This was a happy accident. We left making our evening meal late and had to use what we had in the fridge. Boom, perfect treat meal.
What you will need is:
Garlic bread. Can be the pizza base shape or the garlic ciabatta ones are great too.
Assorted charcuterie such as pepperoni, salami, chorizo slices etc.
Dried chili flakes.
Dried Oregano.
Fresh Basil
Mozzarella cheese (grated)
*Emma likes sliced hot dog sausages on hers 🙁
* I have used bacon slices, uncooked chicken that has been cut thinly or batted flat. The bacon did make it greasy..mmmm
Roasted Peppers
Olives.
The above is a list of toppings. Mix and match to make your own perfect pizza. The fact it is the garlic base adds an extra level of luxury. It’s not an everyday dish, it’s an occasional treat. If you have the time and the inclination then by all means make your own base and put on your own garlic butter but the point was it was a happy accident that became a favorite. I’m sure home proved bread base would be another level but when it’s Friday night, rugby is on the T.V and you have a cheeky vino/beer in your hand are you gonna make bread and prove it etc? Nah !! There are basically no right and no wrongs. This is your pizza, your treat meal, your choice of toppings. Nobody is going to judge you…unless you add pineapple and then I will judge you..
Method:
Pre-Heat the oven to 200/400 Gas mark 6
Take your store-bought garlic bread base from the packaging and place it directly onto the pizza tray.
I sprinkle chili powder and oregano on mine and using the back of a metal spoon i ensure all the base is covered with garlic butter, chili and herb.
I now add the toppings I have chosen. I start with the meats and finish with the mushrooms or peppers. This to ensure they are cooked. If I use the bacon or chicken I ensure nothing is on top of it. This ensures it is cooked safely and nothing steals the surface heat from it.
I now add my basil leaves. I tear them up by hand as it’s more “rustic” but also makes your hands smell nice.
Once happy with the topping of choice we move on to the cheese. I sprinkle grated mozzarella over the entire pizza. I know this is the opposite way around to a shop-bought pizza which is base, cheese and then topping but I like the fact that the topping (or in our case middling) is covered in cheese goodness.
*You can tell which one was mine and which was Emma’s !!
Place in the oven and keep an eye on it after only 10 mins. If using raw chicken I lower the oven to 170/350 gas 4 and cook it for slightly longer.
To serve we have sometimes curly fries (no we are not 10 years old). I actually love pizza with coleslaw. This is a treat so enjoy the pizza, enjoy the fries and enjoy the vino/beers.
KH x