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The All-Time Academy Classic
Pizza and Fish Dinner (with Pinto Beans)
Why choose between pizza night and a Southern fish fry when you can have both on one plate? Mr. Bigpants combines the gooey, cheesy goodness of pizza with crispy golden fish and a comforting side of pinto beans. It’s a mashup of two comfort food traditions—a true Bigpants original.
Why choose between pizza night and a Southern fish fry when you can have both on one plate? Mr. Bigpants combines the gooey, cheesy goodness of pizza with crispy golden fish and a comforting side of pinto beans. It’s a mashup of two comfort food traditions—a true Bigpants original.
Ingredients
Ingredients
For the Pizza Base:
1 premade pizza crust (or homemade dough)
1 cup pizza sauce
1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Pepperoni or other toppings of choice
For the Pinto Beans:
2 cups cooked pinto beans (canned or homemade)
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
½ teaspoon cumin
Salt & pepper, to taste
For the Fish:
4 white fish fillets (catfish, tilapia, or cod)
1 cup cornmeal
½ cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt & pepper, to taste
1 cup buttermilk
Oil for frying
Instructions
Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Beans
In a saucepan, sauté the onion and garlic until fragrant. Add pinto beans, cumin, salt, and pepper. Simmer gently on low heat while you prepare the rest of the meal.
Step 2: Fry the Fish
Heat oil in a skillet to 350°F (175°C). Place buttermilk in one bowl, and mix cornmeal, flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in another. Dip each fish fillet in buttermilk, then dredge in the cornmeal mixture. Fry until golden brown and crispy, about 3–4 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels.
Step 3: Bake the Pizza
Preheat oven to 475°F (245°C). Place pizza crust on a baking sheet, spread with pizza sauce, sprinkle with mozzarella, and add toppings. Bake for 12–15 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 4: Bring It All Together
Slice the pizza into wedges. Plate a slice (or two) alongside a crispy fish fillet. Add a hearty scoop of pinto beans on the side.
Serving Suggestion
This dish works best family-style: a hot pizza in the center, a platter of fried fish, and a big bowl of beans. Each diner builds their own plate, mixing the flavors—just like Chef Bigpants intended.
About the Chef: Mark "Mr. Bigpants" Dowlen
About the Chef: Mark "Mr. Bigpants" Dowlen
Mark Dowlen, known as "Mr. Bigpants" by students and colleagues alike, is the principal of a prestigious academy. When he’s not keeping students in check, he’s in the kitchen, perfecting recipes that combine comfort and indulgence. His passion for baking is rivaled only by his commitment to education—because whether it's knowledge or chocolate, he believes the best things in life should be shared.
Press coverage
Press coverage
"Spectacular taters..."
Ken F.
"Smelled the brownie cake a mile away!"
Angela W.
"Pinto beans are my favorite, man!"
John G.
"Pizza AND fish?! He's a genius..."
William F.
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