The kids huddle around the glass window of our oven, watching as the cheese melts and the dough starts to rise just a bit with a golden crust while they count down the longest 15 minutes of their life. I wish you could smell this lovely pizza pie! It's piping hot, right out of the oven and I can't cut it into squares quick enough for my family! Funny to me that they prefer mom's homemade pizza pie over any pizzaria...no joking! It might have to do with the many variations we have created, or that my kids can make it on their own, or that it just is one of the all time ultimate comfort foods!
I know as moms we all have days when we don't necessarily want one more thing to do. But Pizza Pie is quick and can have as many or as little toppings as you like. This one is super easy and again, use what you have in your pantry and refrigerator already. I usually make this meal when I am at the end of my menu and can't get to the store till tomorrow, because we always have canned goods and cheese! I have even used frozen shredded cheese right from the freezer and it comes out just as good!
The kids really enjoy helping with this meal, so let them take over, or at least let them help you grate the cheese or chop the veggies! It doesn't really matter what it looks like...it's pizza! We do make our own wheat pizza dough in our Bosch, but you can buy dough in the freezer section or better yet, get it from the bakery if you don't make your own. Just be sure to call ahead to the grocery store and let them know how much you will need. Keep it in the refrigerator until ready to use.Here is a very simple recipe for you.
Pizza Pie
*this is for one pizza
pizza dough (can make homemade, buy from bakery section, or freezer section of store)
small can tomato paste
small can of tomato sauce or alfredo sauce
**Toppings**
1 or 2 types of cheese (any kind - Depending on type of pizza you are creating)
Italian seasoning
basil (fresh or dried)
fresh tomatoes - diced
spinach - chopped
(or anything that you have; such as mushrooms, olives, peppers, chives, onion, artichokes, Canadian ham, leftover cooked chicken breast, bacon)
salt/pepper/olive oil to taste
Directions:
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Grease large cookie sheet with sides and place dough on sheet. Press out with hands or use a rolling-pin to cover bottom of sheet and make a crust by pushing up against the sides. Cover the dough with tomato paste using a spatula or back of a large spoon lightly so that you don't cause tears in the dough. Sprinkle Italian seasoning and basil. Next, pour the sauce onto dough and spread with back of spatula or large spoon. Now add the cheese(s) and fresh toppings. Finish with salt and pepper and a drizzle of olive oil on top. Place into the oven for about 15 min. or until crust is golden and cheese is melted.
**You can also make ahead of time and stick it in your refrigerator until ready to cook! Cover with plastic wrap loosely. Add a salad for a complete meal!