Recipe: Pizza Two Ways

Friends and co-workers scoff when I give them the "I had no time to cook so I threw together a simple pizza" line. They think that because I work with food all day long that I must know some professional pizza making tips --I don't. (They didn't teach us pizza making in culinary school.) The best part about pizza night is everyone can have his or her favorite toppings...and, of course, don't forget the ranch dressing for dipping!

Pizza Two Ways
Makes 4 servings

• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• 1 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ 15-ounce can tomato sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 pound frozen pizza dough, thawed
• 1 cup grated mozzarella cheese

Topping Choices:

• pepperoni
• sliced mushrooms
• diced pineapple
• cooked bacon, crumbled
• sliced scallions
• shredded rotisserie chicken
• marinated artichoke hearts, drained
• fresh baby spinach
• grated Parmesan cheese

1. Heat oven to 475° F. Lightly oil a baking sheet and set aside. For the sauce, heat the olive oil over medium heat in a small saucepan. Add the garlic and cook until tender, about 1 minute. Add the tomato sauce, basil, and oregano and bring to a boil. Remove from heat and set aside.

2. Divide the pizza dough into 4 equal balls. On a lightly floured surface, roll out each ball into rounds about ¼-inch thick and transfer to prepared baking sheets. Divide the sauce and cheese equally between each round of dough and invite your family to add their favorite toppings.

3. For a traditional, and kid friendly pizza, try pepperoni and mushroom. If you are a fan of Hawaiian pizza, top yours with diced pineapple, crumbled bacon, and sliced scallions.

4. For a more grown-up taste, try shredded chicken, marinated artichoke hearts, baby spinach, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese.

5. Bake pizzas until the cheese has melted and the crust is golden, 12 to 14 minutes.

See more kid-friendly recipes. >>