Welcome to the ultimate breakfast experience! This Breakfast Pizza with Everything Bagel Crust is a delicious, cheesy, and incredibly satisfying dish that effortlessly transitions from a hearty breakfast to a delightful lunch or even a unique dinner option. It’s designed to elevate your mealtime with its irresistible flavors and textures.
For many, pizza holds a special place in their hearts, and my family is no exception. Growing up, our Saturday nights were religiously dedicated to pizza. It wasn’t just a meal; it was a weekly ritual, a cherished tradition that brought everyone together. In fact, our consistent delivery orders became legendary in the neighborhood, often earning a knowing nod from the delivery drivers who probably knew our order by heart! While there wasn’t an official contest, the sheer volume of pizzas delivered to our door certainly felt like a win in itself.
The story of pizza runs even deeper in my family. My parents actually met while working at a Pizza Hut – my mom as a waitress and my dad as a cook. It’s safe to say that pizza isn’t just a food item; it’s practically woven into the fabric of our family history. With such a strong legacy, it’s no surprise that my appreciation for pizza has evolved over the years, leading me to discover exciting new variations.
The Ultimate Breakfast Revelation: Everything Bagel Crust
When it comes to pizza toppings, I’ve always been a staunch advocate for a classic cheese slice, though I’d never turn down a robust meat lover’s creation. However, my taste buds recently discovered a new favorite that has completely transformed my morning routine: Breakfast Pizza with Everything Bagel Crust. Yes, you read that right! Prepare to get excited, because weekday mornings are about to go from mundane to magnificent.
This isn’t just any breakfast pizza; it’s a culinary masterpiece where the crust itself takes center stage, imbued with the beloved flavors of an everything bagel. Imagine that iconic blend of sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried garlic, dried onion, and a hint of salt, perfectly baked into a tender, chewy pizza crust. It’s a game-changer that combines two breakfast favorites into one sensational dish.
Crafting the Perfect Homemade Crust
Any truly great pizza starts with a superior crust, and this recipe delivers just that. We’re creating a quick, homemade version using a few simple yet essential ingredients: Bob’s Red Mill Unbleached All-Purpose Flour, quick-rise yeast, flat beer, olive oil, and salt. The beer, often overlooked in dough recipes, contributes a wonderful tenderness and a subtle depth of flavor that complements the richness of the toppings.
Bob’s Red Mill Unbleached All-Purpose Flour is key to making your pizza crust truly shine. This enriched baking flour is crafted from high-quality North American wheat and includes a touch of malted barley. This addition is crucial because it naturally enhances the rise in yeast breads and crusts, ensuring a light, airy texture with just the right amount of chew. It provides the ideal foundation for a crust that is both robust enough to hold generous toppings and delicate enough to be utterly delicious. Can you say winning ingredient? We certainly can!
Assembling Your Morning Masterpiece
Once your pizza dough has beautifully risen, is perfectly rolled out, and ready for its star moment, it’s time for the fun part: loading it with all your favorite breakfast essentials. Think crispy hash browns, savory breakfast sausage, fluffy scrambled eggs, and a generous layer of melted cheese. These classic components create a symphony of flavors that will awaken your senses. But the real magic happens next.
To achieve that iconic Everything Bagel flavor, lightly brush the outer crust with a touch of olive oil, then generously sprinkle it with Everything Bagel Seasoning. As it bakes, the seasoning toasts, releasing its aromatic goodness and creating an irresistible crunch. Picture this pizza as a perfectly flattened bagel sandwich, robust enough to hold its own on any bustling street in Brooklyn, yet sophisticated enough for your breakfast table.
Simply bake until the crust turns a beautiful golden brown and the cheese is wonderfully bubbly and melted. Take that first bite, and you’ll instantly forget it’s a regular Wednesday morning. This breakfast pizza transforms any day into a special occasion. Just make sure to save a slice, perhaps for a very deserving pizza delivery person, or simply for tomorrow’s treat!
Why This Breakfast Pizza Is a Must-Try
- Unforgettable Flavor Combination: The savory breakfast toppings perfectly complement the distinctive, nutty, and salty notes of the everything bagel crust. It’s a harmonious blend that keeps you coming back for more.
- Versatile for Any Meal: While named “Breakfast Pizza,” its appeal knows no bounds. Serve it for a leisurely brunch, a quick and satisfying lunch, or even as a fun, unconventional dinner.
- Customizable to Your Liking: The beauty of homemade pizza lies in its flexibility. Easily adapt the toppings to suit your preferences – add bacon, diced peppers, mushrooms, spinach, or even a dash of hot sauce for an extra kick.
- Crowd-Pleaser: This pizza is guaranteed to be a hit at family gatherings, potlucks, or any occasion where you want to impress with minimal fuss. Kids and adults alike will adore it.
- Fresh, Homemade Goodness: Making your own crust is incredibly rewarding. You control the ingredients, ensuring a fresh, wholesome, and delicious base that store-bought versions can’t match.
Tips for Breakfast Pizza Perfection
- Dough Handling: Don’t be afraid of sticky dough initially; kneading it for the recommended time will develop the gluten and make it pliable. Use extra flour sparingly on your work surface to prevent sticking without making the dough tough.
- Rising Environment: A warm, draft-free spot is ideal for dough rising. If your kitchen is cool, try placing the covered bowl in a slightly warmed (but turned off) oven or near a sunny window.
- Cheese Sauce Consistency: The cheese sauce should be thick enough to spread but not overly pasty. If it’s too thick, add a tiny splash more milk; if too thin, let it simmer briefly to reduce.
- Even Topping Distribution: Spread your toppings evenly across the pizza to ensure every slice gets a delicious medley of flavors. Leave a small border for the crust to puff up.
- Baking Stone vs. Sheet Pan: For an extra crispy crust, preheat a pizza stone in your oven before transferring the pizza onto it. A heavy-duty baking sheet also works well.
- Don’t Skimp on Seasoning: Be generous with the Everything Bagel Seasoning on the crust. It’s the star flavor element that sets this pizza apart.
***This post is proudly sponsored by Bob’s Red Mill. As always, all opinions expressed are 100% my own and reflect my genuine love for their high-quality products.***
Breakfast Pizza with Everything Bagel Crust
Prep Time: 1 hour
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups flat beer
- 3 3/4 cups + 1 tbsp Bob’s Red Mill unbleached all-purpose flour, divided
- 3 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1 1/2 tsp olive oil
- 1 1/2 tsp quick-rise, active yeast
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 1/4 cups milk, divided
- 3/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 8 ounces uncooked breakfast sausage
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup frozen hash brown potatoes, thawed
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tbsp Everything Bagel Seasoning
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
- In a large bowl, combine the flat beer, 3 3/4 cups of the flour, granulated sugar, kosher salt, 1 1/2 tsp olive oil, and quick-rise yeast. Stir this mixture thoroughly until it begins to hold together and forms a sticky dough.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead it for about 10 minutes. Add additional flour, one tablespoon at a time, as needed to prevent the dough from sticking to your hands and the surface, aiming for a soft and pliable consistency.
- Once the dough is smooth and elastic, form it into a ball and place it in a lightly-oiled bowl. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and set it aside in a warm area to rise until it doubles in size, which typically takes about 45 to 55 minutes.
- After the dough has fully risen, gently remove it from the bowl and place it back onto your floured surface. Divide the dough into two equal pieces; save one piece for another delicious use (it freezes well!) and roll out the other piece into a 12-inch round to fit your baking sheet.
- Spread a thin, even layer of olive oil over the surface of your sheet pan and carefully transfer the rolled-out dough onto the pan.
- While the dough is resting on the baking sheet, prepare the cheese sauce. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of flour and cook, stirring continuously, for about 1 minute until a roux forms.
- Gradually whisk in 1 cup of milk and bring the mixture to a boil, whisking constantly until the sauce thickens, which should take approximately 3 to 4 minutes. Remove the saucepan from the heat and whisk in 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese and a pinch of salt until the cheese is fully melted and incorporated. Set the sauce aside.
- In a medium skillet preheated to medium-high heat, add the crumbled breakfast sausage. Cook the sausage, breaking it apart with a spoon, until it is no longer pink, about five minutes. Remove the cooked sausage with a slotted wooden spoon and place it on a plate lined with a paper towel to drain excess grease.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the eggs, 1/4 cup of milk, and a pinch of salt. In the same skillet used for the sausage, cook the egg mixture over medium heat, scrambling until they are fluffy and cooked through. Remove the pan from the heat.
- To assemble the pizza: Spread a thin, even layer of the prepared cheese sauce over the pizza crust, leaving a 1-inch border around the edge. (You may have a little extra sauce depending on your preference.)
- Next, evenly top the cheese sauce with the thawed hash browns, cooked sausage, and scrambled eggs. Sprinkle the pizza generously with the shredded mozzarella cheese and the remaining 1/4 cup of cheddar cheese.
- Finally, lightly brush the exposed crust border with olive oil and then generously sprinkle the Everything Bagel Seasoning all over the crust.
- Bake the pizza for about 20 to 25 minutes, or until the cheese has melted, is bubbly, and the crust has turned a beautiful golden brown.
- Remove the pizza from the oven, let it cool for a few minutes, slice, and serve immediately. Enjoy your magnificent Breakfast Pizza!
All images and text ©Lauren Grier for The Curious Plate
In conclusion, our Breakfast Pizza with Everything Bagel Crust isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience. Its unique blend of savory breakfast flavors, combined with the irresistible crunch and aroma of the everything bagel seasoning, makes it a perfect start to any day, a delightful brunch centerpiece, or a surprising dinner treat. Embrace this inventive culinary fusion and prepare to make new, delicious memories!