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 became an instant hit at my family’s sports night, turning dinner into a fun event everyone enjoyed.
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 12 15 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 Making this pizza always brings the family together to cheer on our favorite teams.
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 This basketball court pizza is not only delicious but a memorable centerpiece for any gathering.
Recipe Guide
- → How do I shape the dough to resemble a basketball court?
Roll the dough into a large rectangle approximately 10x14 inches to mimic the court's shape. Use a floured surface to prevent sticking.
- → What ingredients create the court lines and markings?
Sliced red and yellow bell peppers form the boundaries and center circle, while green onions and corn kernels highlight free throw and three-point lines.
- → Can I customize the toppings for different diets?
Yes, substitute pepperoni with cooked sausage or chicken for more protein, or use dairy-free cheeses for vegan-friendly options.
- → What is the best way to bake the pizza evenly?
Preheat the oven to 475°F (245°C) and use a pizza stone or baking sheet. Bake the pizza for about 12-15 minutes until the crust is golden and cheese melts perfectly.
- → How can I add extra flavor to the pizza?
Serve with garlic or ranch dipping sauces to complement the savory toppings and enhance the overall taste experience.