I’m super excited to share a new recipe from the “Pizza Pizza Pizza” book that we’re trying out tonight – BBQ Kale Pizza. This pizza combines the smoky sweetness of BBQ sauce with the nutritious crunch of kale and a hint of sharpness from cheddar cheese. Here’s a quick look at the ingredients: pizza dough, BBQ sauce, shredded kale, red onion, mozzarella, cheddar, green apple, crushed red pepper, and hot sauce. Yum!
One thing I love about making pizza at home is trying at least two different kinds every time. This way, we can enjoy a favorite flavor while experimenting with something new. It’s a great method to introduce new foods and flavors into our diet and especially for kids to try. Over the years, I’ve noticed that regularly trying new foods has made my kids much more adventurous eaters. Now as young adults, they’re not afraid to try anything – and I mean anything!
| Prep Time | 10 minutes |
| Cook Time | 12 minutes |
| Servings | people |
- 1 ball dough of your choice room temperature
- 2 Tbsp BBQ sauce
- 2 cups kale stemmed and shredded
- .25 cup red onion sliced thin
- .5 cup Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
- .5 cup Shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- .5 Green Apple sliced into thin sticks, julienned
- 1 tsp crused red pepper
- hot sauce for serving
Ingredients
| |
- Place pizza stone on lowest rack in the oven or, if using a steel, place on the highest rack. Preheat oven to 500°F at least 45 minutes to 1 hour before baking.
- Sprinkle a bit of fine cornmeal and all-purpose flour on a pizza peel or piece of parchment. Stretch out the dough and shape into a circle, then transfer to prepared peel or parchment. Spread BBQ sauce over dough leaving a 1-inch border around the edge, then top with kale and onion. Sprinkle mozzarella and cheddar cheese on top.
- Bake until the cheese is melted and the crust is golden, 8–10 minutes.
- Remove the pizza from the oven and transfer it to a cutting board. Garnish with apple and crushed red pepper, then cut into slices and enjoy immediately. Serve hot sauce on the side.
The Benefits of Trying New Foods
When we think of kid-friendly food, most think of chicken nuggets and fries. But the truth is, most foods can be kid-friendly, except maybe super spicy ones. Even then, there’s no harm in letting kids try a small bite at an appropriate age. Encouraging kids to try new foods is crucial for their development. It helps them make healthier choices as they grow up.
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, introducing a variety of foods can help prevent picky eating and support healthy growth.
Plus, did you know that kids’ taste buds change approximately every two weeks? Even adults’ taste buds change every seven years. So, what they didn’t like last year, they might love now!
Making Pizza Fun and Healthy
Pizza! Pizza! Pizza! by Sara Haas. is a fantastic resource for delicious recipes that will get your family excited about trying new foods. The BBQ Kale Pizza is just one of the many unique recipes that can make your pizza night both fun and nutritious.
Here’s why this BBQ Kale pizza is a winner:
- Healthy Ingredients: Kale, red onion, and green apple add a nutritious twist.
- Great Flavor Combination: The mix of BBQ sauce, cheeses, and a hint of spice from the crushed red pepper is mouthwatering.
- Kid-Friendly: The fun of making pizza at home and the tasty toppings make it a hit with kids.
My Personal Take
I’ve always believed that exposing kids to a variety of foods is important. My kids have always had to try a bite of everything I make, even if they didn’t like it before. It’s a rule in our house because taste buds change so often, every two weeks in fact. This approach has made them open to trying new things and has led to better food choices as they’ve grown into teens and young adults.
So, if you’re looking to spice up your family’s pizza night, give this BBQ Kale Pizza a try. It’s easy, delicious, and a fantastic way to introduce new flavors to your kids. And don’t forget to check out the “Pizza Pizza Pizza” book for more great recipes!