Pizza twists are a fun and delicious way to enjoy all the flavors of pizza in a convenient, handheld form. These garlic butter bacon Alfredo pizza twists take pizza to the next level by combining creamy Alfredo sauce, crispy bacon, and gooey mozzarella cheese, all wrapped up in soft, golden-brown pizza dough. If you’re a fan of garlic bread and pizza, this recipe gives you the best of both worlds. The garlic butter enhances the flavor of the dough, while the Alfredo sauce provides a rich, creamy base that complements the crispy bacon and melted cheese. This recipe is perfect for game nights, parties, or even a fun family dinner. Pizza-based recipes are always a hit, and these garlic butter bacon Alfredo pizza twists are no exception. The combination of savory garlic, crispy bacon, and creamy Alfredo sauce makes them impossible to resist.
Ingredients
For the Pizza Dough and Filling:
- 1 tube refrigerated pizza dough
- ½ cup Alfredo sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
For the Garlic Butter Topping:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Dough
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). If using a baking sheet, line it with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Open the tube of refrigerated pizza dough and roll it out on a clean surface. If the dough is too sticky, sprinkle a little flour on the surface and your rolling pin. Stretch the dough into a rectangle about 12 x 8 inches in size. This size will make it easier to cut even strips for twisting.
Step 2: Spread the Alfredo Sauce
Using a spoon or a spatula, spread the Alfredo sauce evenly over half of the dough. The Alfredo sauce will provide a rich, creamy base that pairs perfectly with the bacon and cheese. Make sure to leave a small border around the edges to prevent the sauce from spilling out during baking.
Step 3: Add the Cheese and Bacon
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the Alfredo sauce. Crumble the cooked bacon over the cheese, ensuring that each bite will have a balance of cheese and bacon. If you prefer a cheesier twist, you can add extra mozzarella or even a sprinkle of Parmesan for added flavor.
Step 4: Fold and Cut the Dough
Carefully fold the other half of the dough over the filling, pressing down gently to seal the edges. Using a sharp knife or a pizza cutter, cut the dough into strips about 1 inch wide. If the strips start to stick, dust the knife with a little flour.
Step 5: Twist the Dough
Take each strip and twist it gently a few times, being careful not to squeeze out the filling. Place the twisted strips onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart to allow for even baking.
Step 6: Make the Garlic Butter
In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Use a pastry brush to lightly coat the tops of the twisted dough strips with the garlic butter mixture. The garlic butter will give the twists a rich flavor and golden-brown finish.
Step 7: Bake the Pizza Twists
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the twists are golden brown and the cheese is bubbling. Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes to avoid overbaking. If the tops start to brown too quickly, cover them loosely with aluminum foil.
Step 8: Cool and Serve
Once baked, remove the pizza twists from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Transfer them to a serving platter and serve with extra Alfredo sauce or marinara sauce for dipping.
Tips for the Best Garlic Butter Bacon Alfredo Pizza Twists
- Crispy Bacon – For the best texture, cook the bacon until it’s extra crispy before adding it to the pizza twists. This ensures that the bacon stays crunchy even after baking.
- Even Twisting – To make the twists uniform, try to cut the strips as evenly as possible. A pizza cutter or a sharp knife works best for this.
- Avoid Overfilling – Adding too much cheese or bacon can cause the twists to burst open while baking. Stick to the recommended amounts for the best results.
- Use Homemade Dough – If you have time, making homemade pizza dough will add even more flavor and texture to the twists.
- Extra Flavor Boost – Add a sprinkle of grated Parmesan and a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter mixture for a more complex flavor profile.
Variations
- Chicken Alfredo Twists – Add cooked, shredded chicken to the filling along with the bacon for a heartier version.
- Spinach and Artichoke Twists – Replace the bacon with chopped spinach and artichoke hearts for a vegetarian twist.
- Buffalo Chicken Twists – Swap the Alfredo sauce for Buffalo sauce and add shredded chicken and blue cheese crumbles for a spicy variation.
- Pesto and Cheese Twists – Replace the Alfredo sauce with pesto and add a mix of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Breakfast Twists – Add scrambled eggs and cooked sausage or ham to the filling for a breakfast-inspired version.
Storage and Make-Ahead Instructions
Refrigeration – Store leftover pizza twists in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 5 minutes, or until warmed through. Avoid microwaving, as this can make the dough soggy.
Freezing – To freeze pizza twists, let them cool completely after baking. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for 1 hour. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container and store for up to 2 months. To reheat, bake from frozen at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes.
Make-Ahead – You can prepare the twists up to a day in advance. Assemble them and store them in the refrigerator, covered with plastic wrap. When ready to bake, brush with garlic butter and bake as directed.
Why This Recipe Works
The combination of Alfredo sauce, bacon, and mozzarella creates a rich and savory filling that pairs perfectly with the soft, chewy pizza dough. The garlic butter adds a bold flavor to the exterior while the Italian seasoning enhances the overall taste. The twists are easy to eat and perfect for serving at parties or casual gatherings. Baking them at a high temperature ensures that the dough becomes crispy on the outside while remaining soft on the inside. The bacon provides a salty, crispy contrast to the creamy Alfredo and melted cheese, making each bite satisfying and flavorful.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use different cheese in the filling?
Yes, you can substitute mozzarella with other cheeses like cheddar, Monterey Jack, or provolone for a different flavor profile. A blend of cheeses also works well.
2. Can I use store-bought garlic butter?
Yes, store-bought garlic butter works well if you’re short on time. However, homemade garlic butter allows you to adjust the seasoning to your taste.
3. How do I prevent the twists from sticking to the baking sheet?
Use parchment paper or lightly grease the baking sheet with cooking spray or olive oil to prevent sticking.
4. Can I make these twists without bacon?
Yes, you can make a vegetarian version by omitting the bacon and adding more cheese or vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or olives.
5. How can I make the dough more flavorful?
Brush the dough with olive oil and sprinkle it with garlic powder, Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning before adding the filling for an extra flavor boost.
Conclusion
Garlic butter bacon Alfredo pizza twists are the perfect combination of crispy, cheesy, and savory flavors. The rich Alfredo sauce and crispy bacon provide a satisfying contrast to the soft pizza dough, while the garlic butter topping adds a bold, flavorful finish. Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer, snack, or main dish, these pizza twists are sure to be a hit. The easy-to-follow instructions and versatile variations make them a go-to recipe for any occasion. Once you try these garlic butter bacon Alfredo pizza twists, you’ll want to make them again and again!