May 20, 2021

Healthy DIY Family Pizza Night

Who doesn’t love pizza? We have it at least one or two nights a week in our house, but as a fitness instructor and Mom to two growing toddlers, I’m always trying to make good, healthy choices. One day, while scrolling social media (yes, I do it too,) I saw a recipe for pizza crust using yogurt and flour! I was intrigued. So I set out to try to make a healthier version. I tested the recipe using non-fat greek yogurt several times, (using my kids and husband as taste testers,) and finally mastered the perfect, crispy, slightly chewy, thin and delicious homemade pizza crust! My husband was skeptical having worked in a pizza parlor for years growing up, but after his first bite his face light up and he said with surprise, “This is really good!” So now, once a week, (usually on Friday nights,) we turn off the TV, crank the music, (have you heard the new John Mayer single?), and get the whole family in the kitchen for “Make Your Own Pizza Night.” My kids love helping measure, kneading the dough, rolling it out, and of course choosing their toppings! My son is usually a plain cheese kind of guy when we order out from the local pizza joint, but I have learned the the more healthy options I offer when we make our own, the more he’ll put on his pizza AND eat it!! Even if it’s something he wouldn’t normally never go for! Whether it’s chicken sausage, spinach, tomato, or peppers, the combinations are endless. And my husband and I love inventing new adult combinations too using leftovers from the fridge. We’ve used creamed spinach, chicken cutlets and bacon, and we’ve of course tried our hand at the mashed potato and bacon and white clam (local favorites here in Connecticut.) So pour yourself a glass of vino, put on some tunes and get in the kitchen with your family this weekend. I challenge you to make this delicious healthy pizza crust at home and promise you won’t miss the calories!

Ashley’s Non-Fat Greek Yogurt Pizza Crust

2 Cups Flour – 1 TSP Baking Powder – 1/2 TSP Salt – 1 CUP Non-fat Greek Yogurt

1. Preheat oven to 450º
2. Mix all dry ingredients in a bowl, whisk & create a well in the center.
3. Scoop the yogurt into the well in center of dry ingredients

4. Mix all ingredients until sticky and then transfer to a floured countertop or board
5. Kneed dough until smooth (3-5 minutes). Divide dough into 8 small rounds, or 4 medium rounds
6. Roll each round out on floured surface (or countertop) to create individual sized pizza

7. Transfer rolled out dough round to lightly oiled cookie sheet
8. Top with homemade pizza sauce (or store bought) and your favorite toppings & cheese (I like to put all our chopped toppings in little bowls so the kids can grab what they want.)