Savory Fig & Bacon Pizza

This rustic fig pizza has become my weekend dinner staple when I'm craving something elegant yet simple. The combination of sweet figs with savory turkey bacon creates a restaurant-worthy pie that feels fancy but comes together in minutes.

I first made this recipe when hosting an impromptu dinner party with friends, and everyone demanded the recipe before they left. Now it's my go-to when I want to elevate a casual pizza night.

Ingredients

• Pre prepared pizza crusts or flatbread the perfect blank canvas saving you precious time
• Olive oil and garlic powder creates that essential aromatic base flavor
• Turkey bacon lighter alternative to regular bacon while still providing that smoky salty punch
• Dried or fresh figs the star ingredient providing natural sweetness select plump ones with no signs of mold
• Fig preserves creates a jammy base that adds concentrated fig flavor look for preserves with visible fruit pieces
• Goat cheese crumbles adds creamy tanginess that perfectly balances the sweet figs
• Shaved Parmesan brings that umami quality and salty finish opt for freshly shaved rather than pre packaged
• Black pepper adds subtle heat that cuts through the sweetness
• Balsamic glaze optional but adds a beautiful finishing touch select a thick aged variety for best results

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare The Crust

Preheat your oven to 425° Fahrenheit. Brush your flatbread or pizza crusts generously with olive oil ensuring you reach the edges. Sprinkle lightly with garlic powder for that aromatic flavor base. Place in the hot oven for 5 to 8 minutes until you see the edges turning golden brown and the crust becoming slightly crisp. This pre baking step ensures your final pizza has a sturdy base that won't become soggy.

Cook The Bacon

While your crusts are pre baking take this time to cook your turkey bacon until crispy. The bacon should be cooked thoroughly but still have some flexibility. Once done allow it to cool slightly before rough chopping into bite sized pieces. The smaller pieces distribute better across the pizza ensuring bacon flavor in every bite.

Assemble The Pizza

Remove your pre baked crusts from the oven. Using the back of a spoon spread a thin layer of fig preserves across each crust leaving about a half inch border around the edges. The preserve layer should be thin enough to spread easily but thick enough to provide that sweet fig base. Distribute your chopped turkey bacon evenly across the preserves. Arrange your sliced figs in an attractive pattern ensuring good distribution. Finally dot the surface with goat cheese crumbles and sprinkle with shaved Parmesan.

Final Bake

Return your assembled pizzas to the 425° oven for another 5 to 8 minutes. Watch carefully as the cheese begins to melt and the edges continue to brown. You want the goat cheese to soften but not completely melt away and the Parmesan to become slightly golden. Once perfectly baked remove from the oven and finish with freshly cracked black pepper and an optional drizzle of balsamic glaze for that professional touch.

Bookmark

The fig preserves are truly the secret weapon in this recipe. I discovered this trick after making a disappointing fig pizza with only fresh figs that lacked depth. The preserves create a concentrated sweet base that amplifies the flavor of the fresh or dried figs on top.

Sweet and Savory Balance

The magic of this pizza lies in its perfect balance of flavors. The sweetness from the figs and preserves pairs beautifully with the salty bacon and cheese. This contrast creates a sophisticated flavor profile that feels much more complex than the simple ingredient list would suggest. Each bite offers different notes ranging from sweet to savory to tangy which keeps your palate engaged throughout the meal.

Make Ahead Options

This pizza works wonderfully as a make ahead dish for entertaining. You can prepare all components separately up to a day in advance. Pre bake the crusts and store covered at room temperature. Cook and chop the bacon and store refrigerated. Slice figs and store covered in the refrigerator. When ready to serve simply assemble and do the final bake. This approach makes the recipe perfect for casual entertaining where you want to minimize last minute cooking.

Serving Suggestions

This fig pizza works beautifully as an appetizer when cut into small squares or as a main course when paired with a simple arugula salad dressed with lemon and olive oil. The peppery quality of arugula complements the sweet figs perfectly. For a complete meal serve with a light soup like butternut squash or tomato bisque in cooler months or a refreshing cucumber gazpacho in summer. A crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or sparkling Prosecco makes the perfect beverage pairing.

Seasonal Adaptations

While this recipe works year round with dried figs it truly shines during fresh fig season typically late summer through early fall. Fresh figs provide a more delicate texture and subtle flavor. When using fresh figs reduce the amount of fig preserves slightly to prevent the pizza from becoming too sweet. In winter when fresh figs are unavailable rehydrate dried figs by soaking them in warm water for 10 minutes before using which helps restore some of their plumpness and juiciness.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use fresh figs instead of dried?

Yes! Fresh figs work beautifully in this pizza. They'll be juicier and more delicate than dried, so handle them gently when slicing. You might want to reduce the amount of fig preserves slightly when using fresh figs to balance the sweetness.

→ What can I substitute for goat cheese?

If you don't care for goat cheese, try feta, ricotta, or even brie as alternatives. Each will provide a different flavor profile while maintaining the creamy contrast to the sweet figs and savory bacon.

→ Is balsamic glaze necessary?

The balsamic glaze is optional but highly recommended. It adds a tangy sweetness that enhances the fig flavor and balances the richness of the cheese. You can purchase pre-made glaze or make your own by simmering balsamic vinegar until reduced and syrupy.

→ Can I make this pizza vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply omit the turkey bacon or replace it with vegetarian alternatives like smoky tempeh, roasted mushrooms, or caramelized onions for a savory element.

→ What's the best way to slice figs for this pizza?

For dried figs, slice them into thin rounds or quarters. For fresh figs, cut them into quarters or thin slices. The key is consistency in thickness to ensure even cooking and prevent burning of thinner pieces.

→ What can I serve with this fig pizza?

This pizza pairs beautifully with a simple arugula salad dressed with olive oil and lemon juice. The peppery greens complement the sweet-savory flavors. For drinks, try a light white wine like Pinot Grigio or a crisp rosé.