Grab Your Friends- It’s a Pizza Party!

Did you know that 350 slices of pizza are eaten each second in the United States? That should come as no surprise considering pizza is one of America’s favorite foods! Celebrate this delicious crowd-pleasing food on May 21st for National Pizza Party Day (and it’s my birthday, so another reason to celebrate!)

This fun holiday is celebrated each year on the third Friday in May to not only celebrate all the delicious pies but as a way to bring friends and family together. Pizza is a versatile food that is prepared in so many different styles, everybody is bound to have a favorite.

While you can always order a pizza from a local restaurant, it is always more fun to make it at home. Gather your friends and family around a mound of dough to cook up something great.

Pizza Around the World

While pizza is extremely popular here in the US, pizza is celebrated around the world. Many cultures have their version of pizza. The difference between most pies is usually the style of bread or kinds of toppings, but most consist of the 3 basic ingredients-bread, sauce, and cheese!

Spanish pizza: Pizza in Spain is typically made with a super light dough that is rolled out very thin. Traditional recipes include toppings such as caramelized onions, fresh vegetables, and Spanish-style sausage called Chorizo.

Canadian pizza: This pie is much like how Chicagoans enjoy their pizza, deep-dish style. Pizzas found in Canada are usually topped with many more toppings than traditional pizza.

Argentinian pizza: Argentinean is often referred to as “Fugazetta” which is a type of focaccia-like bread. The bread used for this pie is soft and thick like the deep-dish pies found in Canada. The sauce is most often left out but, toppings include sweet onions and creamy cheese.

Mediterranean pizza: The Mediterranean pie is sweet and salty. In Turkey, flatbread style bread is most popular, and toppings include a blend of spices and herbs with mixed lamb.

DIY Pizza Party Night

Who says you must go out to get good pizza? Pizza is even more exciting when you make it yourself! Get creative with friends and family and have your very own DIY pizza night creating all your favorite pizza right at home. Homemade pizza can be just as good as takeout (or even better!) and it’s a great way to add in some additional toppings plus more beneficial nutrients.

Get Creative– When having your very own pizza party, get creative with friends or family by having everyone create their pies. Put out various toppings so everyone can come up with their very own unique creation! After all the pies are baked, you can taste each other’s.

Toppings- The best thing about a DIY pizza party is you can put as many and any topping you want. Load up on veggies for more fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Additionally, pizza is a great vehicle for some protein as well- try out shredded chicken or even ground turkey.

Dough-So you want to make a pizza but do not want to make the dough? No problem! Store bought dough can be just as good, just remember to always read the label. Opt for a pizza dough that is low-sodium and without too many added sugars. Naan bread is a great dough to buy when creating pizza at home.

Dessert Pie- Who says you can’t have pizza for dessert?! Dessert pies have become popular over theyears. For a sauce, try Nutella or your favorite nut butter. For toppings, you can get as creative as you want by adding fresh fruit, chopped nuts, or chocolate!

Time to get your friends and family together and celebrate National Pizza Party Day. You don’t need a holiday to have a pizza party but it’s a great way to have some fun and enjoy your favorite cheesy pie!

Your Turn to Take Action- What are your favorite pizza toppings? Let me know in the comments below!