Caramelized Pineapple & Bacon Recipe

Cook bacon

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top if available. Spread chopped bacon in a single layer on the rack or directly on the foil. Bake 12–18 minutes until crisp and browned, stirring or turning pieces once at the halfway mark. Remove to a paper-towel-lined plate to drain and cool. Reserve about 1 tablespoon of rendered bacon fat; discard excess or save for another use.

Caramelize pineapple

While bacon cooks, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add butter and 1 tsp olive oil. When foaming subsides, add pineapple pieces in a single layer (do in batches if necessary). Sprinkle brown sugar evenly over pineapple. Cook undisturbed 2–3 minutes until bottoms are deeply golden. Turn pieces and cook another 2 minutes to caramelize. If using skillet with bacon fat reserved, you may add 1 tsp bacon fat for extra flavor. Transfer caramelized pineapple to a plate and season lightly with 1/4 tsp salt and a pinch of black pepper. Let cool slightly, then chop into bite-sized pieces if not already.

If using pizza dough: preheat oven to 475°F (245°C) and stretch/confom dough to desired shape. Brush crust lightly with 1 tsp olive oil. Spread tomato sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a 1/2-inch border. If using flatbread or bread, preheat oven to 425°F (220°C) and brush the surface with olive oil; you may toast briefly 4–6 minutes until slightly crisp.

Evenly scatter the thinly sliced tomato over the sauce or base. Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella over the tomato. Distribute the caramelized pineapple pieces and chopped cooked bacon over the cheese. Finish with the remaining mozzarella and a light sprinkle of remaining 3/4 tsp salt (adjust to taste) and the 1/2 tsp black pepper; add red pepper flakes if using. Bake: pizza at 475°F (245°C) for 10–12 minutes until crust is golden and cheese is bubbly; flatbread at 425°F (220°C) for 6–9 minutes until heated through and cheese melted.

Remove from oven and let rest 2–3 minutes. Scatter crumbled crisp bacon pieces (reserve a few for garnish) and optional fresh basil/cilantro over the top. Drizzle with balsamic glaze if desired. Slice and serve warm.