Save A playful, crowd-pleasing pizza designed to look like a basketball court, complete with fun free throw topping shots. Perfect for sports parties or family nights.
I created this recipe to add some sporty fun to family pizza night. It's always a hit and sparks lots of smiles!
Ingredients
- Dough: 1 lb (450 g) pizza dough (homemade or store-bought)
- Sauce: 1/2 cup (120 ml) pizza sauce
- Cheese: 1 1/2 cups (150 g) shredded mozzarella cheese, 1/4 cup (25 g) grated Parmesan cheese
- Toppings (for decoration and free throws): 8 slices pepperoni, 1/4 cup (40 g) pitted black olives sliced, 1/2 red bell pepper sliced into thin strips, 1/2 yellow bell pepper sliced into thin strips, 2 tbsp (15 g) green onions thinly sliced, 1 tbsp (10 g) corn kernels (optional for court lines)
- Flour (for dusting): 2 tbsp (15 g) all-purpose flour
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If using a pizza stone place it in the oven to heat.
- Step 2:
- On a floured surface roll out the pizza dough into a large rectangle to resemble a basketball court (about 10x14 inches / 25x35 cm). Transfer to a parchment-lined baking sheet or preheated stone.
- Step 3:
- Spread the pizza sauce evenly over the dough leaving a 1/2-inch (1 cm) border.
- Step 4:
- Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly over the sauce.
- Step 5:
- Using bell pepper strips create the court boundaries and center line. Use yellow for outer lines and red for the center circle and key.
- Step 6:
- Arrange pepperoni slices as basketballs at each end of the court. Place sliced olives and corn kernels to mark free throw circles and three-point lines.
- Step 7:
- Add green onions for additional court markings or grass-like effect on the edges.
- Step 8:
- Bake for 12 15 minutes or until the crust is golden and cheese is bubbly.
- Step 9:
- Remove from oven let cool slightly and slice into rectangles to serve.
Save This recipe always brings the family together around the table with smiles and fun conversations about basketball and cooking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with ranch or garlic dipping sauce for extra flavor and a side salad for a complete meal.
Variations
For a meatier pizza add cooked sausage or chicken instead of or alongside pepperoni.
Storage Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to keep the crust crispy.
Save This playful pizza is sure to score big at your next family gathering. Have fun with the toppings and enjoy every bite!
Recipe FAQ
- → How do I shape the dough for the basketball court design?
Roll the dough into a large rectangle approximately 10 by 14 inches to mimic a basketball court shape before adding toppings.
- → Which ingredients create the court lines and markings?
Sliced red and yellow bell peppers form the boundaries and center circle, with olives and corn kernels marking free throw circles and three-point lines.
- → Can I make this with vegetarian or vegan alternatives?
Yes, use vegetarian cheese or dairy-free alternatives and swap pepperoni with plant-based toppings to maintain the colorful look.
- → What is the best way to bake for a crispy crust?
Preheat the oven to 475°F and use a pizza stone or parchment-lined baking sheet to bake until the crust is golden and cheese is bubbly, about 12–15 minutes.
- → How can I add extra flavor to this dish?
Serve with ranch or garlic dipping sauce or add cooked sausage or chicken alongside the pepperoni for a meatier taste.
- → Is this pizza suitable for family gatherings?
Absolutely! Its playful design and flavorful toppings make it a hit for sports parties and casual family nights.