- 1). Finalize your guest list, and send your gourmet pizza party invitations. Along with such essential information as the time, date and location, let your guests know that the primary food will be pizza.
- 2). Set your pizza dough out to rise several hours before your guests are scheduled to arrive.
- 3). Arrange your drink and finger-food station before guests arrive so you can monitor the oven as the pizzas are prepared. Arrange a punch bowl, sangria (for adults), soda and juice alongside a full ice bucket with metal scoop, cups and any cherries or garnishes you want to offer. Homemade chips, guacamole and salsa set the scene and mood for your gourmet extravaganza.
- 4). Roll out the first round of pizza crusts about half an hour before your guests arrive. Sprinkle flour on the dough to prevent sticking. Whether you're using frozen or homemade dough, try spreading your dough with your clean hands before using a rolling pin. Place the dough at the center of the pan, and gently press the dough (don't pull it) outward toward the edges of the pan. Depending on the size of your oven and crust, you should be able to fit two to four crusts on a pan.
- 5). Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F as your guests arrive. Set out bowls of homemade tomato sauce, grated cheeses, chopped vegetables, olive oil and fresh herbs. Include a spoon in each bowl, and ask guests not to cross-contaminate ingredients.
- 6). Invite your guests to help build a pizza. Make sure they wash their hands before touching any food.
- 7). Cook pizzas in batches. They should take about 12 to 15 minutes to cook. Bake your first batch until the bottom of the crust is golden.
- 8). Slice pizzas into small portions as they finish cooking. Allow to cool for a few minutes, and encourage your guests to sample the pizzas.
- 9). Send every guest home with a slice or two if you have more leftovers than expected.
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