Mini Pizzas

Cooking in the classroom is so much more than just a fun activity for students; it’s an engaging way to learn about food. By creating a supportive and safe environment, students can use their senses to explore foods, choose whether or not to taste foods, and discover more about the story of different foods.

This simple recipe offers a great starting point for trialling new and familiar foods and combinations. Students can be creative and use the toppings they choose from the ones available to create their own mini pizza. Students can also nurture their food skills by successfully preparing their ingredients, and using an oven or toaster oven. Teachers can provide the full recipe on the board for the class to follow or print out recipe cards for each table group.

How to create this recipe in your classroom:

1. Two to three days before you make the pizza, have a class discussion about what toppings they would like to try. Have students pick two to three toppings from each category. We have provided a list of ideas below; however, students can also come up with their own list.
2. Grocery shop before the day of your class.
3. On your cooking day, divide students into cooking teams of about four to six.
4. Provide topping bowls for each team to share. Suggested quantities are provided below.
5. Provide the recipe to the class or print individual sheets for your students to follow.
6. Have students follow the recipe and assist as needed.
7. Cooked or uncooked, eat together.

Supplies:

• Ingredients for pizzas (list below)
• Recipe to put on board for students (PDF download)
• Baking sheet - one per table group
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Toaster oven or oven
• Utensils for serving and eating
• Cloths, towels or paper towels

Ingredients:

• English muffins - one per two students
• Pizza sauce - ½ cup (125 mL) per 12 students
• Assorted toppings

Topping ideas:

Protein Foods:

Cheese (provide 1 cup of each cheese to every table group):

• Mozzarella
• Feta
• Parmesan cheese
• Cheddar cheese
• Swiss cheese
• Ricotta cheese

Meat and Plant Protein Foods (provide ½ cup of each choice to every table group):

• Canned shrimp
• Cooked ground beef
• Cooked sliced chicken breast
• Canned lentils, rinsed
• Canned black beans, rinsed

Vegetables and Fruits (provide 1 cup of each choice to every table group):

• Tomatoes
• Onion
• Broccoli
• Corn
• Zucchini
• Bell peppers
• Sun dried tomatoes
• Spinach
• Mushrooms

Flavour Boosters (provide 2 Tbsp of each choice to every table group):

• Basil (dry or fresh)
• Pitted olives
• Oregano (dry or fresh)
• Parsley (dry or fresh)

Preparation

1. Pre-heat oven or toaster oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Place the English muffin halves onto a baking sheet, cut side up.
3. Shred, chop or slice toppings.
4. Spoon 1-2 Tbsp of the pizza sauce onto each muffin half.
5. Choose and add toppings you would like in the order you want you would like Bake for 10 minutes or until cheese is melted and lightly browned.
6. Cool for about two minutes.
7. Enjoy!