How many times do parents get a request for pizza when there just isn’t time to pull one off? There’s always time for pizza if you’re willing to shift your definition and make creative use of pantry and freezer staples. We’ve taken pizza flavours and some family-approved shortcuts to get a pizza on the table. Add your favourite salad for a well-rounded meal.
Naan or Pita Pizza
No need to start with fresh dough for pizza on the fly. Naan and pita make the perfect base. Just spread with pizza or tomato sauce and add whatever toppings you have on hand – ham, mushrooms, peppers, pineapple for a classic pie; or fresh tomatoes, thin-sliced red onion, black olives and feta for a vegetarian option. Top with your favourite cheese and bake at 350°F for 10–15 minutes or until cheese is melted.
Play with the cultural origins of naan and spread your pizza with butter chicken sauce, cooked cubed chicken and top with mozzarella for some pizza fusion.
Calzones
If you have time in your week for meal prep, use homemade or purchased fresh pizza dough to make individual pizza pockets. Mix together ½ cup pizza sauce with 1 cup of your favourite shredded cheese, ¾ cup chopped deli meat (plus any other must-have, pre-cooked pizza ingredients) and set aside.
Roll the dough thin on a floured surface, then cut into 6-inch circles (or squares). Place 2–3 tablespoons of filling on one half of your circle or square, keeping the filling away from edges. Fold dough over the filling to bring the edges together and create a half-moon or triangle shape. Pinch dough together with your fingers or a fork, making sure edges are well-sealed. Use a knife to score a couple of vents in the top of the calzone for steam to escape. Place on a baking sheet with two inches between each calzone. Bake at 400°F for 15 minutes. Freeze baked calzones individually and reheat in the microwave.
Pizzadillas
For another delicious culinary mash-up, try pizza quesadillas – pizzadillas! Spread a large tortilla with a thin layer of pizza sauce. Top half the tortilla with deli meat or pepperoni and shredded cheese. Fold over and gently press together. Place on a baking sheet at 375°F until lightly browned, or toast in a dry frying pan over medium heat until tortilla is toasted, then flip and toast the second side. Serve with warm pizza sauce for dipping.
DIY FTW
Do your family members have different tastes? No time to assemble? Whatever type of pizza you decide to make, set out a variety of toppings, (shredded cheese, ham, pepperoni, tomato sauce, chopped peppers, mushrooms, onions, pineapple, etc.) and let each person build their own. Everyone gets what they want, and the pressure is off you as the cook. It’s a win-win!