If you’ve ever explored the culinary scene in Montreal or anywhere in Quebec, you know this province has its own take on everything, especially comfort food. And when it comes to pizza, Quebec does things its own way.
Pizza Québécoise is a beloved regional twist that blends familiar pizza elements with unmistakably Canadian ingredients. Unlike traditional Italian pies or the cheese-loaded American versions, this style leans into bold, savory toppings like bacon, cherry tomatoes, and onions, all layered over classic pizza sauce and mozzarella.
You’ll often find it on menus at local diners and deli-style institutions, including Dunn’s Famous, where Quebec flavors and smoked meat culture come together.
Let’s dive into what makes this pizza so iconic, and how you can recreate an authentic Pizza Québécoise right at home.
What Is Pizza Québécoise?
Pizza Québécoise is a proudly regional take on pizza that reflects Quebec’s comfort food culture and French-Canadian flavor preferences. It’s not your typical pepperoni slice; this local favorite leans into hearty toppings and a homestyle approach that’s beloved across the province.
At its core, Pizza Québécoise features a base of savory homemade tomato sauce, layered generously with mozzarella cheese, crispy bacon, sweet sautéed onions, and juicy cherry tomatoes. The combination strikes a perfect balance between smoky, sweet, and tangy, making it both satisfying and refreshingly different.
While classics like “All Dressed” (loaded with pepperoni, green peppers, mushrooms, and more) dominate the Canadian pizza scene, the Quebec-style stands out for its simplicity and unique local identity. You’ll often spot it on the menu at smoked meat restaurants where it complements deli staples with a slice of something familiar, but undeniably Quebecois.
Ingredient Breakdown: What You Need to Make Pizza Québécoise at Home
This iconic Quebec-style pizza is known for its balance of savory, sweet, and hearty flavors. Making it at home is simple once you understand the components that make it uniquely Québécois. Below is a detailed breakdown of each element and its role in building this regional favorite.
1. The Base: Pizza Dough
You can choose between store-bought dough for convenience or make your own using flour, water, yeast, olive oil, and a touch of sugar. The goal is to achieve a crust that’s neither overly thick nor too thin, something that crisps nicely on the edges while remaining chewy in the center. Quebec-style pizzas often resemble diner or deli pizzas in texture and thickness.
2. The Sauce: Rich Tomato Pizza Sauce
The sauce used in Pizza Québécoise is typically a homemade tomato-based sauce with a hint of sweetness and a blend of classic Italian herbs. Start with canned or crushed tomatoes simmered with garlic, olive oil, oregano, basil, salt, and sugar. Let it reduce slightly to intensify the flavor and thicken the texture.
3. The Cheese: Mozzarella
Low-moisture mozzarella is the preferred choice for an even melt and crisp finish. Shredding it yourself provides better meltability compared to pre-shredded versions. The cheese layer should be generous enough to balance the salty toppings and absorb the juices from the tomatoes and onions. Some regional versions also blend in mild cheddar for an extra layer of richness.
4. The Toppings: The Signature Trio
This is where Pizza Québécoise distinguishes itself. The topping combination captures Quebec’s comfort food sensibilities:
- Bacon: Cooked until crispy and then crumbled. It adds a smoky, salty foundation to every bite.
- Cherry Tomatoes: Sliced in half and distributed across the pizza. When roasted, they offer bursts of sweetness and moisture that contrast beautifully with the bacon.
- Onions: Thinly sliced, either raw or lightly sautéed. They soften and caramelize during baking, contributing sweetness and umami.
Some homemade versions also include green peppers or mushrooms, but the bacon-tomato-onion trio is considered the core of this style.
Optional Finishing Touches
For added complexity, consider sprinkling dried oregano or basil over the top before baking. After baking, a few leaves of fresh basil or a drizzle of chili oil can enhance both presentation and flavor without straying from tradition.
How to Make Pizza Québécoise at Home (Step-by-Step)
Recreating this comforting Quebec classic at home is easier than you might think. Follow this straightforward process to get that crispy crust, rich toppings, and gooey cheese just right.
1. Preheat Your Oven
Set your oven to 450°F (230°C). A hot oven ensures a crisp crust and properly melted toppings. If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven while it heats to mimic a deli-style bake.
2. Roll Out the Dough
Use your favorite homemade or store-bought pizza dough. Roll it out into a round or rectangular shape, depending on your baking tray. The thickness should be medium, not too thin like a Neapolitan, and not overly thick like deep dish. Lightly flour your surface to prevent sticking.
3. Add the Sauce
Spread a generous layer of homemade tomato-based pizza sauce over the dough, leaving about a half-inch around the edges for the crust. The sauce should be rich but not overly watery to avoid soggy bottoms.
4. Layer the Cheese
Evenly sprinkle grated mozzarella cheese across the sauce. Make sure to cover edge to edge; this is key for that bubbling, golden finish. You can mix in a small handful of cheddar for added richness if desired.
5. Add the Signature Toppings
Top the pizza with:
- Cooked bacon, crumbled or chopped into bite-sized pieces.
- Cherry tomatoes, halved, for juicy bursts of sweetness.
- Thinly sliced onions, which will soften and slightly caramelize as the pizza bakes.
If you like herbs, you can also add a sprinkle of dried oregano or basil at this stage.
6. Bake
Place your pizza in the oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown, the cheese is bubbling, and the toppings are lightly crisped. Keep an eye on it during the last few minutes, oven strength can vary.
7. Cool and Serve
Remove the pizza and let it cool for a couple of minutes before slicing. This helps the cheese set slightly and keeps the toppings in place. Then slice and serve hot, ideally with a side of coleslaw or pickles for that true deli feel.
Skip the Hassle and Try it at Dunn’s Famous
Craving the bold, comforting flavors of Pizza Québécoise but not in the mood to cook? Skip the preparations and head straight to Dunn’s Famous, where this Quebec-style classic is done right.
At Dunn’s, you can experience an authentic Pizza Québécoise made fresh with premium ingredients, crisped to perfection in a professional kitchen. From the rich tomato sauce to the perfectly melted cheese, smoky bacon, and sweet tomatoes, it’s all crafted with the same love and tradition that made Quebec fall in love with this pie in the first place.
Conclusion
Pizza Québécoise is more than just a regional twist; it’s a celebration of Quebec’s culinary identity. With its unique blend of crispy bacon, juicy cherry tomatoes, caramelized onions, and rich mozzarella on a comforting base of pizza sauce and dough, it reflects the bold flavors and homey traditions that define the province’s food culture.
But why wait to gather ingredients and heat up your oven?
Visit Dunn’s Famous today and enjoy an authentic Pizza Québécoise made the Montreal way.
