Thank you so much for being here — seriously, your support and curiosity mean the world to me. Whether you’re here because you’re craving something bold and cheesy, or because you just had to find out what “BBQ ribs on a pizza” could possibly taste like (spoiler: amazing!!), I’m thrilled to share this unique comfort food recipe with you.
This Overloaded BBQ Rib Slab Pizza with Cheddar Crust is everything you love about BBQ season and pizza night—smashed together into one jaw-droppingly good meal. The tender, smoky rib meat. The bold hit of BBQ sauce. The melted mozzarella and cheddar combo. And that crust… crisp, chewy, and embedded with golden cheddar cheese all around the edges? Oof. It’s next-level good.
What is Overloaded BBQ Rib Slab Pizza (Cheddar Crust Edition)?
Imagine this: a golden crust with sharp cheddar baked into the edges, topped with sweet-smoky BBQ sauce, gooey cheese, juicy BBQ rib chunks, and a tangle of red onions. Oh, and bacon bits if you’re feeling wild. It’s meaty, cheesy, saucy perfection—and definitely not your typical weeknight dinner.
I dreamed this up after a BBQ weekend where we had leftover ribs (I know—miraculous). I didn’t want to reheat them as-is, and ding ding ding, pizza night came to the rescue.
Why You’ll Love This BBQ Rib Pizza Recipe
It’s outrageously satisfying
Perfect for using up leftover ribs
Big enough to feed a hungry crowd (or keep leftovers for later)
That crispy cheddar crust! Enough said.
Customizable — you can adjust the BBQ flavor, add heat, or swap in your favorite toppings
What Does BBQ Rib Pizza Taste Like?
This pizza is rich, smoky, tangy, cheesy, and just the right amount of messy. The BBQ sauce caramelizes slightly as it bakes, melding into the cheeses and rib meat. The cheddar crust has a delightful crunch and salty sharpness that plays perfectly against the saucy toppings.
It’s got the deep umami of the ribs, a hint of sweetness from the sauce, and that creamy cheese pull that makes it impossible to stop at one slice. Honestly? It tastes like a backyard BBQ and pizza party all in one bite.
Benefits of This BBQ Rib Pizza Recipe
High protein and hearty
Fun twist on traditional pizza night
Great way to repurpose BBQ leftovers
Perfect for game day, gatherings, or indulgent weekend dinners
Ingredients for Overloaded BBQ Rib Slab Pizza
For the Crust
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 tbsp sugar
1 tbsp instant yeast
1 tsp salt
1 cup warm water (110°F / 43°C)
2 tbsp olive oil
1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (for baking into the crust)
For the Sauce & Toppings
1 cup BBQ sauce (smoky or sweet, to taste)
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
2 cups cooked BBQ ribs (meat pulled off the bone or cut into chunks)
½ cup red onion, thinly sliced
½ cup crispy bacon bits (optional)
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Tools You’ll Need
Large mixing bowl
Rolling pin
Large baking sheet or pizza stone
Pizza cutter
Cheese grater (if shredding cheese fresh)
Oven preheated to 475°F (245°C)
Ingredient Swaps & Additions
Swap mozzarella for Monterey Jack for extra melt
Use pulled pork or smoked chicken instead of ribs
Try a spicy chipotle BBQ sauce if you like heat
Add jalapeños or pickled red onions for a tangy bite
Drizzle with ranch or creamy garlic sauce after baking for extra indulgence
How to Make BBQ Rib Slab Pizza with Cheddar Crust
Step 1: Make the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, stir together the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes, until foamy. This helps activate the yeast.
Add the flour, salt, and olive oil. Mix until combined, then knead for 6–8 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
Cover the bowl with a towel and let the dough rise in a warm spot for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
Step 2: Prepare the Cheddar Crust
Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C).
Roll out the dough on a floured surface to fit your baking sheet or pizza stone.
Sprinkle half the shredded cheddar cheese directly onto the pan. This forms the crispy cheddar edge!
Lay the rolled-out dough on top of the cheese, then sprinkle the remaining cheddar around the edges of the dough.
Use your fingers to gently press the dough’s edge into the cheese to seal it in.
Step 3: Assemble the Pizza
Spread the BBQ sauce evenly across the surface of the dough.
Sprinkle on the mozzarella and additional cheddar cheese.
Add the sliced red onions and bacon bits if using.
Distribute the rib meat evenly across the top.
Step 4: Bake & Finish
Bake for 12–15 minutes until the crust is golden, and the cheese is bubbling and slightly browned in spots.
Remove from oven and drizzle with a little extra BBQ sauce.
Garnish with chopped fresh parsley.
Slice, serve, and prepare for some serious praise.
What to Serve with BBQ Rib Pizza
Keep the sides simple and fresh:
A crisp coleslaw with apple cider vinaigrette
Roasted corn on the cob with lime butter
A light arugula salad with lemon dressing
Sweet tea, cold beer, or even a smoky bourbon cocktail
Tips for the Best BBQ Rib Pizza
Use a pizza stone if you have one — it makes the crust extra crisp
Let your dough rest at room temp for 20 minutes if it feels too tight to roll
Don’t overload with sauce or the crust may get soggy
Bake on the lowest oven rack for optimal bottom crust browning
Use quality ribs — the flavor really matters here
Storage Instructions
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat slices in a 375°F (190°C) oven for 8–10 minutes or until hot and crispy.
To freeze: Wrap individual slices in foil and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Reheat straight from frozen at 400°F (200°C) for 12–15 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use store-bought dough?
Absolutely! Pre-made dough works great if you’re short on time. Just make sure it’s at room temperature before rolling.
What’s the best BBQ sauce to use?
Go with your favorite. I love a thick, smoky Kansas City-style sauce, but sweet Carolina mustard-based sauces also pair beautifully with pork.
Can I make this without meat?
Totally! Try using smoked mushrooms, jackfruit, or extra cheese and veggies. The cheddar crust still delivers tons of flavor.
Can I make the crust ahead of time?
Yes! You can make and refrigerate the dough up to 24 hours ahead. Just let it come to room temperature before rolling and baking.
Conclusion
There you have it—your next weekend masterpiece: Overloaded BBQ Rib Slab Pizza with Cheddar Crust. It’s indulgent, comforting, and guaranteed to win over anyone lucky enough to snag a slice. Whether you’re using up leftovers or going all out from scratch, this is one recipe that’ll make you feel like a pizza rockstar.
Looking for more irresistible ways to enjoy summer BBQ flavors? Don’t miss these recipes:
Peach-Glazed Pork Chops
Grilled Peach and Prosciutto Flatbread
Spicy Peach BBQ Chicken Sandwiches
Share Your Slice!
If you make this BBQ Rib Pizza, I’d love to see your creations. Drop a comment below with your thoughts, or share a photo on Pinterest and tag it #mmmrecipes — you might just inspire someone else’s dinner!
Nutritional Information (per slice, approx. based on 8 servings)
Calories: 430
Protein: 21g
Fat: 22g
Carbohydrates: 38g
Sugar: 7g
Fiber: 2g
Sodium: 720mg
Overloaded BBQ Rib Slab Pizza (Cheddar Crust Edition)
Description
BBQ Rib Slab Pizza with Cheddar Crust is your new pizza night obsession—crispy, cheesy edges with smoky rib meat, tangy BBQ sauce, and melty cheese on top. It’s hearty, bold, and packed with backyard BBQ vibes. Perfect for sharing (or not!). Let the oven do the magic while you get ready to wow everyone at the table!
Ingredients
For the Crust
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 tbsp sugar
1 tbsp instant yeast
1 tsp salt
1 cup warm water (110°F / 43°C)
2 tbsp olive oil
1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (for baking into the crust)
For the Sauce & Toppings
1 cup BBQ sauce (smoky or sweet, to taste)
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
2 cups cooked BBQ ribs (meat pulled off the bone or cut into chunks)
½ cup red onion, thinly sliced
½ cup crispy bacon bits (optional but delicious)
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Make the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
Add flour, salt, and olive oil. Mix until combined, then knead for 6–8 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
Cover and let rise in a warm spot for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.Prep the Cheddar Crust
Preheat oven to 475°F (245°C).
Roll out the dough to fit a large baking sheet or pizza stone.
Sprinkle half of the cheddar cheese directly on the pan.
Lay the dough on top, then sprinkle remaining cheddar around the edges.
Press the dough edges into the cheese so it bakes right into the crust.Assemble the Pizza
Spread BBQ sauce evenly over the crust.
Add shredded mozzarella and cheddar.
Scatter red onion and bacon bits (if using).
Evenly distribute BBQ rib meat across the top.
Bake & Garnish
Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly.
Drizzle with extra BBQ sauce and top with chopped fresh parsley.
Slice and serve hot!
Notes
Short on time? Store-bought dough totally works—just bring it to room temp before rolling.
Make it spicy: Add jalapeños or a spicy BBQ sauce for a kick.
Leftover ribs? This is the recipe to give them new life.
Don’t skip the cheddar crust: That crispy, golden cheese around the edges? Worth every bite.
Freezer tip: You can freeze individual slices for quick, crave-worthy meals later!
