How to throw a Killer Backyard Party

My husband (Dan) and I enjoy friends and good pizza. And it just so happens that these things are perfectly paired. Using these ingredients, we came up with a killer backyard party, and lucky for you we are sharing our secrets.

STEP 1.
Invite your friends over (kids are welcome). Send out a mass text or set up a Facebook event. This is a great way to get to know people, so invite people you wish to know better! Then ask your friends to bring pizza toppings. Suggest unique toppings and good combinations. Encourage them to stay away from traditional single-topping pizzas. If you didn't catch on, you're making pizza... not just any pizza, but grilled pizza. This pizza doesn't cook long, so make sure you tell them to keep it light.

STEP 2.
Prepare the pizza dough. On the day of the event, about 4 hours prior to when people will arrive, start the pizza dough. Click here for the recipe. I encourage you to try this recipe before the event so you are familiar with grilling the pizza (it's a process that requires skill, speed, and teamwork). Make sure to watch the instructional video that comes with the recipe.

STEP 3.
Prepare the pizza sauce and some toppings. As a hospitable host, it is polite to offer additional toppings for those who may have forgotten or to make suggestions on good topping combinations. Friends don't let friends go topless. 

I suggest these combinations:

• Barbeque sauce (substituted for pizza sauce), caramelized onions, shredded chicken, and mozzarella
• Shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, banana peppers, black olives, and mozzarella
• Italian sausage, black olives, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, and fresh basil
  

The kids will probably prefer cheese or pepperoni. The chunks of pepperoni for pastas work best for this pizza.

STEP 4.
You have the dough, some toppings, and the sauce ready to go. As people start to come over, heat the grill to 500 degrees. While the grill is heating, roll out balls of the dough in the shape of an oval. This way it fits the grill better. While the grill is heating, create a workshop of sorts near the grill. Have your tools and toppings nearby. Make sure to have enough baking sheets to put the cooked grilled pizza on. We got the ones pictured at the dollar store {for a dollar!}.

STEP 5.
Once the grill is hot, you can start making the pizzas. Make sure you have 2 people manning the grill. It makes it more fun if each adult puts the toppings on their pizza. This is the part where people get to work on their teamwork skills! It's a great way to start a conversation with the host. Encourage the adults to watch the person ahead of them so they know what to do when it's their turn. Don't let the kids put on their toppings... we are working on a 500 degree grill after all.

STEP 6.
Eat and be merry! Encourage everyone to share their pizza combinations. Your guests will rave about the pizza and the fun times will roll on!

Every time we have entertained guests this way, they left with a full belly and good memories.

Try it out and share your experience and pictures in the comments!