Garlic Butter Bacon Alfredo Pizza Twists
Description:
These Garlic Butter Bacon Alfredo Pizza Twists are a deliciously indulgent treat perfect for a snack, appetizer, or even a fun dinner. Soft, pillowy pizza dough is spread with creamy alfredo sauce, topped with gooey mozzarella cheese and crispy bacon, then rolled up into twisty, golden-brown bites. Brushed with a rich garlic butter and sprinkled with Parmesan cheese, each bite is an explosion of flavor. These twists are not only incredibly easy to make, but they’re also packed with irresistible flavors that will have everyone reaching for more. Get ready to enjoy a cheesy, bacon-filled delight that’s perfect for any occasion!
Ingredients:
- 1 can refrigerated pizza dough
- 1/2 cup alfredo sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup cooked and crumbled bacon
- 2 tablespoons garlic butter
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup.
- Prepare the Dough:
- Roll out the refrigerated pizza dough onto the prepared baking sheet, gently stretching it to form a rectangle or square.
- Spread Alfredo Sauce:
- Evenly spread alfredo sauce over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges for easy handling.
- Add Cheese and Bacon:
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the alfredo sauce. Then sprinkle the crumbled bacon over the cheese, ensuring even distribution.
- Roll the Dough:
- Carefully roll up the dough from one edge to the other, creating a log shape. Be gentle to keep the filling intact.
- Cut into Twists:
- Using a sharp knife, cut the rolled-up dough into 1-inch pieces, forming individual twists. Arrange these pieces on the baking sheet.
- Brush with Garlic Butter:
- In a small bowl, melt garlic butter in the microwave or on the stove. Brush the garlic butter generously over each pizza twist, ensuring every twist is coated. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the top.
- Bake:
- Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the twists are golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Once baked, remove from the oven and garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and flavor. Serve hot and enjoy!
Reheating and Storage Tips:
- Storage: Store leftover twists in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheating: To reheat, simply warm the twists in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual twists for 30-60 seconds, but they may lose their crispiness.
- Freezing: You can freeze unbaked twists before cooking. Simply place the individual twists on a baking sheet, freeze them until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Bake from frozen at 375°F for 25-30 minutes, adding a few extra minutes as needed.
20 FAQs:
- Can I use store-bought pizza dough? Yes, refrigerated pizza dough is perfect for this recipe, but homemade dough also works great.
- Can I substitute the alfredo sauce with marinara? Yes, marinara or any pizza sauce would be a great alternative to alfredo sauce.
- Can I use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon? Yes, turkey bacon can be substituted for a leaner option.
- Can I use a different type of cheese? Yes, you can use a variety of cheeses such as provolone, gouda, or even a blend of Italian cheeses.
- What other toppings can I add? You can add sautéed mushrooms, onions, or olives for extra flavor.
- Can I make these ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare them up to the point of baking, refrigerate them, and bake when ready.
- How can I make these spicier? Add red pepper flakes to the alfredo sauce or sprinkle jalapeños over the twists.
- Can I use a different dough, like puff pastry? Yes, puff pastry will add a flakier texture, though the flavor will be slightly different.
- Can I use a different sauce? Yes, you can use ranch dressing, BBQ sauce, or even a creamy spinach dip for variety.
- Can I freeze the twists before baking? Yes, freezing unbaked twists is a great way to prepare in advance.
- How do I prevent the twists from getting soggy? Make sure to drain any excess liquid from the alfredo sauce before spreading it on the dough.
- Can I use fresh garlic instead of garlic butter? Yes, fresh garlic sautéed in butter can be used instead of garlic butter for a fresher taste.
- Can I use pre-cooked bacon? Yes, pre-cooked bacon or bacon bits will work well to save time.
- How can I make the twists healthier? Use a whole wheat pizza dough, reduce the cheese, and opt for turkey bacon or a vegetarian option.
- Can I add a dipping sauce? Yes, ranch, marinara, or a spicy sriracha mayo would pair wonderfully.
- How do I make these vegetarian? Omit the bacon and add extra veggies like spinach, bell peppers, or artichokes.
- Can I use a different crust type? Yes, gluten-free pizza dough can be used if you’re looking for a gluten-free option.
- How do I make these twists more flavorful? Add herbs such as oregano, basil, or thyme to the garlic butter for extra flavor.
- Can I make a smaller batch? Yes, simply cut the dough and ingredients in half for a smaller batch.
- How do I store these twists for later? Allow the twists to cool completely before storing in an airtight container.
20 Best Tips to Make the Perfect Garlic Butter Bacon Alfredo Pizza Twists:
- Use fresh, high-quality mozzarella for the best melt and flavor.
- Ensure the dough is rolled evenly to avoid overstuffed or uneven twists.
- Brush the garlic butter generously on each twist to ensure full flavor.
- Use parchment paper to prevent the twists from sticking to the baking sheet.
- For extra crispy twists, bake them on a wire rack set on the baking sheet.
- Allow the dough to rest for 5 minutes before rolling to avoid shrinkage.
- Make sure to crumble the bacon finely for even distribution.
- Adjust the amount of alfredo sauce to your preference for creaminess.
- Don’t over-bake the twists—take them out once golden brown for the best texture.
- Garnish with fresh parsley right before serving to maintain its color and flavor.
- Feel free to add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a hint of heat.
- Preheat your oven thoroughly to ensure the twists bake evenly.
- Make sure to cut the dough log into equal-sized pieces for uniform cooking.
- For an extra cheesy version, sprinkle mozzarella cheese on top before baking.
- If you like a garlic kick, add more minced garlic to the butter mixture.
- Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to slice the dough for clean cuts.
- For a smoky flavor, try adding a bit of smoked paprika to the garlic butter.
- Serve with a side of marinara sauce or ranch dressing for dipping.
- Use fresh, not pre-grated Parmesan cheese, for the best flavor and texture.
- Don’t crowd the twists on the baking sheet—space them out for even baking.
These Garlic Butter Bacon Alfredo Pizza Twists are guaranteed to be a hit—cheesy, flavorful, and easy to make!
