And the all time favorite Game Day Meal? Pizza, Pizza, Pizza!
Okay, I promise this is my last suggestion for what you should make, serve, and EAT for your 2014 Super Bowl get together!
These photos are actually from a game day earlier this season. The 49ers were playing the Packers and we had a couple of friends over to watch. Not only was it a good game, but Josh is a giant 49ers fan, and our friend is a huge Packers fan. Needless to say, the friendly rivalry made for a fun, competitive game, especially since the 49ers won!
In case you’re wondering, no, I haven’t hidden any leafy vegetables or cauliflower in this crust. Nor am I trying to fool you with almond meal in place of flour. Not that I don’t love all of those things in my pizza crust, cause I definitely do! But in this case, when I’m feeding more than just family and especially for a big game, it’s best to go with the real thing!
Although there is nothing outlandishly healthy about these pizzas, they are still made from scratch which gives you the opportunity to eliminate all preservatives and use wholesome ingredients. The typical pizza from Pizza Hut, Papa Johns, or other take out pizza joints, contain large amounts of MSG and sodium in the dough along with other preservatives. They also are high in fat due to processed meats and loads of cheese. When you make your pizza at home from scratch, the amount and quality of cheese and meats is completely up to you.
I’ve included a couple of recipes below for the crust, one I use with my bread machine and the other is perfect if you don’t have a bread machine. As far as the flavors for each pizza, I wanted three very different flavors in hopes of making something for everyone. However, while I wanted a variety, I love onions and peppers on my pizza, so I chopped up a large quantity of those and used them as a staple for each of the three pizzas.
When it comes to topping a pizza, the quantity is up to you. If you’re looking for a hearty pizza, then I say go with “the more the merrier” motto. If you’re trying to keep it light, scale back a bit! Just keep in mind that while “the more the merrier” may come with more flavor, it also comes with more fat, calories, sodium, etc.
I’ve said it before, but feel it’s worth saying again, at social events like this, I try to keep a healthy outlook and remind myself that life is about moderation, and there are times when you just have to dig in and indulge a bit. If you live without ever giving in (still maintaining balance of course) to your food cravings, you’ll either become 1.) unhappy, or 2.) a binge eater!
My goal is to eat healthy about 85-90%, and feel free to indulge in the not-so-healthy the other 10-15%.
Pizza One: Traditional Pepperoni & Sausage
- One bread machine crust
- Trader Joe’s spaghetti sauce
- Basil, Italian Seasoning and Parsley (1/4-1/2 tsp each, sprinkled over sauce)
- Pepperoni
- Sausage (turkey pepperoni or sausage is a good option to cut down on the calories and fat, but one drawback to consider is that the turkey version typically contains a higher sodium content)
- Onions and Peppers
- Mild Cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese blend
Pizza Two: Alfredo and Veggie
- One bread machine crust
- Homemade Cauliflower Alfredo Sauce, or your favorite store-bought Alfredo sauce
- Basil, Italian Seasoning and Parsley (1/4-1/2 tsp each, sprinkled over sauce)
- Fresh Basil chopped finely
- Sliced Tomatoes
- Sliced Mushrooms
- Onions and Peppers
- Mozzarella cheese
Pizza Three: BBQ Chicken
- One bread machine crust
- Trader Joe’s All Natural BBQ sauce
- Shredded or Diced Cooked Chicken
- Onions and Peppers
- Mild Cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese blend
Another way to keep the meal in check and keep yourself from indulging in too many slices of pizza is to make a large salad to go with it. Start with the salad, so that by the time you get to the pizza you aren’t as hungry!
Spinach Salad with Fruit and Pecans
- Dark leafy greens
- Baby Spinach
- Blueberries
- Strawberries
- Glazed pecans
- Feta cheese
- Raspberry walnut vinaigrette
I can’t take credit for putting this salad together. One of our friends volunteered to bring it, not only was it really tasty {love glazed pecans with a fruit salad!}, it was also full of color and a beautiful addition to the table!
Whatever your plans are, I hope you have a terrific Super Bowl Sunday and enjoy some time with family and friends. Go Broncos!
Game Day Pizza
Ingredients
- PIZZA CRUST NO BREADMAKER - check to see if your bread machine has its own pizza crust recipe!
- 1 pkg 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm water 105 - 115 degrees
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cups whole wheat flour
- 1/2 cups ground flax-seed
- PIZZA CRUST WITH BREADMAKER
- 1 cup water room temperature
- 3/4 teaspoon honey
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 1/2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 2/3 cups bread flour
- 1/2 cups plus 1 tbsp whole wheat flour
- 1 3/4 tsp year active dry, instant, or bread machine
Instructions
- FOR PIZZA CRUST (NO BREADMAKER)
- Dissolve yeast in warm water. Stir in remaining ingredients
- Beat vigorously 20 strokes, then knead about 20 times.
- Let set about 5 minutes. Bake pizza crust 18 to 20 minutes at 400 degrees.
- I pre-bake the crust for 8-10 minutes, load toppings, then finish baking additional 8-10 minutes or until cooked through and all toppings hot and melted.
- PIZZA CRUST (WITH BREADMAKER) - check to see if your bread machine has its own pizza crust recipe and instructions!
- Place ingredients, in order listed, in the bread pan fitted with the kneading paddle and secure pan in the bread maker.
- Press the menu button to select the Dough program.
- Press Start/Stop to mix, knead and rise. For best mixing results, scrape the pan 10 to 15 minutes after the program has started.
- When cycle is completed, remove dough and follow your favorite pizza recipe or bake 8-10 minutes at 400 degrees, add toppings and bake additional 8-10 minutes.
