Two pizzas, double the fun: A family pizza night with diverse flavors

Pizza night is a family tradition in many homes, but who says you have to stick to just one kind? This blog post features recipes for two pizzas with wonderfully different flavor profiles: a classic pepperoni and a vibrant Thai chicken pizza. Making pizza at home is a fun, hands-on activity for the whole family, allowing everyone to get creative and tailor their own meal.

Pizza 1: Classic pepperoni pizza

This pie is a timeless crowd-pleaser for a reason. The savory pepperoni, tangy tomato sauce, and gooey mozzarella create a familiar and comforting flavor that is always a hit.

Ingredients:

• Dough: 1 ball of homemade or store-bought pizza dough.

• Sauce: 1 cup homemade or store-bought pizza sauce.

• Cheese: 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese.

• Topping: 1/2 cup sliced pepperoni.

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 500°F (260°C) with a pizza stone or baking sheet inside for at least 30 minutes. This helps ensure a crispy crust.

2. On a floured surface, roll out the dough to your desired thickness.

3. Spread the pizza sauce over the dough, leaving a small border for the crust.

4. Sprinkle 1 1/2 cups of mozzarella cheese over the sauce.

5. Arrange the pepperoni slices on top of the cheese.

6. Sprinkle with the remaining 1/2 cup of cheese.

7. Transfer the pizza to the preheated oven and bake for 10–14 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and the crust is golden brown.

Create a fun, interactive family pizza night

Making pizza together is a fantastic way to bond with the family. Here’s how you can make it a fun and memorable experience:

• Prep a "pizza bar": Set up bowls with all the prepared toppings so everyone can easily build their own pizza.

• Divide and conquer: Give each family member their own portion of dough and parchment paper to create their personal pizza masterpiece.

• Mix and match: Encourage everyone to experiment and try both flavor profiles or invent their own combinations.

• Embrace the mess: Pizza night is meant to be a little messy! Lay down a tablecloth and let the creativity flow.

• Delegate tasks: Older children can help roll out the dough, while younger kids can spread sauce and sprinkle toppings.

Pizza 2: Thai chicken pizza with peanut sauce

This recipe is for the more adventurous palate, bringing a sweet, spicy, and savory blend of Thai flavors to a familiar pizza form. The combination of creamy peanut sauce, chicken, and fresh herbs is a delicious surprise.

Ingredients:

• Dough: 1 ball of homemade or store-bought pizza dough.

• Peanut Sauce:

  • 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter

  • 1/2 cup of Thai Peanut Sause

  • 1 tbsp soy sauce

  • 2 tbsp lime juice

  • 1 tsp grated fresh ginger

  • 1 tsp Thai chili garlic paste or sriracha (adjust to taste, optional)

  • 1-3 tbsp warm water, for thinning

• Toppings:

  • 1 cup cooked, shredded chicken

  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

  • 1/4 cup shredded carrots

  • 1/4 cup pineapple tidbits, drained

• Garnishes:

  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

  • 2 tbsp crushed peanuts

Instructions:

1. Make the sauce: In a small saucepan, whisk together the peanut butter, coconut milk, soy sauce, lime juice, brown sugar, ginger, and chili paste. Heat over medium-low, stirring until smooth. Add warm water as needed to reach a thick, spreadable consistency.

2. Preheat and prepare: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Roll out your pizza dough.

3. Assemble the pizza: Spread the peanut sauce over the dough.

4. Add toppings: Sprinkle the cheese over the sauce. Arrange the chicken, carrots, green pepper, mushrooms, and pineapple tidbits evenly across the pizza.

5. Bake: Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

6. Garnish: Immediately after removing the pizza from the oven, top with fresh cilantro and crushed peanuts.

Enjoy a delicious and memorable family pizza night filled with diverse flavors and shared experiences.