Checkerboard pizza is more than just a meal—it’s a fun and flavorful experience that turns an ordinary night into something memorable. With its alternating squares of turkey bacon and chicken ham, this pizza doesn’t just taste amazing—it looks amazing too. It’s perfect for family dinners, game nights, or anytime you want to make food fun again. If you enjoy creative yet easy recipes like the chicken quesadilla recipe, this one will quickly become a favorite. In this guide, we’ll show you how to make checkerboard pizza from scratch, share tips for baking success, and answer your most common pizza-making questions.
The Story Behind Checkerboard Pizza
Why Checkerboard Pizza Became a Family Favorite
One cold Saturday night, with takeout off the table and hungry kids pacing the kitchen, I opened the fridge and found just what we needed: turkey bacon, chicken ham, and some leftover dough. Instead of the usual pizza, we decided to have fun with it—and checkerboard pizza was born. We layered the toppings in a playful grid pattern, and to our surprise, it came out looking beautiful and tasting even better. It reminded us of the first time we tried a chicken quesadilla recipe—simple, engaging, and full of flavor. That night turned into a new family tradition.
A Pizza That Turns Dinner Into a Memory
Checkerboard pizza is the kind of recipe that gets everyone involved. Kids love designing the checkerboard pattern, while grown-ups appreciate the layered flavor. Turkey bacon adds a crispy, smoky bite, and chicken ham offers something soft and savory to balance it out. It’s perfect for family meals, casual gatherings, or even just a night when you want something fun on the table. We love recipes like the sweet potato taco bowls for the same reason—they’re creative, family-friendly, and always a hit. Checkerboard pizza isn’t just about feeding people—it’s about making dinner feel special again.
How to Make Checkerboard Pizza from Scratch
Ingredients for Checkerboard Pizza Success
To make the perfect checkerboard pizza, start with a solid foundation: dough, sauce, cheese, and toppings that balance flavor and texture. A homemade dough works beautifully—soft, chewy, and slightly crisp on the bottom. If you’re used to working with bread recipes like keto hamburger buns, pizza dough will feel familiar. For the sauce, a simple tomato base with garlic and herbs is best, though you can also try a garlic oil spread if you prefer something lighter.
When it comes to toppings, turkey bacon and chicken ham are the stars. Slice them into even squares to form the checkerboard pattern. Mozzarella is the classic cheese here, but a mix of mozzarella and cheddar adds a little sharpness. Sprinkle lightly between the topping squares so every bite is cheesy without being too heavy. A touch of black pepper or red pepper flakes finishes it off with just enough kick.
Step-by-Step Dough and Baking Instructions
Making the dough at home is easier than it sounds. You’ll need all-purpose flour, yeast, warm water, salt, and olive oil. Mix the ingredients, knead for about 10 minutes, then let the dough rest in a warm spot until it doubles in size. Once it’s ready, roll it out evenly and place it on a baking sheet or pizza stone.
Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). While the oven heats, spread your sauce, then layer cheese. Next, carefully alternate turkey bacon and chicken ham squares in a checkerboard layout. Make sure each square fits neatly, covering the pizza without overlap. If you enjoy organized layers like those in sweet potato taco bowls, you’ll enjoy assembling this too.
Bake for 12–15 minutes until the crust is golden and the cheese bubbles. Let it cool a few minutes before slicing—this helps the toppings stay in place.
Print
Checkerboard Pizza – A Fun Family Twist on Classic Pizza
Checkerboard pizza is a playful, flavorful dinner idea using turkey bacon and chicken ham arranged in a grid. Easy to make and fun to serve.
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 1 large pizza (4 servings) 1x
Ingredients
1 ball homemade pizza dough
1/2 cup tomato sauce
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella
6 slices turkey bacon, cut into squares
6 slices chicken ham, cut into squares
1 tsp olive oil
1/2 tsp garlic powder
Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 450°F (232°C).
2. Roll out the dough on parchment paper.
3. Spread tomato sauce evenly on dough.
4. Sprinkle cheese across the surface.
5. Alternate turkey bacon and chicken ham squares in a checkerboard pattern.
6. Season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
7. Transfer to baking sheet or pizza stone.
8. Bake for 12–15 minutes or until crust is golden.
9. Let cool slightly, then slice and serve.
Notes
You can use white sauce or pesto instead of tomato sauce.
Try mixing cheeses for extra flavor.
Make mini checkerboard pizzas for kids or parties.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 slices
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 610mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
Tips, Variations & Serving Ideas
Make It Your Own: Creative Pizza Variations
Checkerboard pizza is all about creativity—and it’s super easy to customize based on what you have or what your family enjoys. Don’t eat meat? Swap out turkey bacon and chicken ham for grilled zucchini and roasted red peppers to create a colorful vegetarian checkerboard. Want more spice? Add jalapeño slices or a spicy marinara base. Even the cheese can be switched—try a mix of provolone, gouda, or dairy-free alternatives.
For an even more protein-rich version, you can pair this pizza with a side like the cottage cheese taco bowl, which shares the same balance of comfort and creativity. You can also shape your dough into mini checkerboard pizzas for parties or kids’ lunches. This is the kind of recipe that lets you experiment without worrying about precision—just like art on a plate.
How to Serve Checkerboard Pizza for Guests or Family
Presentation matters when it comes to checkerboard pizza. Slice the pizza into neat squares to show off the grid of toppings. If you’re serving a crowd, place slices on a wooden cutting board with ramekins of dipping sauces—garlic aioli, marinara, or a homemade ranch. You can also make it part of a larger meal, paired with a vibrant dish like Moroccan couscous and chicken to bring variety to the table.
For a casual family dinner, checkerboard pizza adds excitement to the meal without extra work. Kids love seeing the pattern come out of the oven, and adults enjoy the bold flavor combo. Whether it’s a weekend treat or a weeknight surprise, it’s a pizza that makes everyone happy.
Baking Like a Pro – Tools, Storage & Reheating
Kitchen Tools to Make Checkerboard Pizza Easier
To make checkerboard pizza with ease, a few simple tools go a long way. Start with a quality rolling pin to get your dough even. A pizza stone helps bake the crust evenly, creating that crispy bottom while keeping the inside soft. If you don’t have one, a heavy-duty baking sheet works just fine. Preheating it before placing the dough on top gives similar results.
A pizza cutter or sharp chef’s knife is essential to preserve the checkerboard pattern when slicing. You can also use parchment paper to transfer the pizza from prep counter to oven without losing any of your carefully placed toppings. If you’ve worked with oven-friendly recipes like instant pot chicken recipes, you know how much tools can simplify cooking and cleanup.
Storage, Reheating & Leftover Ideas
Checkerboard pizza stores surprisingly well. Let any leftovers cool completely, then place slices in an airtight container with parchment between each layer. They’ll keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. When it’s time to reheat, skip the microwave and use the oven or air fryer to bring back that crispy crust and melty cheese.
Want to save time later? You can freeze the unbaked checkerboard pizza after assembling it. Place it on a tray in the freezer until firm, then wrap it tightly. Bake it directly from frozen at 425°F until hot and golden. It’s a great meal prep trick—similar to prepping ahead with keto hamburger buns for quick sandwich meals. Leftover slices also make great lunchbox additions the next day.
Checkerboard pizza isn’t just fun to make—it’s also easy to enjoy again and again.
Frequently Asked Questions About Checkerboard Pizza
1. What is checkerboard pizza?
Checkerboard pizza is a fun, visually striking pizza made by layering toppings—like turkey bacon and chicken ham—in a grid pattern. The result looks like a checkerboard and offers a tasty mix of crispy and savory bites. It’s a creative twist on classic homemade pizza and a hit at family dinners or gatherings.
2. Can I make checkerboard pizza with store-bought dough?
Absolutely. While homemade dough gives you full control over texture and taste, store-bought dough works well too. Just let it come to room temperature before rolling it out. Whether homemade or pre-made, the key is getting the crust evenly baked for that perfect base.
3. How do I keep the checkerboard pattern from sliding during baking?
To hold the checkerboard pattern in place, lightly press each topping square into the cheese before baking. Pre-baking the crust for 5 minutes also helps firm up the base. That way, when the toppings go on, they stay put while the pizza bakes.
4. What cheeses work best with checkerboard pizza?
Mozzarella is the classic choice because it melts beautifully and holds everything together. But feel free to mix in cheddar, gouda, or even a sprinkle of parmesan for extra flavor. Just make sure the cheese is evenly distributed so each square of the checkerboard shines through.
Conclusion
Checkerboard pizza is the kind of dish that brings joy to the kitchen. It’s playful, easy to personalize, and surprisingly simple to prepare. Whether you use turkey bacon and chicken ham or create your own topping combo, the result is a flavorful pizza that looks as good as it tastes. It’s ideal for family nights, kids’ activities, or just trying something new in your weekly meal routine. If you enjoy recipes like sweet potato taco bowls or chicken quesadillas, checkerboard pizza will feel right at home in your kitchen.
