Pizza-Making Fun for Kids and Adults – If there’s one thing kids love more than eating pizza, it’s being able to make it themselves, complete with all their favorite toppings. Creating a “make it yourself” pizza party is not only a fantastic way to customize the meal but also an opportunity to involve friends and family in a fun and interactive culinary activity. What’s even better, this pizza crust recipe features a surprising twist, using a secret ingredient that simplifies the process and ensures a mess-free kitchen.
The key to this remarkably simple yet delicious crust lies in the addition of a humble ingredient—potatoes. Specifically, Idahoan brand flavored Mashed Potatoes have been gaining recognition for their exceptional taste, earning them the title of the best-tasting instant mashed potatoes when compared to major national competitors by the American Culinary ChefsBest™. By incorporating these convenient and 100 percent authentic Idaho potatoes into the crust, you not only add moisture but also infuse rich flavor into this homemade version of one of America’s all-time favorite foods.
In this article, we’ll share a delightful recipe for Fresh Tomato and Zucchini Pizza, featuring fresh summer produce. However, when you embark on your pizza-making adventure at home, each person can customize their pizza with their preferred toppings. With this versatile recipe, you can enjoy a scrumptious homemade meal that caters to everyone’s pizza preferences.
Fresh Tomato and Zucchini Pizza Recipe
Crust:
- 1/2 cup dry Idahoan Roasted Garlic flavored Mashed Potatoes
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
Topping:
- 3 plum tomatoes, thinly sliced and patted dry
- 1 small zucchini, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and ground pepper to taste
- 4 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh shredded basil or 1 teaspoon dried basil
Directions:
- Begin by combining the dry Idahoan Roasted Garlic flavored Mashed Potatoes with boiling water in a bowl. Use a fork to moisten all the potatoes thoroughly. Allow the mixture to stand for one minute.
- After the minute has passed, add the all-purpose flour, olive oil, and salt to the potato mixture. With your hands, knead the mixture until it forms a smooth, cohesive dough ball. Let the dough rest for 5 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Take the dough and press it evenly into a 12-inch by 8-inch baking pan, creating the pizza’s crust.
- Arrange the thinly sliced zucchini and tomato slices over the dough, leaving a 1/2-inch border around the edges. Drizzle the olive oil over the toppings and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Bake the pizza in the preheated oven for approximately 15 minutes. Once the vegetables are tender and the crust begins to turn golden, remove the pizza from the oven.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the pizza. Return it to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes or until the cheese has melted and developed a tempting golden hue.
- To finish off this delectable homemade pizza, sprinkle it with freshly shredded basil or dried basil for an aromatic touch.
This recipe yields 4 main-dish servings or 6 appetizer servings, making it suitable for a family dinner or a delightful snack during a casual gathering.
The Versatility of Homemade Pizza
One of the delightful aspects of homemade pizza is its incredible versatility. While we’ve presented a recipe for Fresh Tomato and Zucchini Pizza, remember that the real magic of homemade pizza is customization. Each member of the family can add their favorite toppings, creating a personalized pizza masterpiece. Let’s explore some creative topping ideas to inspire your next pizza-making adventure.
Creative Pizza Topping Ideas
- Pepperoni and Mushroom Pizza: For the classic pizza lovers, pepperoni and mushrooms provide a flavorful combination. The saltiness of the pepperoni pairs perfectly with the earthy richness of sautéed mushrooms.
- Pesto and Sun-Dried Tomato Pizza: Pesto sauce adds a burst of fresh, herbaceous flavor to your pizza. Combine it with the sweet tanginess of sun-dried tomatoes for a delightful twist.
- BBQ Chicken Pizza: Barbecue sauce, grilled chicken, red onions, and cilantro come together to create a sweet and savory pizza experience. The smoky flavors of the barbecue sauce infuse every bite with deliciousness.
- Mediterranean Veggie Pizza: For a healthier option, top your pizza with Mediterranean-inspired ingredients like roasted red peppers, Kalamata olives, feta cheese, and a drizzle of olive oil. It’s a burst of Mediterranean flavors in every slice.
- Hawaiian Pizza: Embrace the tropical vibes by adding ham and pineapple to your pizza. The combination of sweet pineapple and salty ham creates a delightful contrast of flavors.
- Four-Cheese Pizza: Cheese lovers, rejoice! Create a luxurious four-cheese pizza with mozzarella, cheddar, parmesan, and goat cheese. Each bite is a melty, cheesy paradise.
Exploring Unique Crust Flavors
While the Idahoan Roasted Garlic flavored Mashed Potatoes add a delectable twist to your pizza crust, you can experiment with other flavor variations to suit your taste preferences. Consider trying Idahoan Mashed Potatoes in flavors like Buttery Homestyle, Loaded Baked, or Roasted Garlic and Parmesan for a different pizza crust experience each time.
Pizza-Making as a Family Activity
Beyond its culinary merits, pizza-making is an excellent family activity that promotes bonding and creativity. When you involve your children in creating their own personalized pizzas, you encourage their culinary curiosity and independence. They can choose their favorite toppings, assemble their pizzas, and even decorate them with unique designs using ingredients like colorful bell peppers or cherry tomatoes.
Moreover, pizza-making allows for valuable teaching moments in the kitchen. Children can learn about basic food preparation techniques, such as chopping, slicing, and grating cheese. They can also gain an understanding of how different ingredients complement one another to create a harmonious flavor profile.
Enjoying Homemade Pizza with a Twist
Incorporating a “make it yourself” pizza night into your family’s routine is not only an opportunity for delicious dining but also a chance to bond over a shared activity. This recipe, with its unexpected but delightful use of Idahoan Roasted Garlic flavored Mashed Potatoes, ensures that your pizza night is a breeze to prepare, leaving your kitchen mess-free and your taste buds satisfied.
As you explore various topping combinations and experiment with different potato flavors for your crust, you’ll discover the endless possibilities of homemade pizza. Whether you’re crafting a classic pepperoni pizza or inventing your signature creation, the joy of pizza-making lies in the freedom to express your culinary creativity. So, gather your loved ones, get creative with your toppings, and savor the joy of making and sharing a delicious homemade pizza that everyone will love. Happy pizza-making
