As a busy parent always on the lookout for meals that are both kid-approved and quick to prepare, I stumbled upon the Upside Down Pizza recipe, and let me tell you, it has become a weeknight staple! My family, initially skeptical of anything “different” from our usual pizza routine, were instantly hooked from the first bite. The caramelized toppings, the perfectly cooked crust, and the ease of preparation make this recipe a winner. It’s become our go-to when we crave pizza but want to shake things up. The best part? Clean-up is a breeze, and everyone, even the pickiest eaters, builds their own personalized slice. If you’re looking for a fun, flavorful, and surprisingly easy twist on pizza night, look no further – Upside Down Pizza is your answer!

Ingredients

This Upside Down Pizza recipe is incredibly versatile, allowing you to customize it to your family’s preferences. Below is a comprehensive list of ingredients, broken down for ease of preparation. Feel free to mix and match toppings to create your perfect upside-down masterpiece!

For the Crust:

2 ½ cups All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of our pizza, all-purpose flour provides the right balance of gluten for a chewy yet tender crust. For a slightly healthier option, you can substitute up to 1 cup of whole wheat flour, but be aware it may result in a denser crust.
1 teaspoon Salt: Salt is crucial for flavor development in the dough and helps to control yeast activity. Use regular table salt or fine sea salt.
1 teaspoon Sugar: A touch of sugar feeds the yeast and contributes to browning and flavor. Granulated sugar works best.
1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) Active Dry Yeast: This is the magic ingredient that makes our crust rise! Ensure your yeast is fresh for optimal results. If using instant yeast, you can skip the proofing step and add it directly to the dry ingredients.
1 cup Warm Water (105-115°F): The water temperature is critical for activating active dry yeast. Too cold, and the yeast won’t activate; too hot, and it will be killed. Use a thermometer for accuracy.
2 tablespoons Olive Oil: Olive oil adds flavor and richness to the crust, and also helps to create a slightly crispier texture. Extra virgin olive oil is preferred for its flavor, but regular olive oil will also work.

For the Sauce:

1 (15-ounce) can Tomato Sauce: The base of our flavorful pizza sauce. Look for a good quality tomato sauce for the best taste. You can also use crushed tomatoes or tomato puree, adjusting the consistency as needed.
1 (6-ounce) can Tomato Paste: Tomato paste adds concentrated tomato flavor and richness to the sauce.
1 teaspoon Dried Oregano: A classic Italian herb that provides a warm, savory flavor to the sauce.
1 teaspoon Dried Basil: Another essential Italian herb, basil adds a slightly sweet and aromatic note to the sauce.
½ teaspoon Garlic Powder: For a convenient garlic flavor, garlic powder is perfect. You can also use 2 cloves of fresh garlic, minced, and sautéed lightly before adding to the sauce for a more robust garlic taste.
½ teaspoon Onion Powder: Onion powder adds a subtle savory depth to the sauce.
½ teaspoon Salt: To season the sauce and balance the flavors. Adjust to your taste.
¼ teaspoon Black Pepper: Freshly ground black pepper adds a touch of spice and complexity.
1 tablespoon Olive Oil: Used to sauté fresh garlic (if using) and to add richness to the sauce.
Optional: Pinch of Red Pepper Flakes: For a touch of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
Optional: 1 teaspoon Sugar: If your tomatoes are particularly acidic, a teaspoon of sugar can help to balance the flavors.

For the Toppings (Get Creative!):

1 cup Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: The classic pizza cheese, mozzarella melts beautifully and provides a mild, milky flavor. Part-skim or whole milk mozzarella both work well.
½ cup Shredded Provolone Cheese (Optional): Provolone adds a slightly sharper, tangier flavor to complement the mozzarella.
½ cup Grated Parmesan Cheese (Optional): Parmesan provides a salty, nutty flavor and adds a nice browned crust when baked.
½ cup Sliced Pepperoni: A pizza staple, pepperoni adds a spicy, savory kick. You can use regular or turkey pepperoni.
½ cup Cooked Italian Sausage (Crumbled): Italian sausage adds a hearty, flavorful protein. Ensure it is cooked and crumbled before adding to the pizza. You can use sweet or hot Italian sausage, depending on your preference.
½ cup Sliced Mushrooms: Mushrooms add an earthy, umami flavor. Cremini, button, or shiitake mushrooms all work well. Sauté them lightly before adding to the pizza to prevent them from releasing too much moisture during baking.
½ cup Sliced Onions: Onions add a sweet and savory flavor. Red, yellow, or white onions can be used. Sautéing them lightly will mellow their flavor and prevent them from being too pungent in the finished pizza.
½ cup Sliced Bell Peppers (Any Color): Bell peppers add sweetness and color. Green, red, yellow, or orange bell peppers all work well.
½ cup Black Olives (Sliced): Black olives add a briny, salty flavor.
½ cup Green Olives (Sliced): Green olives offer a slightly milder, more buttery flavor compared to black olives.
½ cup Pineapple Chunks (Drained): For those who enjoy pineapple on pizza, this adds a sweet and tangy element. Ensure the pineapple is well-drained to prevent excess moisture.
½ cup Artichoke Hearts (Quartered, Drained): Artichoke hearts add a slightly tangy, savory flavor and a unique texture.
Fresh Basil Leaves (for garnish, optional): Fresh basil adds a bright, aromatic finish to the pizza after baking.

Instructions

Making Upside Down Pizza is surprisingly simple, even for novice bakers. Follow these step-by-step instructions for pizza perfection:

1. Prepare the Dough:

In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, salt, and sugar. Whisk to combine the dry ingredients thoroughly. This ensures even distribution and prevents clumps.
In a separate small bowl, dissolve the active dry yeast in the warm water. Let it stand for 5-10 minutes, or until foamy. This “proofing” step confirms that the yeast is active and ready to make your dough rise. If using instant yeast, you can skip this step and add it directly to the dry ingredients.
Add the olive oil and the yeast mixture to the dry ingredients.
Using a wooden spoon or your hands, mix until a shaggy dough forms.
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes, or until smooth and elastic. The dough should be tacky but not sticky. If it’s too sticky, add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time. If it’s too dry, add a tiny bit of water. Kneading develops the gluten in the flour, which gives the pizza crust its chewy texture.
Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat all sides. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel.
Let the dough rise in a warm place for 1-1 ½ hours, or until doubled in size. This is the first rise, where the yeast produces carbon dioxide, making the dough light and airy. A warm place helps the yeast to work efficiently.

2. Prepare the Sauce:

While the dough is rising, prepare the pizza sauce. In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
If using fresh garlic, add the minced garlic to the hot oil and sauté for about 30 seconds, until fragrant but not browned. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it will become bitter.
Add the tomato sauce, tomato paste, dried oregano, dried basil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir to combine all ingredients.
Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Simmering allows the flavors to meld and deepen, creating a richer, more complex sauce. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a tablespoon or two of water to thin it slightly.
Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Add sugar if the sauce is too acidic or more salt and pepper to taste.
Remove the sauce from the heat and set aside to cool slightly.

3. Assemble the Upside Down Pizza:

Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish or a similar sized oven-safe skillet with olive oil. This prevents the pizza from sticking and helps with easy removal after baking.
Pour the pizza sauce evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese, provolone cheese (if using), and parmesan cheese (if using) evenly over the sauce. The cheese layer will create a barrier between the sauce and toppings and melt beautifully during baking.
Arrange your desired toppings evenly over the cheese layer. Get creative and layer your favorite combinations! Ensure toppings are spread relatively evenly to ensure consistent cooking and flavor distribution in each slice.
Punch down the risen pizza dough to release air bubbles.
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to fit the size of your baking dish, about 9×13 inches. You can use a rolling pin or gently stretch the dough with your hands.
Carefully place the dough over the toppings in the baking dish, tucking the edges down around the sides to create a sealed crust. This creates the “upside down” effect and ensures all the delicious flavors are captured.
Use a fork to poke a few holes in the dough to allow steam to escape during baking and prevent the crust from puffing up too much.

4. Bake the Pizza:

Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly. The baking time may vary depending on your oven and the thickness of your crust.
Let the pizza cool in the baking dish for 5-10 minutes. This allows the pizza to set slightly, making it easier to invert.

5. Invert and Serve:

Carefully run a knife or spatula around the edges of the pizza to loosen it from the baking dish.
Place a large serving platter or cutting board over the baking dish.
Holding the platter and baking dish firmly together, quickly and confidently invert the pizza onto the platter. Be careful as the baking dish will be hot, and some sauce may drip.
If any toppings stick to the baking dish, gently scrape them off and arrange them back on the pizza.
Garnish with fresh basil leaves (if desired).
Slice and serve hot! Enjoy your delicious Upside Down Pizza!

Nutrition Facts

(Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and will vary based on specific ingredients and serving sizes used.)

Servings: Approximately 12 slices

Per Serving (Estimated):

Calories: 350-450 kcal
Fat: 15-20g
- Saturated Fat: 7-10g
Cholesterol: 30-40mg
Sodium: 600-800mg
Carbohydrates: 40-50g
- Fiber: 2-3g
- Sugar: 5-7g
Protein: 15-20g

Disclaimer: These nutritional values are estimates based on standard ingredient quantities and may vary. For accurate nutritional information, use a nutrition calculator with the specific brands and amounts of ingredients used.

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 45 minutes (includes dough making and sauce preparation)
Rise Time: 1- 1 ½ hours (for dough)
Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
Total Time: Approximately 2 hours – 2 hours 30 minutes (including rise time)

While the total time might seem long due to the dough rising, the active preparation time is quite minimal. Much of the time is hands-off while the dough rises and the pizza bakes, making it manageable for even busy weeknights. You can also prepare the dough in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, or even freeze it for longer storage, significantly cutting down on prep time on the day of baking.

How to Serve

Upside Down Pizza is a delightful dish on its own, but here are some ideas to elevate your pizza night and create a complete meal:

Side Salad:
- A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the pizza.
- Consider a Caesar salad for a classic pairing.
- An Italian chopped salad with fresh vegetables and herbs complements the pizza’s flavors beautifully.
Garlic Bread or Breadsticks:
- Serve with warm garlic bread or breadsticks for extra carbs and dipping opportunities for any leftover sauce.
- Cheese breadsticks add an extra cheesy element that kids (and adults!) will love.
Vegetable Sides:
- Roasted vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, or bell peppers offer a healthy and flavorful side.
- Steamed green beans or sautéed spinach are quick and easy options.
Drinks:
- Soda: Classic pizza night fare!
- Iced Tea: A refreshing and versatile choice.
- Lemonade: Pairs well with the savory flavors of pizza.
- Beer: A cold beer is a popular adult beverage with pizza.
- Wine: A light-bodied red wine like Chianti or a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio can complement pizza nicely.
Dessert (Optional):
- Keep it simple with ice cream or gelato.
- Brownies or cookies are always a crowd-pleaser.
- For an Italian-inspired dessert, try cannoli or tiramisu.

Additional Tips for Pizza Perfection

Don’t Overcrowd the Toppings: While it’s tempting to load up on toppings, too many can prevent the crust from cooking properly and make the pizza soggy. A moderate layer of toppings ensures even baking and the best texture.
Pre-Cook Moisture-Rich Toppings: Vegetables like mushrooms, onions, and bell peppers release moisture during baking, which can make the pizza soggy. Sautéing them lightly before adding them to the pizza helps to remove excess moisture and intensifies their flavor.
Use Quality Ingredients: The flavor of your Upside Down Pizza will be significantly enhanced by using good quality ingredients. Opt for flavorful tomato sauce, fresh yeast, and high-quality cheeses.
Adjust Baking Time as Needed: Oven temperatures can vary, so keep an eye on your pizza while it’s baking. If the crust is browning too quickly, reduce the oven temperature slightly. If it’s not browning enough, you can increase the temperature for the last few minutes of baking.
Let it Rest Before Inverting: Allow the pizza to cool in the baking dish for 5-10 minutes after baking before inverting. This resting period allows the pizza to set slightly, making it easier to invert without falling apart and preventing burns from overly hot sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Can I use pre-made pizza dough for this recipe?

A: Yes, absolutely! Using pre-made pizza dough is a great time-saver. You can use store-bought refrigerated pizza dough or even frozen dough that has been thawed. Simply follow the instructions for rolling out the dough to fit your baking dish and proceed with assembling and baking the pizza as directed.

Q2: Can I make the pizza dough ahead of time?

A: Yes, you can prepare the pizza dough ahead of time. After the first rise, punch down the dough, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Alternatively, you can freeze the dough for up to 3 months. Thaw frozen dough in the refrigerator overnight before using. Bring refrigerated or thawed dough to room temperature for about 30 minutes before rolling it out.

Q3: What are some good topping variations for Upside Down Pizza?

A: The possibilities are endless! Get creative with your toppings. Some delicious variations include:

Meat Lover’s: Pepperoni, sausage, bacon, ham.
Vegetarian: Mushrooms, onions, bell peppers, olives, spinach, artichoke hearts, sun-dried tomatoes.
Hawaiian: Ham or Canadian bacon, pineapple.
Buffalo Chicken: Shredded cooked chicken tossed in buffalo sauce, mozzarella cheese, blue cheese crumbles, ranch dressing drizzle after baking.
BBQ Chicken: Shredded cooked chicken tossed in BBQ sauce, red onion, cheddar cheese, cilantro garnish after baking.

Q4: Can I make this pizza in a round pan instead of a 9×13 inch dish?

A: Yes, you can adapt this recipe for a round pizza pan. A 12-inch or 14-inch round pizza pan will work well. You may need to adjust the dough amount and baking time slightly depending on the size of your pan and the thickness of your crust.

Q5: How do I reheat leftover Upside Down Pizza?

A: Leftover Upside Down Pizza can be reheated successfully. The best way to reheat it is in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and the crust is crisp again. You can also reheat individual slices in a skillet over medium heat, covered, until heated through. Microwaving is also an option for quick reheating, but the crust may become softer and less crispy.