How to Host an Epic Pizza Night

Pizza parties never go out of style. Here are my tips for an epic pizza night you and your friends + fam will LOVE …

The Dough

Making your down dough is 1) very impressive and 2) a lot easier than you’d probably imagine! My go-to recipe is as easy as it gets, linked here. All you need is flour, water, salt and yeast.

Buying the dough [HACK!] If you really are not up for making the dough yourself — judgement free zone, the next best thing is to go to your local pizzeria. Ask to BUY the dough from them. They may stare at you for a second but don’t back down — this is by no means an outrageous request and something I have been doing for 15 years. Usually I’ll get charged $5 per dough ball [makes a large pie].

Regardless of where your dough comes from, make sure you are rolling it out pretty thin. Dough rises, and you want to make sure the pizza isn’t gummy or undercooked in the center / middle when you pull it out of the oven.

The Toppings

This is where things get fun. I beg you to think outside of the box and go a little wild. Of course you want to offer the basics like pepperoni, mushrooms, and mozzarella but the sheer volume of combinations is endless. Here are a few ideas to help you get started:

• Pizza Bases

  • Marinara sauce

  • Ricotta

  • Olive oil

• Toppings

  • Onions, Peppers, Mushrooms [the usual suspects]

  • Pineapple, Jalapeño, Calabrian Chilis [getting funkier]

  • Arugula, Basil, Sage, Squash Blossoms [!]

  • Pepperoni, Proscuitto, Salami

  • Anchovies

• Cheeses

  • Fresh Mozzarella [sliced']

  • Shredded Mozzarella

  • Burrata

  • Grated Parmesan

  • Quattro-Formaggi [Pecorino, Mozzarella, Fontina]

  • Ricotta / Goat Cheese

• Extras

  • Hot Honey

  • Truffle Honey / Salt

  • Balsamic

  • Crushed Red Pepper

  • Chili Oil

Pizza Oven

If you are in the market for a pizza oven, GET THE OONI ! It is one of the best gifts I have ever received. Recommend the 16'' gas pizza oven for several reasons — primarily that it cooks a pizza in about 90-120 seconds and it is an overall f*ckng toy. Make sure to get the corresponding pizza peel and cover to keep it safe outside.

Do not fret if a pizza oven is not an option for you. I went my entire life [up until 2 months ago] without one just fine. Just crank your oven to 475º or as hot as it gets. Let it pre-heat fully before throwing in a pizza. You can use a pizza store or simply dust a cookie sheet with flour. Pizzas should take about 10-12 minutes to cook in the oven.

Don’t Forget the Salad!

But seriously. You need the perfect salad to round out your pizza night. I recommend any variation of an Italian chopped salad. Half romaine, half kale, chickpeas, tomatoes, pepperoncini, mozzarella or provolone, salami and a quick vinaigrette [olive oil, dijon, red wine vinegar, and dried oregano!].

Or the wine :D have everyone bring a bottle or two and enjoy!