Hack Your Pizza With These Quick Tips
On #NationalPizzaDay, take your pizza to the next level with these quick hacks that are sure to spice up your pie, no matter if it comes from a box or straight from your own oven!
Stay Cheesy
Sure, you can always add more cheese to take it to the next level, but you might be surprised how trying different types of cheese can improve an otherwise boring pizza. While some scientists claim that mozzarella and cheddar are the best mix, there’s also provolone, Gouda, Colby, Edam, Asiago, Gruyère, Emmental, bleu, ricotta, burrata – and, of course, Parmesan. And don’t forget to try local cheeses from your local creamery! Check out Oregon Cheese Guild to find a cheesemaker near you.
Vegging Out
You can feel good about kicking back and binge watching your favorite show when you add seriously delicious veggies to your pie. Beyond popular favorites like garlic, peppers, onions, olives and mushrooms- have you tried zucchini, corn, cauliflower, kale, quinoa, squash, broccoli or spinach?
Pizza for Breakfast
There’s a reason that pizza is the breakfast of champions for college students. Complement your pie with a tasty egg for added protein that will give you a boost at your next class or zoom meeting.
Take a Dip
They say that the secret’s in the sauce. Rev up your pie by drizzling ranch dressing, pesto, BBQ, buffalo or hummus on top.
Some even dip their pizza in milk! We’re not making this up … it’s a thing.
Spice Is Nice
For those who like their pizza hot and spicy, you don’t have to settle for that packet of dried red peppers. There’s Tabasco, Sriracha, Cholula – and if that’s not enough, you can add peppers ranging from hot to “where’s-the-milk?!”
Crispy Crusts
Promote your small time pizza to the big leagues by cooking it on a pizza stone or in your air fryer – you’ll never go back! Cooking tools like these give you an incredibly crisp crust while melting the cheese perfectly. Brushing a thin layer of olive oil on a cast-iron skillet will also give you a crispy crust in no time. Don’t forget to rub the crust with olive oil or melted butter before baking. You can also mix garlic powder, onion powder, crushed garlic, oregano, or some grated parmesan cheese into the dough to add a seasoned and flavorful boost to any pre-made pizza.
Rock and Roll Your Dough
Play with your food and switch up the shape of your pizza dough to make crescents, pinwheels, rolls, dippers and puffs.
You can also ditch the dough completely and use French or artisanal bread. Or use wonton wrappers to create the perfect package for your cheese and toppings!
Just Desserts
Don’t forget about the sweet stuff! Break away from pineapple and make a dessert pizza with fruits like peaches, pears, apples, bananas and figs. Drizzle chocolate or caramel sauce on top for a sweet treat.
Walk on the Wild Side
Want to try something really different? Try adding some new combos like peaches and prosciutto, blackberries and basil, even shrimp and lobster. There’s plenty of inspiration online … alongside pizzas with Flamin’ Hot Cheetos, spaghetti and ramen noodles!
Win Round Two
Don’t let leftovers hold you back from pie-in-the-sky creativity. Put a pizza upside down on another pizza with cheese in the middle and – Voila! Pizza grilled cheese! Or go a stack higher for pizza lasagna. Roll a mozzarella stick inside slices or cut strips of ‘pizza fries.’ Kids like slices cooked on a stick like a Popsicle or heated in a waffle iron.
When reheating slices, the oven is your friend. Preheat to 375 degrees and put it on a hot baking tray, cookie sheet or foil for 10 minutes. When using the microwave – just place a cup of water next to the pizza when you cook it to keep the crust from getting rubbery.
Hopefully these pizza hacks will help you elevate your next pie from disappointing to delectable. If you’re still not impressed, try getting the ingredients to make your own pizza the next time you’re at the grocery store and try your hand at making something from scratch. Grazie!
RELATED LINKS:
NINE EASY WAYS TO HACK YOUR PIZZA
Oregon Dairy and Nutrition Council 