Nov 11th, 2023 on

Pizza Boats

Have you ever felt that therapeutic calm wash over you as your hands dive into the soft yielding of dough? It’s like a brief escape from the chaos, just ten minutes of kneading to unravel stress and soothe the mind. Today, I’m excited to share a cherished family recipe: pizza boats. More than a mere recipe, it’s a tradition curated by my talented sister-in-law, originating from her native land but elevated to an entirely new level of delight. Every visit becomes a ritual as we come together as a family, creating these delectable treats that hold a unique place in my heart.

Moreover, these pizza boats aren’t just a taste of tradition, they’re versatile delights, ideal for festive gatherings, effortlessly complementing the joy of celebrations. They offer a delightful departure from conventional pizza, presenting a new and charming twist to the classic dish. Whether you’re hosting a lively party or seeking a novel take on beloved flavors, these boats promise a journey into pizza-creativity, steering away from the ordinary to embrace a world of scrumptious innovation.

So, all hands in the flour and let’s get started on this flavorful adventure!

Ingredients

Serves 6 or 12 small boat-shaped pizzas

For the dough

5 cups bread flour
1 1/2 cups water at room temperature
2 teaspoons dry yeast
1 teaspoon granulated sugar
1sea salt
1 teaspoon olive oil

For the filling

1/2 stick of room temperature butter
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup cream cheese
Your choice of toppings (pepperoni, bacon, cooked sausage, bell peppers, onions, etc.)

Instructions

For the dough

In a large mixing bowl, combine the water, the yeast, and the sugar. Allow it to sit for about 5-10 minutes until the yeast activates and becomes frothy.
Add the flour and salt to the bowl. Mix and knead the dough until it becomes smooth and elastic. This might take around 8-10 minutes.
Drizzle the olive oil into the bowl and coat the dough by rolling it around. This helps prevent drying.
Cover the bowl with a damp cloth or plastic wrap. Let the dough rise in a warm place for about 1-1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.

For assembling the Pizza Boats

Preheat your oven to 220°C (425°F). Place a baking sheet or parchment paper in preparation for the pizza boats.
Divide the risen dough into 6 or 12 equal portions, depending on whether you want 6 large or 12 small pizzas. Roll out each portion into small oval shapes.
Create the pizza boat shape by raising the edges of the dough and folding them inwards to form a border. This border will hold the delicious fillings.
Before adding the toppings, place a slice or two of butter at the base of each pizza boat.

For Filling the Pizza Boats

Start by spreading a layer of cream cheese on the buttered base of each boat.
Follow this with a generous sprinkle of mozzarella cheese, ensuring an even layer.
Top this off with slices of pepperoni or bacon or your choice of toppings across the boats.

Baking the Pizza Boats

Place the assembled pizza boats into the preheated oven and bake for approximately 15-20 minutes or until the crust is golden and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Enjoy!