There’s no better way to enjoy a summer evening than with a fun and delicious DIY pizza night. Whether you’re hosting friends, treating your family, or just looking for a creative dinner idea, homemade pizzas are the perfect choice. Not only do they let everyone customise their favourite toppings, but they’re also quick, easy, and full of summer flavour. Here’s how to set up the ultimate summer pizza night, with toppings and tricks to make it a memorable feast.
1. Set up a pizza building station.
Start your DIY pizza night by creating a pizza-making station. Lay out pre-made pizza dough, naan bread, or flatbreads for a quick and fuss-free base. Have a variety of sauces ready – classic tomato, creamy pesto, or even a garlic olive oil spread for something different.
Add bowls of toppings so everyone can build their perfect pizza. Divide them into categories:
- Cheeses: Mozzarella, cheddar, goat cheese, and feta.
- Veggies: Cherry tomatoes, red onions, spinach, mushrooms, peppers, and zucchini.
- Proteins: Grilled chicken, salami, pepperoni, bacon, or seafood like shrimp.
- Finishing Touches: Basil leaves, arugula, chili flakes, or a drizzle of balsamic glaze.
2. Try unique summer toppings.
Summer is all about fresh, vibrant flavours, and pizza toppings are no exception. Here are a few unique combinations to inspire your DIY pizza night:
- Peach and Prosciutto: Fresh peach slices with mozzarella, prosciutto, and a drizzle of honey. Sweet, salty, and utterly delicious.
- Caprese Delight: Fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, basil, and a splash of balsamic glaze for a summery classic.
- BBQ Chicken: Grilled chicken, red onions, barbecue sauce, and a sprinkle of cheddar cheese.
- Mediterranean Veggie: Roasted peppers, olives, feta cheese, spinach, and a touch of oregano.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with seasonal produce like sweetcorn, fresh herbs, and stone fruits.
3. Fire up the grill.
Take your DIY pizza night outdoors by cooking your pizzas on the grill. Grilling adds a smoky, charred flavour that’s perfect for summer. Simply brush the pizza base with olive oil, place it directly on the grill for 1–2 minutes, flip, and add your toppings before finishing it off.
For those without a grill, a hot oven or pizza stone works just as well to create that crispy, golden crust.
4. Serve with simple sides.
Pair your pizzas with light summer sides like a fresh garden salad, watermelon slices, or grilled veggies. Serve chilled lemonade, sparkling water, or a summer cocktail for the ultimate warm-weather pairing.
Make it fun and memorable.
A DIY pizza night is about more than just food – it’s about the joy of creating something together. Whether you keep it simple or get creative with your toppings, it’s a relaxed and interactive way to enjoy a summer evening.
Too tired to clean up after your pizza feast? Let Sweepsouth’s trusted cleaning professionals handle the mess so you can focus on the fun.
ALSO SEE: COMFORT FOODS WITH A SUMMER TWIST
