Introduction:
When you’re craving a decadent, savory snack or appetizer that will impress your guests (or yourself), look no further than Garlic Butter Bacon Alfredo Pizza Twists. These indulgent twists are the perfect combination of crispy pizza dough, creamy Alfredo sauce, savory bacon, and rich garlic butter, creating a mouthwatering experience that’s hard to resist. Whether you’re hosting a party, enjoying a family dinner, or just treating yourself to a special snack, these pizza twists are sure to become your new favorite comfort food.
In this recipe, we take the classic pizza and give it a fun, bite-sized twist that’s perfect for dipping, sharing, or devouring on your own. The combination of crispy pizza dough twisted around a delicious garlic butter bacon Alfredo mixture is guaranteed to satisfy your taste buds and elevate your pizza game to the next level. Keep reading for everything you need to know to make these irresistible Garlic Butter Bacon Alfredo Pizza Twists, from ingredients to step-by-step instructions, variations, and even a keto-friendly option for those watching their carbs.
Ingredients for Garlic Butter Bacon Alfredo Pizza Twists
Before we jump into the instructions, let’s gather the ingredients you’ll need for this decadent recipe. While this dish might sound fancy, it’s made with simple ingredients you likely already have in your pantry or fridge.
For the Pizza Twists:
- 1 package refrigerated pizza dough (or use homemade dough if you prefer)
- 1/2 cup Alfredo sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup cooked bacon, crumbled (about 6-8 slices)
- 1 tablespoon garlic butter (melted)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for a bit of spice)
For the Garlic Butter Topping:
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)
Instructions for Garlic Butter Bacon Alfredo Pizza Twists
Making these Garlic Butter Bacon Alfredo Pizza Twists is a simple, step-by-step process that will have you enjoying these cheesy, crispy twists in no time. Here’s how to do it:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that your pizza twists will cook evenly and crisp up beautifully.
Step 2: Prepare the Pizza Dough
Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface. If you’re using store-bought dough, it should already be in a rectangular or circular shape. You can also use a rolling pin to stretch the dough into a rectangle, about 10×12 inches in size. The size doesn’t have to be perfect, as the dough will be twisted and baked into individual portions later.
Step 3: Spread the Alfredo Sauce
Next, spread the Alfredo sauce evenly across the surface of the dough, leaving a small border around the edges. The Alfredo sauce will give the pizza twists that rich, creamy flavor that pairs so perfectly with the garlic butter and bacon. Make sure to cover the dough completely but don’t overload it with sauce.
Step 4: Add the Bacon and Cheese
Once the Alfredo sauce is spread, sprinkle the crumbled bacon evenly across the dough. Bacon is the star of this dish, so don’t be shy with it! Follow that with the Parmesan cheese and shredded mozzarella cheese. The mozzarella will melt beautifully, creating the gooey cheese pull that makes pizza so irresistible.
Step 5: Twist the Dough
Now for the fun part—twisting! Starting from one end, carefully cut the dough into strips about 1-inch wide using a pizza cutter or sharp knife. Take each strip and gently twist it into a spiral shape, ensuring that the toppings are inside as the dough twists. You should be able to make about 8-10 twists depending on the size of your dough. Place the twisted dough pieces on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving a little space between each twist so they have room to expand as they bake.
Step 6: Bake the Pizza Twists
Bake the pizza twists in your preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the dough is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly. Keep an eye on them towards the end to avoid over-baking, as you want them to be crispy but not burnt.
Step 7: Prepare the Garlic Butter Topping
While the pizza twists are baking, prepare the garlic butter topping by combining the melted butter, minced garlic, and fresh parsley (if using) in a small bowl. Once the pizza twists are out of the oven, immediately brush the garlic butter over the tops of the warm twists. The garlic butter will soak into the dough, infusing the twists with a rich, aromatic flavor that complements the creamy Alfredo and smoky bacon.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
Once the twists are baked and the garlic butter has been brushed on top, they are ready to be served. You can garnish them with additional chopped parsley if desired for a pop of color. Serve these pizza twists with a side of marinara sauce or your favorite dipping sauce for an added touch. They’re perfect as an appetizer, side dish, or even a main course when paired with a salad or other light dish.
Cook Notes
Tips for the Best Garlic Butter Bacon Alfredo Pizza Twists:
- Bacon Options: If you don’t have traditional bacon, you can use bacon bits or even turkey bacon for a lighter version of the twists. The key is to get a crispy, savory element to balance the creamy Alfredo.
- Cheese Choices: If you prefer, you can switch up the cheeses. Cheddar cheese or asiago are great alternatives to mozzarella and Parmesan for a different flavor profile.
- Garlic Butter: For an extra garlicky kick, increase the amount of minced garlic in the butter. You can also experiment with adding a pinch of garlic powder for an even more intense garlic flavor.
- Make-Ahead Option: If you want to save time, you can prepare the pizza twists ahead of time and store them in the fridge. Just twist the dough and assemble the ingredients, then refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. Simply add a few extra minutes to the baking time if cooking from chilled.
- Crispier Twists: If you want the twists to be extra crispy, brush the dough with a little olive oil before baking. This will help the twists crisp up around the edges.
Variations of Garlic Butter Bacon Alfredo Pizza Twists
1. Vegetarian Version
For a vegetarian take on these pizza twists, omit the bacon and add some sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers in place of the bacon. The creamy Alfredo sauce will still provide a rich base, and the vegetables will offer a fresh, earthy contrast.
2. Spicy Pizza Twists
If you like a bit of heat, sprinkle red pepper flakes or drizzle some sriracha sauce over the Alfredo sauce before adding the cheese and bacon. The heat will complement the richness of the garlic butter and make for a zesty twist on the classic recipe.
3. Cheesy Garlic Bread Pizza Twists
For an even cheesier option, sprinkle a layer of mozzarella cheese between the pizza dough twists before baking. The extra cheese will melt between the layers, giving you an ooey-gooey cheesy twist in every bite.
4. Chicken Bacon Alfredo Twists
To add some protein to the twists, try swapping out the bacon for cooked chicken. Shredded rotisserie chicken works well in this recipe. You can even make a chicken Alfredo pizza twist by adding a bit of spinach or artichokes for added flavor.
5. Low-Carb or Keto Pizza Twists
If you’re following a low-carb or keto diet, you can use almond flour dough or cauliflower pizza crust instead of traditional pizza dough. Just be sure to check that the crust can hold up to the twists before proceeding with the recipe.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use store-bought Alfredo sauce?
Yes, store-bought Alfredo sauce works perfectly for this recipe! If you have the time, though, homemade Alfredo sauce will take these twists to the next level with its creamy, fresh flavor.
2. Can I make the dough from scratch?
Absolutely! If you prefer homemade dough, you can make your own pizza dough from scratch. Just be sure to roll it out to the right thickness to ensure it bakes up crispy and holds the filling.
3. How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover pizza twists in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them in the oven for a few minutes at 350°F (175°C) until they’re warmed through. For extra crispiness, you can reheat them in a toaster oven.
4. Can I freeze the twists?
Yes, these pizza twists freeze well! After baking, let them cool completely, then store them in an airtight container or freezer bag. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply reheat in the oven until crispy.
5. How do I make this a vegetarian dish?
To make this dish vegetarian, simply omit the bacon and replace it with your favorite vegetables, such as spinach, mushrooms, or tomatoes. The Alfredo sauce will still provide a rich, creamy base.
Conclusion
Garlic Butter Bacon Alfredo Pizza Twists are the ultimate indulgent treat for pizza lovers who crave something new and exciting. With their crispy exterior, creamy Alfredo filling, and savory bacon, these twists are an irresistible snack or appetizer that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving them at a party, enjoying a casual dinner, or simply craving a delicious bite, these twists are sure to become a family favorite. Make sure to try the variations, experiment with different flavors, and, most importantly, enjoy every bite!
