Our Maple Bacon Pizza has been a customer favorite since we first introduced it at Pizza Depot. This uniquely Canadian creation perfectly balances sweet and savory flavors for a truly memorable pizza experience. Today, we're sharing our recipe so you can recreate this beloved pizza in your own kitchen.

Maple Bacon Pizza

Prep: 30 mins Cook: 15 mins Serves: 4 Difficulty: Medium

Ingredients

For the Pizza Dough:

  • 2 1/4 tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • 3/4 cup warm water (105-110°F/40-43°C)
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 Tbsp olive oil, plus more for the bowl

For the Toppings:

  • 8 slices Canadian bacon, diced
  • 1/4 cup pure Canadian maple syrup, plus more for drizzling
  • 1 large red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 Tbsp butter
  • 1 Tbsp brown sugar
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup shredded Gouda cheese
  • 1/2 tsp fresh rosemary, chopped
  • 1/4 tsp cracked black pepper
  • Fresh arugula for garnish (optional)

Instructions

For the Pizza Dough:

  1. In a large bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let stand for about 5 minutes until foamy.
  2. Add the flour, salt, and olive oil to the yeast mixture. Mix until a soft dough forms.
  3. Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  4. Place the dough in an oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
  5. Once risen, punch down the dough and roll it out on a floured surface to your desired thickness (we recommend about 1/4 inch thick for this recipe).

For the Caramelized Onions:

  1. While the dough is rising, heat butter in a skillet over medium-low heat.
  2. Add the sliced red onions and cook slowly, stirring occasionally, for about 20 minutes.
  3. Add the brown sugar and continue cooking for another 10 minutes until the onions are deeply caramelized. Set aside.

For the Bacon:

  1. In a separate pan, cook the diced Canadian bacon until slightly crispy.
  2. Add 2 tablespoons of maple syrup to the pan and stir to coat the bacon. Cook for another minute until the syrup is bubbling and has coated the bacon. Remove from heat.

Assembling and Baking the Pizza:

  1. Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven while preheating.
  2. Transfer your rolled-out dough to a pizza peel or baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  3. Brush the remaining 2 tablespoons of maple syrup over the dough as a base.
  4. Sprinkle half of the mozzarella and Gouda cheese over the dough.
  5. Distribute the caramelized onions and maple-glazed bacon evenly over the cheese.
  6. Top with the remaining cheese, chopped rosemary, and cracked black pepper.
  7. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbling and slightly browned.
  8. Remove from the oven and drizzle with a small amount of additional maple syrup.
  9. Let cool for a few minutes, then top with fresh arugula if desired.
  10. Slice and serve while warm.

Chef's Tips

  • For the best flavor, use authentic Canadian maple syrup (Grade A Dark or Amber).
  • If you can't find Canadian bacon, you can substitute regular thick-cut bacon, but cook it longer to ensure it's crispy.
  • The dough can be made a day ahead and refrigerated. Just bring it to room temperature before rolling out.
  • For an extra touch of Canada, sprinkle a small amount of Montreal steak seasoning on the crust edge before baking.
  • This pizza pairs beautifully with Canadian beer, particularly amber ales or maple-flavored craft beers.
Maple Bacon Pizza Preparation

Preparing the caramelized onions and maple-glazed bacon

Why This Pizza Works

The magic of our Maple Bacon Pizza lies in the balance of flavors. The sweetness from the maple syrup and caramelized onions perfectly complements the saltiness of the bacon and cheese. The touch of rosemary adds an aromatic element that brings everything together, while the optional peppery arugula provides freshness and color.

This pizza has become synonymous with Canadian pizza culture, embracing our country's most famous export—maple syrup—in a creative and delicious way. While it might sound unusual to those who haven't tried it, the combination of maple and bacon is a classic Canadian pairing that works wonderfully on pizza.

Variations to Try

Once you've mastered the basic recipe, here are some variations to experiment with:

  • Maple Bacon Breakfast Pizza: Add scrambled eggs and hash browns as toppings for a brunch-worthy creation.
  • Spicy Maple Bacon: Add thinly sliced jalapeños or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a spicy-sweet combination.
  • Maple Bacon and Apple: Add thinly sliced Granny Smith apples for a tart contrast to the sweet maple.
  • Maple Bacon and Brie: Replace some or all of the mozzarella and Gouda with chunks of Brie cheese for a creamier texture.
Finished Maple Bacon Pizza

The finished Maple Bacon Pizza ready to serve

Pairing Suggestions

This unique pizza calls for thoughtful beverage pairings. Here are our recommendations:

  • Beer: Canadian amber ales, maple porters, or brown ales complement the sweet and savory flavors.
  • Wine: An off-dry Riesling or a light-bodied Pinot Noir works well with the maple-bacon combination.
  • Non-alcoholic: Apple cider (hot or cold) or a crisp ginger ale makes for a refreshing counterpoint.

We hope you enjoy making our signature Maple Bacon Pizza at home! Share your creations with us on social media by tagging @PizzaDepotCanada and using the hashtag #PizzaDepotAtHome. We love seeing our recipes come to life in your kitchens!

Sarah Williams

About the Author

Sarah Williams is the co-founder and operations director at Pizza Depot. With a background in culinary arts and a passion for recipe development, Sarah oversees the creation of Pizza Depot's signature menu items and enjoys sharing recipes with pizza enthusiasts.