Anyone a pizza lover around here?? Well I definitely am today I’m sharing with you How to Host an Outdoor DIY Pizza Night because it’s right up my alley. This is perfect for hostesses that are entertaining a bunch of crazy kids or teens ( you guys, TEENS LOVEEEE PIZZA) or having a family night at home with your favorites. It’s just a great way to inject some joy and excitement into the week. So get our your calendar and circle a day and plan a outdoor DIY Pizza Night that will leave everyone dreaming and creating their next pizza masterpiece!
How to Host and Plan a Outdoor DIY Pizza Night
Step 1: Invite the People and Do some Prepping
First things first, get the word out! I personally just send a text these days. BUT if you are feeling extra fancy a cute invitation will also get everyone excited and help them save the date.
You’ll also need a big table or a couple of stations where your guests can spread out and make their masterpieces. Cover these spaces with some fun tablecloths (easy clean-up, folks) or parchment paper for that authentic pizzeria vibe. We actually used our outdoor BBQ area to set up the pizza oven and station because it was just my family. But a bigger spread or multiple stations might be better for more people.
Step 2: Gather the Topping and Other Ingredients
I put in an order at my local grocery store so I don’t forget anything and pick everything up 1-2 days before pizza night. Stick to basics but also throw in a few curveballs like fancy cheese and crazy toppings. Here’s a basic shopping list to get you started:
- Pizza Bases: Pre-made pizza dough or flatbreads for those of us who want to keep it simple. But I mean homemade pizza dough is perfectly ok too!
- Sauces: A classic tomato sauce is a must, but also include a pesto or Alfredo sauce for a bit of variety? I love ROA’s Pizza sauce but I’m bougie like that. I also really like the Simple Truth Organic Pizza Sauce too!
- Cheeses: Mozzarella is a given, but let’s not forget about cheddar, gorgonzola, or even vegan cheese options.
- Toppings: Pepperoni, ham, sausage, diced tomatoes, mushrooms, olives, bell peppers, and onions are great starters. Arugula, basil, and even pineapple chunks are all great options as well.
- Extra Fun: Consider having some chili flakes, garlic oil, or even BBQ sauce for those looking to jazz things up.
Step 3: The Main Event
As everyone arrives, welcome them with a drink ( love our strawberry limeade ) and show them to the topping stations. Give a quick and demo on how to spread the sauce (not too much) and sprinkle that cheese! Then, let them go at it! Encourage mixing and matching of toppings and maybe even a contest for the most unique or delicious pizza.
What Pizza Oven do you recommend when you Plan a Outdoor DIY Pizza Night?
We used the Cusinart Outdoor Pizza Oven and we can’t recommend this enough! We also have the OONI oven but I like this one so much better because of the temperature gauge! It tells you exactly when the pizza will be ready to be put in. The OONI oven we have you need a little gun to tell the temperature.
Make sure you have someone on the timer as well! We usually left the pizza in for about 10-12 minutes. Also use all the correct tools to help the pizza transfer to the oven correctly.
Also use cookie sheets or parchment paper for pizza’s that are on deck. Try to keep them 1-2 on deck at a time!
While the pizzas are baking (keep an eye on those timers – nobody wants a charcoal crust), it’s the perfect time for outdoor games, a little music, and lots of laughter. Have some salad and snacks on the side for those munchies while waiting.
Step 4: Enjoy Your Pizza Creations
Once the pizzas start rolling out of the oven, it’s time to dig in. Slice them up and encourage sharing or keep your creation to your self haha! Amidst the munching, don’t forget to snap some photos!
Step 5: Wind Down
As the night winds down, have some cozy blankets and a movie ready for a relaxed end to a great evening. And hey, pizza for breakfast is a thing, so boxing up leftovers is practically a community service lol!
5 Time Saving Tips For Your Outdoor DIY Pizza Night
- Prep Ingredients Ahead: Cut vegetables, shred cheese, and prepare your meats ahead of time. You can even do this the night before and store everything in the fridge.
- Use Pre-Made Dough: Although making your dough can be fun, it’s time-consuming. Using pre-made pizza dough, flatbreads, or even tortillas for a thin crust option can save a lot of time.
- Set Up a Topping Station: Organize your prepped toppings in separate bowls at a “topping station.” This way, everyone can customize their pizza without waiting for others to pass around ingredients.
- Roll Out Dough in Advance: If you’re using homemade or store-bought dough, roll out your pizza bases before the event starts. Stack them between layers of parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Opt for Quick-Cooking Toppings: Choose toppings that cook quickly, like thinly sliced vegetables, pepperoni, or precooked chicken. This not only saves prep time but also ensures that everything is perfectly cooked.
Hosting a Outdoor DIY Pizza Night isn’t just about enjoying delicious pizza ( I mean it is lol ) but also let it be about creating memories, sharing laughs, and being with your people! So, gather your loved ones, roll up those sleeves, and get ready for a night that’s sure to be topped with fun (see what I did there?). Let’s make every slice count!
