The other night, the Husband had an awesome suggestion.  He said, “Babe, instead of shelling out $8 for pre-made frozen pizza to eat on busy weeknights, why don’t we make our own in batches and freeze it?” 

 

I declared him a genius.  Best idea ever. 

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I like to make smaller pizzas so one pie is equal to one serving.  This makes it easy for the Husband and I to mix and match our topping preferences.  He doesn’t generally eat cheese, and I do. 🙂

 

So, I spent the afternoon perfecting the 1/2 and 1/2 Pizza Dough recipe, which yields six personal pizzas.  The dough is 1/2 white flour and 1/2 whole wheat flour or spelt flour (I tried batches with whole wheat and spelt, and they were equally good).  We ate a pizza each for dinner tonight and froze the rest by individually sealing them in freezer-safe plastic wrap.

 

We tried a ton of topping combos, but this was my favorite.  Behold:  Butternut BBQ Personal Pizza.   Instead of tomato sauce, this pizza’s sauce is a delicious combo of BBQ sauce and pureed butternut squash.

IMG_2391

Ingredients:

 

  • 1.25 cups chopped raw butternut squash
  • 1/6 of pizza dough recipe
  • 1/4 cup BBQ sauce
  • 1/4 cup goat cheese
  • Several sliced red onion
  • Pepper

 

Directions:

 

  • Pre-heat oven to 400.
  • Place chopped butternut squash into small pot, add 1/4 cup water, and cover.  Steam on high until the squash begins to soften.
  • Meanwhile, grease a cookie sheet and spread out dough.   Let rise for 10 more minutes.
  • Set aside 1/4 cup butternut squash, add remainder to food processor.  Combine BBQ sauce and butternut squash until smooth.
  • Spread sauce on pizza dough.  Top with onions, goat cheese, and remaining butternut squash.
  • Bake at 400 degrees for 17 minutes if eating right away.  If freezing, cook for 15 minutes, let cool, wrap tightly in saran wrap, and freeze.  To reheat, cook at 350 until warmed throughout.

 

Not only tastier than Amy’s frozen pizzas, these are also much, much cheaper – only $2 or so per serving (we get two servings out of a $8 Amy’s pie). 

IMG_2401

Other versions included:

 

  • Tomato sauce with broccoli, corn, red pepper, and broccoli
  • Tomato sauce with asparagus, mushrooms, and spinach

 

We made 6 other pizzas, all vegan so either the Husband or I can eat them (I can always add cheese in the re-heating process).

IMG_2393

In other news…

 

We’re under severe thunderstorm watch.  Check out these crazy clouds!

 IMG_2403

Spooky.  Is anyone else reminded of the Dementors in Harry Potter?

 

At least we have enough pizza to feed us for another week!

{ 84 comments }

 

  • Rachel Rabidoux April 9, 2011, 6:14 pm

    Spooky clouds! That picture is really cool though. My husband & I are OBSESSED w/ making pizza at home! We are pizza addicts & would order pizza at least once a week. So I started experimenting w/ dough recipes to save some cash. I like to think I have perfected my thin crust dough recipe. I’ve never frozen it though…you should try baking your pizzas on a pizza stone, it makes the crust nice & crispy 🙂

  • jen @ taste life April 9, 2011, 6:18 pm

    Oooh, those clouds are FREA-ky! Mmm, your pizzas look lovely!

  • chelsey @ clean eating chelsey April 9, 2011, 6:24 pm

    Crazy clouds! We have severe storms coming our way tomorrow.

    I love making homemade pizza – it’s my favorite!

  • Hats @ See How She Runs April 9, 2011, 6:25 pm

    That’s a seriously fierce looking sky! (Tasty looking pizzas too – butternut is one of my fave toppings). Stay safe.

  • Kiran April 9, 2011, 6:26 pm

    That clouds are so scary!! Be safe y’all.

  • Lauren April 9, 2011, 6:35 pm

    What an excellent idea! Those clouds are freaky!

  • Ashley @ Nourishing the Soul April 9, 2011, 6:36 pm

    Brilliant idea! I never thought about freezing them, but that’s really smart.

  • Alayna @ Thyme Bombe April 9, 2011, 6:39 pm

    Great idea to make and freeze personal pizzas! I think I’m gonna have to try this, it’ll make for an easy dinner some night that I can’t imagine cooking anything.

  • Caitlin @ TPL April 9, 2011, 6:39 pm

    Such a great idea with the pizzas! And those clouds are EPIC, be safe!

  • Laura Ann April 9, 2011, 6:39 pm

    genius! gonna have to try that.

  • Amanda- The Nutritionist Reviews April 9, 2011, 6:44 pm

    That looks amazing!

  • Mary (What's Cookin' with Mary) April 9, 2011, 6:50 pm

    I love to make extra of anything that freezes well bc I know there’ll always be a day where I’ll be so happy I have that extra ball of homemade dough waiting for me. Loving the idea of personal pizzas too…

    We had a crazy thunder storm here last night and left what looked like snow (but was hail) everywhere. It was SO pretty.

  • sarah (sarah learns) April 9, 2011, 6:52 pm

    what a great idea to make your own pizzas!!! also, i love pizzas with bbq sauce instead of marinara. such great flavor!

  • Baking 'n' Books April 9, 2011, 7:03 pm

    Pizza! You read my mind. But mine is not home-made…and definitely not healthy for you – cheese over-load.

    Thanks for that dough recipe though I want to try it. Tomato sauce is definitely my preference – but squash on pizza is so good!

  • JenRD April 9, 2011, 7:14 pm

    Great idea! I always get frustrated trying to roll put pizza dough. I have made quick pizzas on TJ’s Naan bread before, which is Delian. Love those topping combos too! I used to waitress at California Pizza Kitchen, where there were so many crazy topping combos–the BBQ chicken and Thai were my faves. I hope those pizzas cheered you up a bit too!

  • Lucy @ The Sweet Touch April 9, 2011, 7:17 pm

    Awesome idea, my hubs and I have been talking about making homemade microwave meals (vs. buying lean cuisine, etc) for ages but I never get around to it…maybe this is my inspiration:D

    Those storm clouds look scary, I like storms as long as I’m safe inside but hopefully it doesn’t get too bad!

  • Mrs. Muffins April 9, 2011, 7:27 pm

    Yum. I love personal pizzas! We make “Naan Pizza” in our house. A package of Tandoori Naan comes with two breads and were able to feed the two of us and our little girl with that.

    Stay safe from that storm! Eek!

  • Lu April 9, 2011, 7:28 pm

    Those are amazing pictures of the clouds. Absolutely beautiful. And as for the pizza it sounds wonderful with BBQ and butternut squash. Delish!

  • Clare @ Fitting It All In April 9, 2011, 7:37 pm

    So you’re actually freezing the whole pizza already baked with toppings? Can you do that!?

    • Caitlin April 10, 2011, 10:17 am

      I think so! I’m going to try it 🙂

  • Christine April 9, 2011, 7:41 pm

    Love the HP reference 🙂 They almost don’t even look real.

  • erica April 9, 2011, 8:05 pm

    great idea! i need to make a batch of personal pan pizzas!!! that would be so much healthier and cheaper than all the frozen ones i’ve been eating lately!

  • Lauren @ Healthy Delicious April 9, 2011, 8:07 pm

    Those clouds are creepy!!! But butternut BBQ pizza? Want.

  • Heather @ Health, Happiness, and Hope April 9, 2011, 8:34 pm

    YES – GENIUS!!! Wow, this is such a great idea for a fast, easy, and healthy meal.

    Haha, those are definitely Harry Potter clouds. Creepy!

  • Jenny @ Fitness Health and Food April 9, 2011, 8:38 pm

    ohhh what a great idea re freezing pizzas!

    I’m a huge BBQ pizza fan but have never tried it with butternut before.

    Hope you’re feeling better re your injury, I know it can be tough

  • Kayla @ Fitter Than Choc April 9, 2011, 8:49 pm

    This is certainly an ingenious idea! I like how you use goat’s cheese in your pizza. I’ve never tried goat cheese in pizza, but I believe it must taste wonderful!

  • Tessa @ Amazing Asset April 9, 2011, 8:52 pm

    Those clouds certainly look ominous! I love Harry Potter and completely agree on the dementor reference 🙂

  • Lauren@LaDolcePita April 9, 2011, 9:01 pm

    I’ve always wanted to try a BBQ pizza. Yum…good $$ saving idea.

  • Annie@stronghealthyfit April 9, 2011, 9:14 pm

    Great idea! I’ve made big batches of pizza dough to freeze for easy access, but never thought to make the whole pizza and freeze it! Love that idea.

  • Angela @ Eat Spin Run Repeat April 9, 2011, 9:20 pm

    WOW, great idea on the sauce Caitlin!! Butternut squash and pumpkin are 2 veggies I associate with fall and winter, but I am seriously considering buying some now because they’re just so good… and I kind of want that pizza of yours!

  • Ash Bear April 9, 2011, 9:28 pm

    That’s a great idea to make the pizzas ahead of time. I wish that I could convince Bo to do that but he just doesn’t care for the taste as much! Maybe I’ll make some for myself on nights he works late!

    • Caitlin April 10, 2011, 10:17 am

      He doesn’t like frozen pizza?

      I am jeals of your Las Vegas pics.

  • Annette @ EnjoyYourHealthyLife April 9, 2011, 9:43 pm

    That is spooky….it is rainy, ugly, and snowy here. Yikes!! I LOVE making pizzas in advance! We do this quite often around here–life gets busy, ya know?! I gotta try the BBQ idea, though.

  • Katie @ Nourishing Flourishing April 9, 2011, 9:50 pm

    Those pizzas look fantastic! I have been (socca) pizza obsessed lately. They made up the majority of our dinners this week (and the multiple variations made up a hefty portion of my posts 😉 ) And yes, those clouds are very Dementorish. *shudder*

    Have a great night!

  • Emily April 9, 2011, 9:55 pm

    YUM! I’ve never thought to put butternut on top of pizza! Great idea! I will definitely have to make this soon!! Thanks!

  • Kate (What Kate is Cooking) April 9, 2011, 9:55 pm

    Those clouds are crazy looking! We went from temps in the 80s last week to HAIL last night. I’ve never seen hail in my life- I didn’t think it was possible in California!

  • monicanelsonfitness April 9, 2011, 10:02 pm

    oh my- now that is how you do pizza! great idea. and the toppings, yum! I want to try that next week.

    haha-totally dementor clouds, watch out…espectopatronum!

  • Susan April 9, 2011, 10:07 pm

    The butternut pizza looks amazing. I definitely want to fit that in sometime this week!

  • Kalyn April 9, 2011, 10:08 pm

    OMG- love you for the HP reference (& for the BOMB BBQ pizza idea)!

  • Nat April 9, 2011, 10:12 pm

    Holy Moly..those clouds do look scary!

  • Jacalyn April 9, 2011, 10:20 pm

    Jelly! I loves me a good thunderstorm! Makes for a great night in with wine and a movie. We were suppose to get rain for the past 2 weeks and have gotten NADA.

  • alli April 9, 2011, 10:22 pm

    GENIUS! what a fantastic idea. i will be doing the same 🙂

    here in phx, the sky looks about the same! we woke up to rain and it’s hardly let up all day! i love it and don’t particularly look forward to this weeks forecast which calls for 90 some-odd degree heat.

  • The Teenage Taste April 9, 2011, 10:34 pm

    Those clouds are seriously SCARY! Stay safe!

  • BroccoliHut April 9, 2011, 10:54 pm

    I love butternut squash on pizza! My favorite combo is with caramelized onions and some sort of soft spreadable cheese:)

  • Kristen April 9, 2011, 11:04 pm

    what a great idea! and they look delicious.
    I prefer to make my own pizzas as well. I use a tortilla, add sauce, chicken, peppers, and cheese. DELCIOUS!

  • Kristen April 9, 2011, 11:04 pm

    what a great idea! and they look delicious.
    I prefer to make my own pizzas as well. I use a tortilla, add sauce, chicken, peppers, and cheese. DELCIOUS!

  • Camille April 9, 2011, 11:26 pm

    Oh my gosh! Make sure you have your wand at ready to conjure your Patronus!

    • Caitlin April 10, 2011, 10:15 am

      Zing! Nice one.

  • Jolene (www.everydayfoodie.ca) April 9, 2011, 11:38 pm

    Mmmmm, we always make pita pizzas when we need something quick. Just load a whole wheat pita up with sauce and toppings and bake @ 400 for 10 minutes. Perfect dinner in no time!

  • Khushboo April 10, 2011, 12:22 am

    I bet these babies trump the taste of dominoes any day! Love the choice of toppings! Next time try egg, feta, and jam- sounds a lil questionable but trust me on this!

  • Karen April 10, 2011, 12:28 am

    Whoa! Those clouds look like cooled lava. Cool. But scarey.

  • Kaz April 10, 2011, 12:58 am

    Oooh, are those Asperatus clouds? Those are freakin’ scary clouds. Hark, for the end is nigh!

    http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/gallery/2009/jun/01/2#/?picture=348217730&index=2

    😀

    • Caitlin April 10, 2011, 10:14 am

      Wow, I think it was asperatus clouds! Cool.

      • KatieTX April 10, 2011, 9:00 pm

        Mammatus 🙂 They only form during severe weather–I have a Masters in Meteorology–nerd alert!

        • Caitlin April 11, 2011, 9:05 am

          You are awesome Katie.

  • Ashley @ Feeding Ashley April 10, 2011, 1:09 am

    I totally was just thinking of Harry Potter when I saw those clouds! Spooky.
    The pizzas look great, the husband is most definitely a genius! Get him working on the whole world peace problem next. 🙂

  • J3nn (Jenn's Menu and Lifestyle Blog) April 10, 2011, 1:43 am

    I love personal pizzas, too! Having dough ready is a wonderful idea. Smart hubby!

  • Jamie@everydaydolce April 10, 2011, 1:59 am

    Homemade pizza…one of my go-to weeknight dinners. It offers lots of flexibility and variety! Yours look awesome. 🙂

  • Little Bookworm April 10, 2011, 5:19 am

    Great idea for personal pizzas, love the topping ideas as well. Scary clouds though, quite Harry Potter-ish.

  • Miranda @ working mom works out April 10, 2011, 5:57 am

    Hi Caitlin. Have you frozen and reheated one yet?

    • Caitlin April 10, 2011, 10:13 am

      Not yet – will tonight, probably!

  • Mel @ She Runs Brooklyn April 10, 2011, 7:17 am

    Wow that last photo is amazing! It looks like another planet, or something from the Discovery channel.

  • Sarah (Running To Slow Things Down) April 10, 2011, 7:27 am

    Those clouds are so eerie!

  • Chelsea @ One Healthy Munchkin April 10, 2011, 8:01 am

    I love making personal pizzas too! Only I take the lazy college girl route and just use a pita as the crust haha. 😛

  • olivewineandfood April 10, 2011, 8:37 am

    i love homemade pizzas. have you ever had trader joe’s pizza crust? it’s cheap.

    • Caitlin April 10, 2011, 10:12 am

      No i haven’t! I’ll have to look for it the next time I’m in the store.

      • JenRD April 10, 2011, 6:13 pm

        Their frozen crusts are good, but a little tough to roll out. Our local pizza places will also sell their raw dough for around $2-$3. We can get about 3-4 servings out of them.

  • megan @ blackberries for jam April 10, 2011, 8:58 am

    I grew up in the South and was TERRIFIED of the violent storms we would get, but we have nothing like them in Vermont and sometimes I *kind of* miss them. Not the super scary ones though!

  • Sarah @ The Pajama Chef April 10, 2011, 9:30 am

    oooh great idea! we totally had a storm like that too…it began when i was out running (20). oh goodness.

  • Amber K April 10, 2011, 11:31 am

    I know mkaing my own pizza would be cheaper than Amy’s, but the roasted veggie on rice crust is soo good! (In fact, it’s what we have planned for tonight, lol) I am super picky about crust already, and adding gluten-free to the mix doesn’t make it any easier to find a recipe with a good texture.

  • Amber K April 10, 2011, 11:31 am

    I know mkaing my own pizza would be cheaper than Amy’s, but the roasted veggie on rice crust is soo good! (In fact, it’s what we have planned for tonight, lol) I am super picky about crust already, and adding gluten-free to the mix doesn’t make it any easier to find a recipe with a good texture.

  • Julie (A Case of the Runs) April 10, 2011, 12:02 pm

    Sounds yummy. So does the idea of a British accent saying “babe.” 🙂

  • amy April 10, 2011, 12:23 pm

    I had butternut squash with goat cheese on pizza the other night. It was perfect pre-long run fuel!

  • Natalia - a side of simple April 10, 2011, 12:57 pm

    Mmm I’m all about personal pizzas! I always make them on rice tortillas when I’m in a rush for dinner. They’re the perfect solution and the toppings are kind of endless 😉

  • gabriella @ embracement April 10, 2011, 3:04 pm

    That really IS a good idea. I have a bunch of frozen dough in the freezer but I usually just wait until a night when my boyfriend says he’s in the mood for pizza. This is a great Sunday afternoon activity though.

  • Sarah April 10, 2011, 4:50 pm

    wow, pre making your own frozen pizzas is genius! never EVER crossed my mind either! I think im going to have to get on that next time i make up some pizza dough 🙂 My finace and I have totally different pizza topping preferences as well so ill be making some half and halfs 🙂

    The butternut squash pizza does sound AWESOME i and i will totally have to try it!

    SCARY CLOUDS! and very dementor like !

  • Ash @ Good Taste Healthy Me April 11, 2011, 8:45 am

    It definitely reminds me of Harry Potter! We watched the sixth movie last night. Creeepy! I hate thunderstorms. I’m a big wuss.

  • Caitlin @ The Caitie Experiment April 11, 2011, 12:28 pm

    I’ve gotten really into making my own frozen versions of the stuff we’d normally buy — burritos are a HUGE hit! I’ve never considered pizza though; what a great idea! Incidentally, I had basically the same toppings on a pizza I got on date night Friday night – butternut squash on pizza is GENIUS! So, SO good… and the perfect food to curl up with when dementor-clouds strike!

  • Mel April 12, 2011, 9:57 pm

    Amazing! I made these but didn’t freeze, just refrigerated and Manfriend and I took them for lunches this week.

  • Kristin September 12, 2011, 5:17 pm

    is it okay to use 4 cups of all purpose white flour instead? I need to get whole wheat 🙁

    • CaitlinHTP September 12, 2011, 5:38 pm

      Yup! I think it will be fine!

      • Kristin September 12, 2011, 7:22 pm

        My husband and I just made/ate them!!!! they were SO amazing, such perfect crust!!!!!I used Agave Syrup instead of honey because i’ve been needing to use it up 🙂 and it was great!!! With using all white flour I found that u needed a little extra flour. I’m gonna freeze 2 of them like u did 🙂 Thank you!!!! I’m going to share the link on Facebook!

        • CaitlinHTP September 12, 2011, 7:48 pm

          YAY 🙂 so glad!

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