The Perfect Amount of Bacon: Crafting Your Ideal 2-Person Pizza
Discover the ideal bacon quantity for a delicious homemade pizza that perfectly satisfies two hungry pizza lovers
Essential Bacon Insights for Your Pizza
Standard Portion: 40-70 grams of bacon is typically sufficient for a 2-person pizza
Customization Options: Adjust from 56g (light) to 112g (generous) based on preference
Pre-cooking Recommendation: Crisp bacon before topping for optimal texture and flavor
Bacon Quantity Guidelines for Two-Person Pizzas
When preparing a pizza for two people with bacon as a topping, finding the right amount is crucial for a balanced flavor profile. Based on multiple culinary sources, the consensus recommendation falls between 40-70 grams of bacon total for a medium-sized pizza serving two people.
Understanding Bacon Portioning
The ideal amount of bacon varies based on personal preference and the role bacon plays in your pizza. Here's a breakdown of typical portioning approaches:
Bacon Intensity
Grams Per Pizza (2 people)
Equivalent in Slices
Description
Light
40-56g
4-5 slices
Bacon as an accent flavor
Medium (Standard)
60-84g
6-8 slices
Balanced bacon presence
Generous
90-112g
9-11 slices
Bacon as a dominant flavor
Per-Person Breakdown
Individual serving sizes typically range from 20-35 grams per person for a standard portion, which translates to about 2-3 slices of regular-cut bacon per person. When preparing a shared pizza, slightly increasing this amount ensures everyone gets enough of this flavorful topping in each slice.
Factors Affecting Bacon Quantity
Consider these variables when determining your ideal bacon amount:
Pizza size (8-14 inches for two people)
Bacon type (regular, thick-cut, or turkey bacon)
Other toppings competing for space and flavor prominence
Personal preference for bacon intensity
Pre-cooking method (pan-fried, oven-baked, or microwaved)
Bacon Preparation Methods for Pizza
How you prepare bacon before adding it to your pizza significantly impacts the final result. Pre-cooking your bacon to the right consistency is essential for optimal texture and flavor.
Pre-Cooking vs. Raw Application
Most culinary experts strongly recommend pre-cooking bacon before adding it to pizza. Using raw bacon directly on pizza often results in chewy, undercooked bacon and excess grease on your pizza. Here's why pre-cooking works better:
Removes excess fat that would otherwise make your pizza soggy
Allows you to control the final texture (from slightly chewy to extra crispy)
Ensures the bacon is properly cooked through when the pizza is done
Prevents uneven cooking when bacon pieces vary in thickness
Ideal Pre-Cooking Technique
Cook your bacon until it's nearly at your desired level of crispness, but not quite fully done. The additional time in the oven while the pizza bakes will finish the cooking process. For a 2-person pizza using 60g of bacon:
Cook bacon about 75% of the way through
Drain on paper towels to remove excess grease
Chop or crumble into bite-sized pieces
Distribute evenly over pizza before baking
Bacon Pizza Flavor Compatibility Analysis
This radar chart illustrates how different bacon quantities affect various aspects of your pizza experience. The medium quantity (60-84g) offers the most balanced profile for most pizza lovers, while the generous amount maximizes flavor intensity but may overwhelm more delicate toppings.
Complementary Toppings for Bacon Pizza
Bacon pairs exceptionally well with specific ingredients that enhance its smoky, savory profile. When using the recommended 40-70g of bacon on your 2-person pizza, consider these complementary toppings:
mindmap
root["Bacon Pizza Pairing Guide"]
Sweet Complements
Pineapple
Caramelized Onions
Roasted Red Peppers
Maple Drizzle
Savory Enhancers
Mushrooms
Eggs
Potatoes
Ground Beef
Cheese Options
Sharp Cheddar
Gouda
Mozzarella
Blue Cheese
Fresh Accents
Arugula
Green Onions
Fresh Basil
Tomatoes
The mindmap above illustrates how bacon can be paired with various complementary ingredients to create different flavor profiles. The choice of complementary toppings will influence how much bacon is appropriate - stronger flavored companions may require less bacon, while milder toppings allow the bacon to take center stage.
Perfect Bacon & Apple Pizza Video Tutorial
This video demonstrates a delicious bacon and apple pizza recipe that's ideal for two people. The combination of sweet apples and savory bacon creates a perfect balance of flavors. Notice how the bacon is pre-cooked and used in a moderate amount to complement the other ingredients without overwhelming them.
The video showcases how approximately 60-70 grams of bacon (about 6-7 slices) provides excellent coverage and flavor for a medium-sized pizza that serves two people. The bacon is crisp-cooked before being added to the pizza, demonstrating the recommended preparation method.
Visual Inspiration for Bacon Pizzas
The following images showcase different approaches to incorporating bacon on pizzas, demonstrating the visual impact of various bacon quantities:
Classic Bacon Pizza: This pizza features approximately 70g of bacon, distributed evenly across the surface. Note how the bacon is crispy and cut into bite-sized pieces, making it easy to eat without pulling off all the toppings.
Gourmet Bacon & Pear Pizza: This elegant pizza uses a moderate amount of bacon (about 50g) paired with caramelized onions and pears. The bacon is used more as an accent flavor, demonstrating how less bacon can be effective when combined with complementary ingredients.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I use raw or pre-cooked bacon on my pizza?
For best results, always pre-cook your bacon before adding it to pizza. Raw bacon won't fully cook during the pizza's baking time, resulting in chewy, undercooked bacon and excess grease that can make your pizza soggy. Cook the bacon until it's about 75% done - it will finish cooking while the pizza bakes.
How do I prevent my bacon pizza from becoming too greasy?
To prevent excess grease: 1) Pre-cook your bacon and drain it well on paper towels before adding to the pizza; 2) Use center-cut bacon which typically has less fat; 3) Place bacon on top of cheese rather than under it so excess fat can evaporate; 4) Consider using turkey bacon as a leaner alternative; 5) Blot the finished pizza with paper towels if needed.
What's the best way to distribute bacon on a pizza?
For even bacon distribution and best eating experience: 1) Chop or crumble pre-cooked bacon into small pieces (about 1/2 inch); 2) Sprinkle evenly across the surface rather than placing full strips; 3) Ensure every potential slice will have some bacon; 4) For pizzas with multiple toppings, add bacon last or second-to-last so it doesn't get buried; 5) For a bacon-forward pizza, consider a mix of finely chopped bacon in the sauce and visible pieces on top.
Can I use thick-cut bacon on pizza?
Yes, thick-cut bacon works well on pizza but requires some adjustments: 1) Definitely pre-cook it, as it won't cook through from raw in the pizza baking time; 2) You'll need fewer slices by weight (about 25% less by slice count); 3) Chop it into smaller pieces than regular bacon; 4) Cook until just underdone, as it will finish cooking on the pizza; 5) For a 2-person pizza with thick-cut bacon, 50-70g is typically sufficient.
What herbs and seasonings pair well with bacon on pizza?
Bacon pairs exceptionally well with: 1) Fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or sage which complement bacon's savory profile; 2) Red pepper flakes for a spicy counterpoint; 3) Garlic, which enhances bacon's umami qualities; 4) Smoked paprika to amplify the smokiness; 5) Black pepper for added depth; 6) A light drizzle of maple syrup or honey for a sweet-savory contrast; 7) Ranch seasoning for a classic American flavor combination.