Save A playful, crowd-pleasing pizza designed to look like a basketball court, complete with fun free throw topping shots. Perfect for sports parties or family nights.
This pizza has become a hit at every game night with my family. The kids love helping arrange the toppings like a basketball court, making it a fun activity as well as a delicious meal.
Ingredients
- Dough: 1 lb (450 g) pizza dough (homemade or store-bought)
- Sauce: 1/2 cup (120 ml) pizza sauce
- Cheese: 1 1/2 cups (150 g) shredded mozzarella cheese, 1/4 cup (25 g) grated Parmesan cheese
- Toppings (for decoration and free throws): 8 slices pepperoni, 1/4 cup (40 g) pitted black olives sliced, 1/2 red bell pepper sliced into thin strips, 1/2 yellow bell pepper sliced into thin strips, 2 tbsp (15 g) green onions thinly sliced, 1 tbsp (10 g) corn kernels optional for court lines
- Flour (for dusting): 2 tbsp (15 g) all-purpose flour
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If using a pizza stone, place it in the oven to heat.
- Step 2:
- On a floured surface, roll out the pizza dough into a large rectangle to resemble a basketball court (about 10x14 inches / 25x35 cm). Transfer to a parchment-lined baking sheet or preheated stone.
- Step 3:
- Spread the pizza sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a 1/2-inch (1 cm) border.
- Step 4:
- Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly over the sauce.
- Step 5:
- Using bell pepper strips, create the court boundaries and center line. Use yellow for outer lines and red for the center circle and key.
- Step 6:
- Arrange pepperoni slices as basketballs at each end of the court. Place sliced olives and corn kernels to mark free throw circles and three-point lines.
- Step 7:
- Add green onions for additional court markings or grass-like effect on the edges.
- Step 8:
- Bake for 1215 minutes or until the crust is golden and cheese is bubbly.
- Step 9:
- Remove from oven, let cool slightly, and slice into rectangles to serve.
Save This recipe always brings smiles when shared with family and friends during game nights.
Notes
For a meatier version add cooked sausage or chicken instead of or alongside pepperoni. Serve with ranch or garlic dipping sauce for extra flavor.
Required Tools
Rolling pin, Baking sheet or pizza stone, Parchment paper, Sharp knife or pizza cutter
Allergen Information
Contains Wheat (gluten), Milk (dairy), possible soy (check cheese or sauce labels). Pepperoni may contain pork and preservatives. Always double-check ingredient labels for allergens.
Save Enjoy this fun and tasty basketball-themed pizza as a game night centerpiece or family dinner treat.
Recipe Help & Answers
- → How do I shape the dough to resemble a basketball court?
Roll the dough into a large rectangle roughly 10x14 inches, creating the base shape that mimics a basketball court outline.
- → Which toppings are used to create the court lines and markings?
Sliced red and yellow bell peppers form court boundaries and center lines, while black olives and corn kernels mark free throw and three-point areas.
- → Can I substitute the pepperoni for a vegetarian option?
Yes, you can replace pepperoni with cooked sausage alternatives or omit meat to suit vegetarian preferences.
- → What is the recommended baking temperature and time?
Bake at 475°F (245°C) for 12 to 15 minutes until the crust is golden and cheese is bubbling.
- → How can I add extra flavor to this pizza?
Serve with ranch or garlic dipping sauces for an added burst of taste complementing the toppings.