Crust
• Pulled Pork Pizza (Oven Baked)
• Grilled Garlic Naan Pizza
• Breakfast Fruit and Yogurt Pizza
• M&M Chocolate Pizza
• Sugar Cookie Fruit Pizza
• Discover All Our Pizza Recipes!

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