How to Host a Pizza Night

There’s something deeply satisfying about making your own pizza. Not delivery. Not takeout. Just dough, heat, and a little ritual. Outdoors, under the sky, with a cold drink in hand — that’s the move.

Whether you’re just getting started or already a backyard pie aficionado, here’s how to make pizza night a Chillworthy staple.

Start With the Dough (or Don’t)

If you’re in the mood, make it from scratch. A simple 00 flour recipe, cold ferment, and a rest in the fridge for 24 hours will get you close to magic.

But listen — store-bought works too. We’re not here for ego. A good premade dough ball and a cast iron pan can get you to pizza nirvana faster than you'd think.

The goal: something that bubbles, blisters, and tastes like a Friday night.

Heat Is the Whole Game

Pizza loves heat — not just any heat, high heat.

Whether you’re using:

• A wood-fired oven (for the flame purists)

• A gas oven with a stone (for consistency)

• A cast iron on the grill (for the clever)

…you want that sucker ripping hot. 700°F+ if you can. That’s what gives you leopard spots, quick puff, and a base that holds its own.

Keep It Simple, Keep It Good

We like a classic margherita:

• Crushed tomatoes (San Marzano if you’re feeling fancy)

• Fresh mozzarella

• Fresh basil

• Olive oil

• Salt

That’s it.

If you want to flex, great. Add prosciutto, hot honey, mushrooms, or whatever you’re into. Just don’t overload it. Let the crust and heat do the work.

Set the Scene

Pizza night isn’t just about food — it’s about feel.

The right setup changes everything:

• A low table with a cutting board and pizza wheel

• A few friends or family drifting in and out

• A cold drink in hand

• String lights overhead

• Maybe a speaker playing quietly in the background

It doesn’t need to be a party. It just needs to be easy.

Pro Tips from the Pie Side

• Brush the crust edge with olive oil for a crisp, golden bite

• Don’t sauce too close to the edge — leave that rim

• A sprinkle of flaky salt at the end makes it feel pro

• If you’re cutting it on wood, let it sit 1 minute first — trust us

Final Thought

Pizza night is an anchor. It’s a reason to slow down, invite someone over, try something new, or make the same thing for the tenth time — and still love it.

It’s one of the simplest joys we know. Fire it up.