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 enjoyed making this pizza with my family while watching the big game, and everyone loved the creative toppings and presentation.
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 Making this pizza was a hit with my kids who loved helping arrange the toppings like free throw shots.
Notes
Serve with ranch or garlic dipping sauce for extra flavor. Try using dairy-free cheese for a vegan option.
Required Tools
Rolling pin baking sheet or pizza stone parchment paper sharp knife or pizza cutter
Allergen Information
Contains Wheat (gluten) Milk (dairy) possible soy (check cheese or sauce labels). Pepperoni may contain pork and preservatives. Always double-check ingredient labels for allergens.
Save This basketball court pizza is a fun and delicious way to celebrate game day with family and friends.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I shape the dough like a basketball court?
Roll the dough into a large rectangle around 10x14 inches on a floured surface to mimic the court shape before adding sauce and toppings.
- → What toppings create the basketball court lines?
Use thin strips of red and yellow bell peppers for court boundaries and center lines, green onions for grass-like edges, and corn kernels for court markings.
- → Can I customize the toppings for different dietary needs?
Yes, swap pepperoni with cooked sausage, chicken, or vegetarian options. Dairy-free cheese works well for vegan adaptations.
- → What temperature and time are best for baking this pizza?
Bake at 475°F (245°C) for 12–15 minutes until the crust is golden and cheese is bubbly and melted.
- → What tools help achieve the best result?
A rolling pin, baking sheet or pizza stone, parchment paper, and a sharp knife or pizza cutter are recommended for preparation and serving.
- → How can I add extra flavor to this dish?
Serve with dipping sauces like ranch or garlic sauce and consider adding sausage or extra spices to the topping mix.