Pizza chef party

What it is

A cooking party where lunch is the activity. Children knead dough, add sauce and toppings, and eat the pizza they made. Using pre-made dough balls keeps it quick.

Plan ahead

• One week before: check allergies and dietary needs. Buy aprons, chef hats, mini rolling pins and toppings.
• The day before: make dough (or buy dough balls), grate cheese, chop toppings and put them in bowls.

Set the scene

Red and white checked tablecloths, a chalkboard menu, an “Pizzeria [Name]” sign and Italian music. Each child has a floured board and a rolling pin.

Easy dough (makes 8 mini pizzas)

500g strong white flour, 7g fast-action yeast, 1 tsp salt, 300ml warm water, 2 tbsp olive oil. Mix, knead 10 minutes, rise for an hour, then divide into balls.

Activities

Make your pizza

Roll the dough into a circle, spread a spoonful of sauce, add cheese and toppings. Write names on baking paper under each one. Bake at 220°C for 10-12 minutes.

Pizza delivery relay

Teams carry a pizza box on a tray from one end to the other without dropping it.

Cookie decorating

Plain biscuits with icing pens and sprinkles.

Food and drink

• Their own pizzas
• Garlic bread and a green salad
• Lemonade
• An ice cream sundae bar

Tips

• Adults only at the oven.
• Make an extra plain cheese pizza for fussy eaters.