Carnitas Pizza Recipe: Easy, Delicious, and Flavorful Ideas

If you’re craving the perfect fusion of Mexican flavors and Italian comfort food, this carnitas pizza recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine tender, slow-cooked carnitas piled high on a crisp, golden pizza crust, topped with melted cheese, fresh cilantro, and a drizzle of tangy salsa roja.

It’s a bold, irresistible combination that brings the best of both worlds right to your table. Whether you’re hosting a casual get-together or simply want a delicious homemade meal, carnitas pizza offers a flavorful twist that’s sure to impress.

This recipe is not only easy to make but also incredibly versatile. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can enjoy a restaurant-quality pizza in the comfort of your home.

So roll up your sleeves and get ready to embark on a culinary adventure that will delight your taste buds and satisfy your hunger in the most delicious way possible.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Carnitas pizza combines the rich, savory taste of slow-cooked pork with the universally loved format of pizza, making it a crowd-pleaser for all ages. The pork is juicy and flavorful, infused with traditional Mexican spices, while the crust adds a perfect crisp texture.

Topped off with melted cheese and fresh garnishes, it’s a harmonious blend of flavors and textures.

This recipe is also highly customizable. You can easily swap out toppings, adjust the spice levels, or use store-bought carnitas to save time.

Plus, it’s a great way to use leftover pork or experiment with other Mexican-inspired ingredients. If you love bold flavors and crave something different from the usual pizza, this carnitas pizza will quickly become a favorite in your recipe rotation.

Ingredients

• 1 lb carnitas pork (slow-cooked shredded pork, homemade or store-bought)
• 1 pizza dough ball (about 12 inches in diameter, store-bought or homemade)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup diced red onion
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves, chopped
• 1/2 cup salsa roja (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 jalapeño, thinly sliced (optional for spice)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 lime, cut into wedges (for serving)

Equipment

• Oven or pizza stone
• Baking sheet or pizza peel
• Mixing bowl
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Knife and cutting board
• Spatula or tongs
• Rolling pin (if using homemade dough)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven to heat up as well.
2. Prepare the carnitas pork: In a mixing bowl, toss the shredded pork with ground cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. This will enhance the smoky, savory flavors of the meat.
3. Roll out the pizza dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough into a 12-inch circle. Transfer it to a baking sheet or a pizza peel dusted with flour or cornmeal to prevent sticking.
4. Brush the dough: Lightly brush the dough with olive oil to help create a crispy crust.
5. Layer the cheeses: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and cheddar evenly over the dough, leaving a small border for the crust.
6. Add the carnitas: Distribute the seasoned shredded pork evenly on top of the cheese layer. Scatter the diced red onions and jalapeño slices evenly as well, if using.
7. Bake the pizza: Slide the pizza onto the preheated pizza stone or place the baking sheet in the oven. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly and browned in spots.
8. Finish with salsa and cilantro: Remove the pizza from the oven and immediately drizzle salsa roja over the top. Sprinkle the chopped fresh cilantro evenly.
9. Serve with lime wedges: Cut the pizza into slices and serve with lime wedges on the side for an extra burst of citrusy brightness.

Tips & Variations

For an extra crispy crust, pre-bake the dough for 5 minutes before adding toppings.

You can easily customize this pizza by adding other Mexican-inspired toppings such as sliced black olives, diced tomatoes, or avocado slices after baking. If you prefer a spicier kick, add more jalapeños or a sprinkle of chili flakes.

For a quicker option, use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken instead of carnitas, seasoned with taco spices. Vegetarians can substitute carnitas with seasoned jackfruit or a plant-based meat alternative for a similar texture and flavor profile.

If you want to explore more pizza options, check out our All Recipes Vegetarian Pizza Ideas for Every Occasion for inspiration.

Nutrition Facts

Note: Nutritional values may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

Serving Suggestions

This carnitas pizza pairs wonderfully with fresh, light sides to balance its rich flavors. Consider serving it alongside a crisp green salad with lime vinaigrette or a zesty Mexican street corn salad (elote) for a festive touch.

For drinks, a cold Mexican beer or a refreshing agua fresca (such as watermelon or hibiscus) complements the pizza beautifully. If you want to keep things simple, a sparkling water with a squeeze of lime works just as well.

Don’t forget to experiment with homemade salsa roja recipes to elevate your pizza experience. You might also enjoy pairing this dish with other bold and flavorful meals like our Black Bean Sauce Recipe Vegetarian: Easy & Delicious Guide or our Vegan Dinners Recipes for Easy and Delicious Meals for a full Mexican-inspired feast.

Conclusion

Carnitas pizza is a fantastic way to bring together the best of Mexican and Italian cuisines in one delicious, crowd-pleasing dish. Its combination of tender, flavorful pork, melty cheeses, and vibrant toppings makes it a standout meal for any occasion.

Whether you’re feeding a family or entertaining friends, this recipe is simple enough for weeknights yet special enough for weekends.

With options to customize toppings and spice levels, carnitas pizza offers great versatility and endless flavor possibilities. Plus, it’s a fun recipe to make with loved ones, perfect for sharing good times and great food.

Ready to try more exciting recipes? Check out our other favorites like Backpacking Dehydrated Vegan Meal Recipes for Easy Camping and Veg Grilled Sandwich Recipes That Are Quick and Delicious for more culinary inspiration.

Happy cooking!

{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “Carnitas Pizza”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “A flavorful fusion of tender carnitas and cheesy pizza on a crispy crust. Perfect for a quick and delicious meal.”, “prepTime”: “PT15M”, “cookTime”: “PT20M”, “totalTime”: “PT35M”, “recipeYield”: “4 servings”, “recipeIngredient”: [“1 lb shredded carnitas”, “1 pre-made pizza crust (12 inch)”, “1/2 cup salsa verde”, “1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese”, “1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese”, “1/4 cup diced red onion”, “1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro”, “1 jalapeno, thinly sliced”, “1 lime, cut into wedges”, “Sour cream for serving (optional)”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Preheat oven to 425\u00b0F (220\u00b0C).”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Spread salsa verde evenly over the pizza crust.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Distribute shredded carnitas over the salsa layer.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Sprinkle mozzarella and cheddar cheeses evenly on top.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add diced red onion and jalapeno slices over the cheese.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Bake pizza for 15-20 minutes until cheese is melted and crust is golden.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Remove from oven and sprinkle fresh cilantro on top.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Serve with lime wedges and sour cream if desired.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “480 kcal”, “proteinContent”: “30 g”, “fatContent”: “22 g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “40 g”}}