Last year was a momentous year for pizza lovers, as for the first time ever the UK celebrated National Pizza Day. Our US cousins have been marking this day to all things doughy, cheesy and tomatoey since the turn of the millennium, but it took until 2018 to catch on here where we have truly embraced it!

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According to a 2018 study by Vouchercodes.co.uk, in the UK we will munch through an average of 731 pizzas in our lifetime. That works out to a whopping 5,847 slices so it seems only right that we have a day dedicated to the circular delight.

From humble beginnings in the Neolithic age (yes seriously, there is proof of pizza like food being made in the stone age) to the hundreds of varieties that we have today, no matter what your preference for toppings are, there is a way for you to celebrate National Pizza Day.

Celebrate with a pizza out on the town

The same study that calculated how much pizza we eat a year also found that we spend an average of £9,725 on pizza in our lifetime. If you fancy eating out to celebrate National Pizza Day then we have found some deals that might just help save you some of that dough. 

  • Nab yourself 2 pizzas and a bottle of wine for only £15 at Stone House Pizza & Carvery*.
  • Leave room for dessert with a free pudding from Vintage Inn* when you sign up to their newsletter
  • Have your pizza delivered to you with a Papa John's* meal deal; get a large pizza, 2 sides and a drink for only £18.99

 To celebrate this day of pizza goodness Foodsism is also partnering with pizza joints all over the country to bring you up to 30% off. Locations in Scotland include Prezzo’s throughout Glasgow, Edinburgh and Aberdeen as well as Wildwoods, also in Edinburgh.

 The National: Get your pizza fix! Credit: Evensi, Foodism Get your pizza fix! Credit: Evensi, Foodism

To take advantage of these tasty deals all you need to do is visit NationalPizzaDay.co.uk choose your restaurant, enter your details and wait for a voucher to be emailed straight to your inbox.

Whip up you own pizzas at home

You don’t need to leave the comfort of your own home to celebrate National Pizza Day though. Turn you kitchen into a pizzeria with these delicious recipes and ideas:

Easy DIY dough

Mixing up your own pizza dough might seem like a daunting task, but it can be surprisingly simple, not to mention way tastier than pre-made options. If it’s your first time whipping up dough, give this recipe a try:

  • 13 oz plain flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon caster sugar
  • 1/4 oz dried active baking yeast
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 225ml warm water

Mix all the dry ingredients in a bowl and then add the water and oil.

Spread the dough out onto a pizza tray, add you toppings and pop it straight into the oven for 20 – 25 minutes at Gas mark 5 or 190 degrees.

The dough can also be easily frozen; make mini pizzas instead of one large one and freeze the left over dough to use another day.

The National: Make your own dough this February 9th Credit: Webandi, Pixabay Make your own dough this February 9th Credit: Webandi, Pixabay

Make you own pizza bar

We love this idea for a family gathering and it works especially well for when you have a mixture of picky and adventurous eaters to please. Use mini pizza bases, naan bread or even pitta breads to keep the cooking time of each individual pizza down. 

All you need to do is lay out a selection of pizza toppings and sauces for guest to get creative with.

The National: Create pizzas for all tastes Credit: Hans, PixabayCreate pizzas for all tastes Credit: Hans, Pixabay

Try a different sauce

Yes, the pizza we all know and love traditionally comes with a tomato sauce base, but it doesn’t need to! Mix up your homemade pizzas by trying out some alternatives like BBQ sauce, pesto, hummus, bechamel sauce and even salsa.

No matter what ingredients you decide to go with, the fresher the ingredients the better the taste is going to be. Make it easy for yourself with a home delivery from Tesco (P.S. You might even be able to save on your shopping bill with these great offers*)

Pizza Alternatives

If pizza seems a little too carbalicous for you then give a cauliflower crust a go. Made from a combination of cauliflower, eggs and cheese this gluten free alternative is fast becoming popular and with a quick whizz of a food processor you can whip one up in no time.

Portobello mushrooms also make a great alternative to a dough base. These sturdy mushrooms can be loaded up with your favourite sauce and toppings for a quick 15 minute healthy pizza fix. 

Remove the stems, scrape the gills and give them a quick toast under the grill before you add the toppings and pop it back in the oven for another 10 minutes or so.

Veganuary may have just ended but if you are continuing into February or are already committed to a plant based lifestyle you can still enjoy the goodness of pizza with this vegan mozzarella tutorial.  

 

Take your pizza game up a notch

Now that you are full of inspiration for your next pizza culinary masterpiece. Cast your eye over these must haves that will have you producing professional level pizza in no time. 

George Foreman Entertaining Pizza Grill

You’ll be whipping up gourmet pizzas quicker than you cans say “Molto Bene” with this handy grill from George Foreman. Big enough to cook a 12 inch pizza, making dinner just got a whole lot easier. The grill plates are removable and can even be put int the dishwasher for an equally speedy clean up.

Get it here*

 The National: George Foreman Entertaining Pizza grill Credit: LittlewoodsGeorge Foreman Entertaining Pizza grill Credit: Littlewoods

 

Joseph Joseph Disc easy-clean pizza wheel

Ever noticed that pizza cutters seem designed to accumulate bits of dried cheese  and crusty tomatoes in those little nooks and crannies that you can’t quite reach? Not so with this Joseph Joseph pizza wheel. The circular blade pops completely out for easy cleaning. It also looks pretty stylish too.

Get it here*

The National: Joseph Joseph Disc easy-clean pizza wheel Credit: DebenhamsJoseph Joseph Disc easy-clean pizza wheel Credit: Debenhams

Natural Wood Pizza Board

You don’t want to display your hand crafted creation on a baking tray now do you? Give it an authentic feel with this gorgeous wooden pizza board, complete with handle for easy serving that will have your guests exclaiming “Delizioso”!

Get it here*

The National: Natural Wood Pizza Board Credit: Debenhams Natural Wood Pizza Board Credit: Debenhams

Happiness is Pizza

If this hasn’t got you watering at the mouth as you count down to National Pizza Day we don’t know what will! Whether you are a traditional cheese and tomato only type or like to get creative with your toppings we hope you celebrate with all your favourites this weekend

The National:

The National: PIZZA 4.jpg

And if you want to spend National Pizza Day as authentically as possible there is still time to nab a last minute deal* for trip to Italy to get it right from the source! Just remember to bring us back a slice or two!