Gourmet BBQ Kale Pizza with Cheddar, Mozzarella, and Fresh Apple

If you are looking to elevate your pizza night with a blend of smoky, sweet, and earthy flavors, this BBQ Kale Pizza is a game-changer. Inspired by Sara Haas’s cookbook, Pizza! Pizza! Pizza!, this recipe breaks the traditional mold by combining hearty lacinato kale with the tart crunch of julienned green apples.

This vegetarian-friendly dish isn't just a pizza; it’s a sophisticated balance of textures. The sharpness of the cheddar melts perfectly with the creamy mozzarella, while the BBQ sauce base provides a tangy depth that complements the bitterness of the kale.

Ingredients for the BBQ Kale Pizza

To achieve that artisan-style finish at home, you will need the following ingredients:

• Pizza Dough: 1 ball (standard size), brought to room temperature for easier stretching.
• BBQ Sauce: 2 tablespoons (use the homemade recipe below or your favorite high-quality store-bought brand).
• Kale: 2 cups of stemmed and shredded kale (Dinosaur or Lacinato kale is highly recommended).
• Red Onion: ¼ cup, very thinly sliced.
• Mozzarella Cheese: ½ cup (2 ounces) shredded low-moisture, part-skim.
• Sharp Cheddar: ½ cup (2 ounces) shredded for a bold flavor profile.
• Green Apple: ½ of a Granny Smith apple, sliced into thin matchsticks (julienned).
• Crushed Red Pepper: 1 teaspoon for a hint of heat.
• Hot Sauce: For serving (optional).

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven

Place your pizza stone on the lowest rack (or a pizza steel on the highest rack). Preheat the oven to 500°F (260°C). Allow it to heat for at least 45 minutes to an hour to ensure the stone is saturated with heat, which is the secret to a crispy bottom crust.

2. Prepare the Dough

Dust a pizza peel or a piece of parchment paper with a mixture of fine cornmeal and all-purpose flour. Gently stretch your room-temperature dough into a circle. Transfer the shaped dough to the prepared peel or parchment.

3. Layer the Toppings

Spread the BBQ sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border for the crust. Layer the shredded kale and thinly sliced red onions over the sauce. Evenly distribute the shredded mozzarella and sharp cheddar across the top.

4. Bake to Perfection

Slide the pizza onto the hot stone. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling and slightly browned and the crust has achieved a beautiful golden hue.

5. The Finishing Touch

Remove the pizza from the oven and let it rest on a cutting board for a minute. Garnish the hot pizza with the fresh matchstick apples and crushed red pepper. The heat from the pizza will slightly warm the apples while maintaining their crunch. Slice and serve immediately with hot sauce on the side.

Bonus: Easy Homemade BBQ Sauce

While store-bought sauce works in a pinch, making your own allows you to control the sugar levels and spice.

Ingredients

• ½ cup ketchup
• ¼ cup water
• 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
• ⅓ cup apple juice or cider
• 1 tablespoon molasses
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar (packed)
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon each of garlic and onion powder
• ⅛ teaspoon crushed red pepper
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

Instructions

1. In a small saucepan, whisk together all ingredients except the apple cider vinegar.
2. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
3. Lower the heat and simmer for 25–30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened.
4. Remove from heat and stir in the apple cider vinegar.