How To Host A Pizza Party At Home

A few years ago we had a DIY pizza bar for my birthday. Here’s what I learned about planning and hosting this fun theme party, that we’ve since recreated several times.

It worked really well for 8 people, but since it’s so customizable you can expand it for ten or more guests. Over the years we’ve cooked them in the pizza oven, on the grill, and indoors in the oven, so it really is easy to do no matter the season.

Where To Start

Decide if you want guests to make their own masterpiece, or if you want to create several varieties to serve. Here are a couple of things to think about when deciding:

Build-Your-Own Pizzas. Let guests top their own pizzas. This is a great option for singles who don’t know each other, ladies night, family gatherings, or kids parties. The activity keeps people busy while still being able to chat casually. For children’s parties it’s a great way to keep little hands busy.

• Keep in mind that cooking all the pizzas will have to be done in stages since there’s a limited amount of space in the oven or grill.

Pizza Dinner Party. Make several pizzas from meat lovers to vegetarian and serve them buffet style or family style on the table (you can even order from your favorite restaurant). It’s a bit reminiscent of those pizza restaurant outings from our childhood where everyone would sit at one long table with pizzas lined down the middle.

• Don’t forget about all those other occasions for a pizza buffet, like a Super Bowl party, teen birthday parties, housewarming party, or an adult pizza & beer party.

How To Make a DIY Pizza Bar

1. Determine where to set up the assembly line. A kitchen island is fantastic, as well as other countertop. I’ve used a folding table for outdoors.
2. Have an array of pizza bases to choose from including thin, thick, and unique options (see list below).
3. You’ll need lots of small to medium size bowls to hold the toppings, as well as spoons and forks or tongs. Group them together according to the layering process: sauces together, cheeses together, and so on.
4. Chop and cook any toppings up to a day ahead and cover and refrigerate until ready to use. This includes ground beef and sausage, or onions and peppers. For chicken, use a rotisserie chicken and shred it or cut it, and store in the fridge.
5. Encourage guests to go gourmet and try new and interesting combinations.

Create an endless amount of customized pizzas with the ingredient options and recipes below. Choose as many from each category as you feel comfortable with.

Pizza Combos and Recipes

Here are some of my favorite pizzas I’ve created over the years, but also check out these other unique topping combinations that include three different pizzas with gourmet style.

Other Combinations

Hawaiian. A controversial subject but I love it! Add a light layer of red sauce, deli ham, pineapple chunks, green pepper OR pickled jalapenos, and cheddar cheese on top.

Simple vegetarian. Pesto base, sliced tomatoes, mozzarella cheese.

Our Go-To choice. Red sauce, pepperoni, mushrooms, onions, roasted red peppers, mozzarella.

What Else To Serve

To round out the dining experience, serve a few simple items that can be prepped ahead, or open-and-serve. These will be much appreciated if guests are waiting their turn for their pizza to be cooked.

Appetizers: Chips and dip (salsa or guacamole) are always a good snack, and smoked sausage bites add extra protein to the meal. Chunky cowboy caviar is make-ahead, and will add protein that vegetarians can eat.

Sides: A simple salad, veggie tray or roasted vegetable platter are terrific sides.

Drinks: Italian wine (or any wine) is always good with pizza. Make Aperol spritz your signature drink, and offer a small pour of Limoncello at the end of the meal.

Dessert: Dessert pizzas are a good on-theme option, but I love making these easy “Pizzookies” using refrigerated chocolate chip cookie dough. They’re based on one of our favorite restaurant desserts that got its name because it’s like a deep dish pizza-cookie. All you do is lightly press the cookie dough into mini iron skillets and bake. Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

How Much To Serve

Pizza crust: Mini pizzas – 2 to 4 per person depending on age and appetite, plus a couple of extra. This includes biscuit, bagel, or English muffin sizes.

Full size pizzas – The sizes can vary so think about it this way depending on how large the crust is: 1 or 2 per person, or 1 pizza for 2 people + 1 extra.

Toppings: This will be up to you and how much variety you want to offer. At the very least I think you’ll need 2 sauces, 5 toppings, 2 cheeses, and 2 garnishes.

Additional items: 1 appetizer or snack, 1 salad or vegetable, 1 dessert, 1 drink or cocktail, plus water.

Helpful Tips 

• When adding the sauce on the pizza dough or crust, make sure the layer is thin enough that you can see the dough through the sauce. A little goes a long way.
• Stick with 3 toppings to keep it simple, not including the sauce and cheese. Piling on too much can get messy.
• If you’re making the pizzas yourself, prep them ahead of time and pop in the oven as guests arrive.
• Once the pizza is cooked, let it rest for a minute before cutting. Cut slices so they’re not too big; that way you can taste multiples.
• Top the cooked pizza with a drizzle from the garnish section, or fresh greens.
• Showcase the pizzas on pedestals or cake stand so they’re easy to reach.
• Make mini pizzas to allow guests to try even more flavors. This works well for an appetizer party, or kids birthday party as the mini sizes are just right for small hands and appetites. 
• Quick hack: start with a high quality cheese pizza from the store or restaurant and add your own toppings to it.

Decorations & Setting The Scene

Invitations are more enticing when tied on to a pizza cutter.

Add whimsy to the experience with chefs hats and aprons for guests to wear as they make their pies. Use a chalkboard menu to set the tone for decor and place candles in empty wine bottles and let the wax drip down the sides.

Set the table with a red checked tablecloth, linen napkins, and simple place settings. No need for a centerpiece when you serve the pizzas family-style.

Hang string lights inside, or patio lights outside.

Turn your pizza party into an international theme by incorporating different flavors from around the world. Decorate with small globes, maps, mini suitcases, and flags. Use the maps as a table runner or covering, and luggage tags to wrap around napkins. They can act as place cards and take-home party favors. Label each pizza using the country’s flag that it represents or DIY printed maps.

Put on a playlist of traditional Italian music, or some Dean Martin standards. If you’re into it, play Italian opera.