Pizza!
In my time, I have met a few people who say, ‘I don’t like pizza!’ and of course, knowing there are so many types, I always have to query this! Most people like bread. Most people like sauce. Most people like cheese. Most people like toppings -anything goes on a pizza (except pineapple, of course)!!! So, whilst the word pizza may conjure up a traditional margherita image of a round pizza with a tomato-based sauce, covered in melty cheese, that is not only what pizza is!
Pizza Variations
I believe the word pizza means flatbread, so knowing that, anything which is bread-like and flat will do! A traditional base, a pitta, a wrap, a baguette sliced horizontally, even a burger bun! A pizza could be a crisp cauliflower and cheese crust, smothered in rich nut cheese, topped with roasted red peppers and a scattering of toasted seeds. A pizza could be a warm, pillowy naan bread, slathered with spiced chickpeas, drizzled with tahini sauce, and finished with a sprinkle of almond parmesan. It could be a crispy tortilla spread with black beans and avocado, fresh coriander and a squeeze of lime. It could be a polenta base, golden and crisp at the edges, carrying wild mushrooms, caramelised onions and a garlicky cashew cream.
artichokes, asparagus, pecans & cheese.
And, of course, pizza doesn’t have to be savoury at all! A sweet pizza could start with any number of ‘breads’ sliced horizontally -think a croissant, a hot cross bun, even a donut! Or, how about a shortcrust or biscuit-style base, layered with chocolate sauce, toasted hazelnuts and raspberries, or topped with marshmallows and banana? A warm cinnamon flatbread could hold stewed apples and a drizzle of maple syrup.
Because pizza isn’t just pizza. It’s whatever you want it to be!
National Pizza Day
Did you know that Sunday 9th February 2025, is National Pizza Day? That’s what prompted me to post about pizza today! Of course, we shouldn’t really need an excuse, but just in case you needed one! So, whether you’re a classic margherita fan, a lover of bold flavours, or someone ready to try chocolate on pizza (go on, you know you’re curious!), now is the ideal opportunity.
So, what will you be eating? Will you go traditional, sweet, or something completely unexpected? Let me know! 🍕
The Pizza Recipe
This is not strictly a recipe, more just ideas for you.
Creating your perfect pizza is all about what you need, and getting creative with it! Here’s what you’ll need to get started:
The Base: Choose your foundation! You could go with a classic pizza dough, or get adventurous with:
A cauliflower crust
A store-bought pitta, wrap, or naan bread
A gluten-free base
A crispy flatbread or even a bagel sliced in half!
A sweet base like shortcrust or biscuit dough for a dessert-style pizza
The Sauce: Next, pick a sauce to slather on:
Classic tomato sauce or passata
Pesto (dairy-free, of course!)
A rich BBQ sauce
A creamy cashew-based sauce
Even hummus for a unique twist
Sweet options: Nut butter (peanut, almond, or hazelnut) or chocolate spread
The Cheese: For a cheesy experience, choose from:
Vegan mozzarella (shredded or sliced)
Cashew cheese (creamy or firm)
A sprinkle of nutritional yeast for a cheesy, umami flavour
Chocolate! For sweet pizzas, add grated dark chocolate or chocolate drops as a "cheese" alternative
The Toppings: Now for the fun part-load it up!
Fresh veggies: spinach, peppers, onions, mushrooms, courgette, or olives (leftover pre-cooked veg works brilliantly here too—no need to cook again!)
Protein options: spiced chickpeas, marinated tofu, tempeh, or jackfruit
Extras: sun-dried tomatoes, pine nuts,
Sweet options: banana, berries, toasted nuts, marshmallows, or coconut flakes
The Post-Cook Sprinkle: After your pizza is out of the oven, give it a final touch:
Fresh herbs like basil, thyme, or oregano
A sprinkle of chili flakes or smoked paprika
A dash of nutritional yeast or vegan parmesan
Fresh lemon zest for a zingy kick
Sweet options: a dusting of cinnamon sugar, a drizzle of maple syrup, a grating of dark chocolate, or a sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes
Assembly & Bake Instructions
Preheat your oven to Gas Mark 6, (400°F / 200°C).
Start by spreading your chosen sauce evenly over your base.
Add your cheese of choice (if using) and layer on your toppings -don’t be shy! This us the proper way to build it, but I prefer toppings first and cheese after!
Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until your crust is golden and the toppings are sizzling.
Sweet pizzas (or if using pre-cooked veg) may only need to be heated through for 5-8 minutes, just enough to melt the chocolate and warm the base.
Remove from the oven, add your post-cook sprinkle, slice, and enjoy!
So, there you have as many ideas as you can imagine!
Get creative!
What do I need?
To make a simple pizza, I would imagine you already have everything you need, but in case you’re new to baking and cooking, or just want a refresh, here are a few items you might like. These links will take you straight to Amazon where you can then search as usual for anything you need. If you follow these links, Amazon might pay us a small commission, which goes towards paying the website hosting fees. We’d be very grateful if you do, thank you! Have a look at these: chopping boards, kitchen knives, baking trays, round pizza trays, pizza stones (check them out)! pizza wheels/cutters and other items which you might need. Much appreciated!
Serving
Serve your savoury pizza as it is, hot, cold, on it’s own, with a side salad. Serve your sweet pizza the same, maybe with a coffee or hot chocolate!
Hot cross bun base with coconut yogurt, raspberries, chocolate & mixed spice.
Storing
The cooked pizza will keep in the fridge for a day or two. Eat it cold or reheat gently. Pizza can also be frozen – just make sure to portion it up, wrap it well, label and date.
Sharing
I hope you will create something amazing for National Pizza Day! Let me know in the chat below what you’re going to try!? and going back to my earlier comment, if it’s pineapple you’re adding… well you can just keep that to yourself!
As always, I love hearing about any recipes of mine you try, any ideas you adapt or suggestions you have for future recipes. Please share and tag me @LifeDietHealth or using #LifeDietHealth on Instagram, Pinterest, Facebook or X.
I hope to speak with you soon
Laurena x
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