Build Your Own Pizza Bar for Dinner

Pizza for dinner, again? Yes! Change-up your weekly pizza routine with a build your own pizza bar for dinner! The best part? The kids can make their own.

If I told you that pizza is a regular dinner option in our house, you’re probably not too surprised. I’ve written about our Friday night pizza tradition, our famous homemade pizza sauce, and numerous pizza inspired recipes.  Pizza doesn’t exactly have the healthiest reputation, but I’ve found there are ways to lighten-it-up from the crust to the toppings. That doesn’t mean when I’m crazy the ooey gooey cheesy deep crust pizza I don’t a. make it or b. order delivery for it. But it does mean when the boys scream for cheese pizza every other night, I bring out one of my favorite products + dinner ideas to satisfy their little tummies: Build Your Own [BYO] Pizza Bar.

What I Love About BYO Pizza Bar for Dinner:

• I can offer pizza toppings each family member likes, so I know there’s at least ONE protein, veggie, cheese, or fruit that will make its way to their pizza and in their mouth! It’s my job to plate a variety of healthy toppings, and then each family member can choose what and how much goes on their pizza.
• The kids can help make their own pizza. I’ve been trying to find more ways to get my toddlers involved in the kitchen, and the pizza bar gives them the nudge to help Mom out in the kitchen and ownership over their own meal.
• Pizza is by far my family’s favorite meal. I can lighten up the traditional thick crust, carb-heavy pizza with a lighter dough option, like Flatout Flatbread Artisian Thin Pizza Crust. NO ONE COMPLAINS! Or notices. It’s simple, healthy, and fun!

Each artisan pizza crust is around 120 calories per serving, and again, that light option as compared to standard pizza crust. Each crust is pre-baked, so once you add your favorite toppings, it only takes about 7 minutes to get dinner from the oven to your plate. I’ve found it takes longer for my boys to top their own pizzas vs. the time it takes for these thin crust pizzas to bake!

The premise for the pizza bar is simple: divide each pizza topping into individual bowls, give each family member a pizza crust, and let them build! I will say if you are in a dinner rush or not a fan of toddler cooking mess, then you might want to consider making the pizzas yourself, or saving this dinner idea for a Friday family night-in. And it’s not just for kids! Whether the guys have a regular poker night or the ladies have book club, consider the DIY pizza bar for your next family or friend get together.

So if your family is like mine and could eat pizza at every meal, pick-up a package or two of Flatout’s Artisan Thin Pizza Crusts [near the bakery or deli section at your grocery store]. You’ll feel less guilty about pizza AGAIN for dinner, and I bet your kids will give you a dinnertime high-five!

What type of pizza toppings with be included in your pizza bar?! 

Disclosure:  I am proud to partner with Flatout Flatbread to bring you healthy recipes that are both kid tested and parent approved.  Because of these great partnerships I am able to share delicious and nutritious family-friendly recipes. As always all opinion and ideas are 100% my own.