Now that the kids are back in school, I find it's hard to rush dinner on the table after we get home from after-school activities. This recipe is one of my quickest, easiest recipes, plus it's a family favorite. I put out a buffet of pizza toppings, and my kids love making their own combinations. With everyone helping, the pizzas come together in no time.
The toppings go on toasted lavash bread, which makes a thin, crispy cracker base. I got the idea of toasting the lavash bread from two moms, Lauren and Colleen, at our school. They make a version of this as a dinner-party appetizer. Lavash bread is a Middle Eastern bread and comes in large, flat sheets. I have found it in the bread section of the supermarket. I especially like the Trader Joe's brand in whole wheat. It's made without any additives or preservatives.
There is no end to the number of combinations of pizza you can make. I put out whatever I have on hand as toppings, especially leftover vegetables. You might be surprised what toppings kids will try when they can create their own from a buffet. Just keep putting out the vegetables; one day they will eat them.
Here are some of our favorite topping combinations:
The Basic: jarred pizza sauce, shredded mozzarella cheese, basil.
The Gourmet: heirloom tomato sauce, sliced buffalo mozzarella cheese, basil.
Fall Favorite: pesto sauce, roasted diced butternut squash, cheese.
Thai Chicken: peanut sauce, leftover shredded chicken, broccoli, cheese, cilantro.
Barbecue Chicken: barbecue sauce, leftover shredded chicken, any green veggie, cheese, cilantro or basil.
Vegetable: pizza sauce, cheese, basil, and a sprinkle of vegetables like asparagus, zucchini, eggplant, broccoli, or mushrooms.
Pumpkin Mania: pumpkin sauce. mix of winter vegetables, feta cheese, small sprinkle of dried sage.
Now all you need is a simple salad, and dinner is on the table.
Weekday Lavash Flatbread Pizzas | Print |
- 1 9" x 12" sheet of lavash bread
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 4 teaspoons of sauce, like tomato, pesto, barbecue or peanut.
- ⅔ cup of shredded cheese, like mozzarella, fresh buffalo mozzarella, or vegan.
- ¼ to ½ cup shredded cooked chicken, cooked vegetables, or both.
- 1 teaspoon julienned fresh herb, like basil or cilantro.
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Line a cooking sheet with foil or parchment for easy clean up.
- Pour olive oil in a small bowl, and using a pastry or basting brush, brush oil across one side of the lavash bread. Cover the whole surface with a light amount of oil. Put lavash on cookie sheet, oil side up. Crisp bread in the oven for 4-½ to 7 minutes. Watch bread so that it doesn't get too done. Bread should be lightly brown in some spots and a little firm, not too floppy. Remove from oven.
- Put desired toppings on crispy bread; see article above for ideas. Start with a brushing of sauce, then sprinkle cheese, vegetables, chicken (optional), and herbs.
- Place in oven for 3-½ to 6 minutes until cheese melts. Serve immediately.
What are your favorite pizza toppings? Let me know in the comments.
Cathy | She Paused 4 Thought says
I just made this for my parents and we all loved it.
Dana @ Foodie Goes Healthy says
Great to hear. Thanks for letting me know. And it's easy, right?
Cathy | She Paused 4 Thought says
So easy I made it again tonight. Thanks for the simply creative and tasty idea.
Dana @ Foodie Goes Healthy says
Wonderful. It's in our regular rotation too. I'm sure you came up with some great toppings.