Festive Pizza - Day 13

As the festive season draws near, it's the perfect time to experiment with new and exciting dishes in the kitchen. Amongst the traditional roasts and Christmas puddings, why not add a twist to your holiday spread with a pigs in blanket pizza? This unique dish merges the savoury goodness of pigs in blankets with the universally loved pizza, creating a fusion that's both comforting and festive.

Imagine a delicious pizza base topped with a rich tomato sauce, melted mozzarella, and perfectly crispy bacon-wrapped sausages. It's an inventive and tasty way to bring something new to your holiday table, delighting family and friends with every bite. The combination of flavours and textures is sure to evoke that warm, cosy feeling associated with the festive period.

Creating this special pizza doesn't require extensive culinary skills, making it an accessible yet impressive option for any home cook. By following our step-by-step guide, you'll be able to craft a pizza that's not only delicious but also captures the spirit of the season. From selecting the finest ingredients to assembling the pizza, each step has been carefully outlined to ensure your culinary success.

With a few additional festive toppings such as cranberries, brie, or chestnuts, you can customise your pizza to suit your personal taste and add an extra touch of holiday magic. This dish is perfect for a Christmas Eve gathering, a Boxing Day feast, or simply as a treat during the holiday season. So, get ready to impress your loved ones with a festive pizza that's bound to become a new holiday favourite.

Selecting quality ingredients is essential for creating a delightful pigs in blanket pizza. Here’s a list of what you’ll need:

Ingredients

• 400g Bread Flour
• 1x7g Dried Yeast
• 1tsp Salt
• 1tsp Caster Sugar
• 2 Tbsp Olive Oil
• 225ml Warm Water
• Plain Flour (For dusting & rolling out)
• Tomato sauce, ideally with herbs for added flavour
• Mozzarella cheese, for that perfect melt
• High-quality pork sausages
• Streaky bacon, for a crispy finish
• Optional festive toppings like cranberries, brie, or chestnuts
• Fresh rosemary or thyme for garnishing

When it comes to sausages, choose ones with a high meat content and minimal fillers to ensure a rich, authentic flavour. Streaky bacon is recommended as it crisps up beautifully in the oven, adding a delightful texture to your pizza. Opt for tomato sauce that’s infused with herbs, as it provides a robust base for the other toppings. Fresh mozzarella is ideal for achieving that stretchy, gooey cheese layer that makes every bite satisfying.

If you’re feeling adventurous, adding toppings like cranberries, brie, or chestnuts can introduce unique flavour profiles, making your pizza even more special.

Method

1. To embark on crafting your no-proof pizza dough, begin by placing all your dry ingredients into a spacious mixing bowl. Gradually incorporate the lukewarm water alongside a drizzle of olive oil, stirring continuously until the mixture coheres into a pliable dough. It's crucial during this stage to mix thoroughly, ensuring that no dry spots remain, yet being mindful not to over mix as this could compromise the texture of your finished crust.

2. Once your dough has formed, transfer it onto a lightly floured surface. Here, you’ll gently knead it for a brief moment to form a smooth ball. Unlike traditional doughs that require extensive kneading and rest times to develop gluten, this no-proof variant simplifies the process significantly. There's no need for a resting period; however, allowing the dough to sit for a short interval can make it more manageable and easier to shape.
3. Next, you're ready to roll or stretch your dough to your desired thickness and shape. Whether you're aiming for a classic round, a rustic rectangle, or an adventurous heart shape, the no-proof dough is versatile and forgiving. This immediacy from mixing bowl to oven not only streamlines the pizza-making process but also invites spontaneity into your kitchen. Following these steps will set the foundation for a delightful pizza-making experience, leading straight to the joy of adding your chosen toppings and awaiting the oven's magic.

4. Roll out your prepared dough on a floured surface to your preferred thickness. Carefully transfer the rolled-out dough onto a pizza stone or a baking tray lined with baking paper. Spread a generous layer of tomato sauce evenly over the dough, ensuring you leave a small border around the edges for the crust.

5. Scatter the onions uniformly across the sauce-covered base. The grate some sharp and gritty cheddar cheese across to blanket the onions. Arrange the bacon-wrapped sausages over the cheese, distributing them evenly to ensure every slice gets a piece. If you're using optional festive toppings like cranberries or brie, now is the time to add them. The cranberries provide a pop of tartness, while brie melts into a creamy, luxurious layer. If not add a sprinkling of mozzarella for the classic pizza pull.

6. With all your toppings in place, your pizza is ready to go into the oven.
7. Once your pizza is fully assembled with all the toppings in place, carefully slide it into the preheated oven. Keep a close eye on the baking process, aiming for a baking time of approximately 10-12 minutes. You're looking for a crust that turns a lovely golden brown and cheese that bubbles and melts to perfection.

As the pizza bakes, the aromas will fill your kitchen with a delightful festive scent, hinting at the delicious meal to come. After the baking time is up, take the pizza out of the oven and let it rest for a moment. This brief cooling period helps the toppings set and makes slicing easier.

For an inviting presentation, place your pizza on a wooden board, which not only looks charming but also keeps the pizza warm. Garnish with a handful of fresh herbs such as rosemary or thyme to add a pop of colour and an aromatic touch. A light sprinkle of grated Parmesan can elevate the visual appeal and add an extra layer of flavour.

Consider enhancing the festive theme by serving the pizza alongside some Christmas-themed napkins and cutlery. This small detail can make your meal feel extra special and well thought out.

To further enrich your dining experience, pair your pizza with a seasonal drink. A glass of mulled wine or a crisp cider complements the flavours wonderfully and adds to the festive atmosphere.

These simple touches can transform your pizza into a standout feature of your holiday spread, making your Christmas gathering even more memorable.

Elevate your festive pizza by incorporating a variety of cheeses, such as combining mozzarella with tangy cheddar for added depth. For those who enjoy a hint of sweetness, drizzle a bit of balsamic glaze over the pizza once it’s baked. Another delightful addition is caramelised onions, which introduce a sweet and savoury balance to the rich flavours of the pizza.

If you're a fan of spice, sprinkle some chilli flakes over the toppings before baking to give your pizza a gentle kick. Alternatively, add thinly sliced red onions or bell peppers for extra crunch and colour. Fresh rocket leaves scattered over the pizza just before serving can add a refreshing, peppery note.

To cater to different dietary preferences, consider using vegetarian sausages or even a plant-based bacon alternative. For a touch of luxury, truffle oil drizzled over the pizza right before serving can offer an earthy, sophisticated flavour.

Experimenting with these variations allows you to tailor the pizza to your personal taste, ensuring it’s a dish that everyone will enjoy. Whether you're hosting a Christmas gathering or enjoying a cosy night in, these personalised touches will make your festive pizza truly special.

If you make this dish, why not send me a picture on Instagram using the #acountrygirlskitchen so I can go over and show it some love.

I hope you all have a wonderful day.

*Chefs Kiss*