How to Host an Interactive Pizza Party

As summer winds down and we begin thinking of fall entertaining, one of the most fun, interactive gatherings you can host is an interactive pizza party.

No, not the hideous takeout pizza parties of high school activities or middle school sleepovers--today's interactive pizza parties are seriously cool and fun parties with high-quality food, but are easy to throw together.  And they're also good for parties where kids will be present, as kids like the interactive part too.

If pressed for time (most people are), buy pizza dough from a reputable pizza parlor or a gourmet market. 

It's easiest to make pizzas around 8" or 9."  Set out the disks of dough (flattened or not beforehand), plus the toppings, on a kitchen counter, island, or table.

Toppings and then some

Here's where your party gets really fun: put out bowls or plates with a variety of toppings so people can top their pizzas in the combinations they like.  If you have more than one oven you can have both your ovens going with pizzas (we catered a party like this and we used our wonderful DeLonghi countertop convection oven as well as the clients' built-in ovens).

You don't want to be too predictable and boring with the toppings--otherwise why not just order takeout pizzas, with their same old toppings, in the first place?

Here are some topping ideas:

• Rich cheeses like Gruyere, Fontina, Emmentaler, Jarlsburg, or even regular or pepper Monterey Jack
• Fresh mozzarella pre-sliced into medallions (available at gourmet markets)
• Heirloom tomatoes sliced very thin (not chopped)
• Fresh chopped mixed herbs (basil, tarragon, mint, dill; or, for cooler weather, thyme or rosemary)
• Finely chopped red onion, sauteed until soft and translucent
• Cured meats such as prosciutto, coppa, chorizo, or fuet/dry salami--watch these carefully as they turn hard if left in the oven too long
• Fresh artisan sausages such as chicken with jalapeño and cheese (also available at gourmet markets)
• Some nice black olives or capers
• Sauteed vegetables like leek strands, red peppers, or spinach
• Other foods you like--just remember, if it's crunchy, sauté first until soft

Red
Marinara? One day ahead cut one yellow onion into small dice and sauté in olive oil until soft and translucent, then add 10-12 tomatoes, chopped and seeded, and simmer 25-35 minutes or until tomatoes are soft, then add a little more than 1/2 stick butter until melted, 1-2 generous pinches finely chopped fresh basil or (we prefer this) fresh tarragon, and blend with a hand blender until smooth, adding salt and pepper to taste--makes enough for about 10-12 9" pizzas.  Set out with the toppings and a ladle so people can put on their pizzas.

Combine, bake, eat
Then let your guests make their pizzas, combining toppings as they like, discussing which toppings they've chosen, and everybody tasting eveybody's pizza combinations.  A memorable interactive pizza party.

Enjoy!

Kristina


Fandango Catering and Events
(713) 522-0077
www.fandango-catering.com