Treat dad to this fresh, crowd-worthy pizza

(NC) Pizza may be a familiar staple, but it can also make a strong centrepiece for summer hosting. This Father’s Day, take your game to the next level with an elevated, fresh-made pizza. This version swaps a traditional tomato base for a creamy European Grana Padano PDO cheese sauce, giving it a savoury richness that feels balanced rather than heavy. Served straight from the oven and sliced for sharing, it works just as well for a casual patio lunch or a larger spread with salads, charcuterie or wine.

Pizza with Zucchini, Lemon and Thyme

Prep time: 1.5 – 2 hours
Cook time: 10 – 15 minutes
Makes: 6 – 8 servings

Ingredients:

For the dough:

• 1¼ cup (300 g) water
• 2 tsp (6 g) fresh yeast
• 2 cups (250 g) bread flour
• 2 cups (250 g) fine 00-grade flour
• 5 tsp (10 g) sugar
• 6 tsp (20 g) salt
• 1/2 cup (100 g) grated Grana Padano cheese
• 1 tsp extra virgin olive oil

For the sauce:

• 1/8 cup (25 g) of butter
• 1/8 cup (25 g) of all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (250 ml) milk
• 1/2 cup (120 g) of grated Grana Padano cheese
• Black pepper to taste

For the topping:

• 2 zucchinis
• Salt and pepper to taste
• ¼ cup (30g) of diced mozzarella
• 1 small bunch of thyme
• 1 tsp extra virgin olive oil
• 1 lemon
• 1/4 cup (30g) shaved Grana Padano

Directions:

1. Prepare the dough: Dissolve the yeast in warm water, then add the remaining ingredients, including the salt. Knead until the dough is smooth and elastic. Divide into 4 equal portions, shape into balls and place in a warm area to rise. Cover with a towel to prevent drying and let proof until doubled in size, about 1 – 2 hours.
2. Make the sauce: Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat, then add the flour and stir continuously with a wooden spoon until lightly golden, about 2 minutes. Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring constantly to avoid lumps, and bring to a gentle boil. Once thickened, remove from heat and stir in the grated Grana Padano and black pepper. Set aside to cool.
3. Prepare the zucchini: Thinly slice the zucchini and season lightly with salt and pepper. Let them sit briefly to release excess moisture, then pat dry if needed.
4. Shape the pizzas: Lightly flour your work surface and gently stretch each dough ball into a circle about 0.2 in (5 mm) thick. Use your fingertips to press and stretch the dough from the centre outward, rotating as you go. Avoid overworking the dough to maintain its light texture.
5. Initial bake: Place the dough rounds on lightly floured baking trays. Preheat the oven to 450 F (230 C) and bake for 3 minutes.
6. Add sauce and continue baking: Remove from the oven and quickly spread about 2 spoonfuls of the Grana Padano sauce onto each pizza. Return to the oven, reduce temperature to 400 F (200 C), and bake for an additional 5 minutes, until the sauce is lightly caramelized.
7. Add toppings and finish baking: Remove again and top with the sliced zucchini, diced mozzarella, a few thyme leaves and a drizzle of olive oil. Return to the oven for a final 2 minutes.
8. Finish and serve: Remove from the oven, garnish with lemon zest and finish with shavings of Grana Padano before serving.

Attention editors: Optional sidebar

Shopping tip: If you’re looking for authentic European products, such as Prosciutto di Parma and Grana Padano cheese, look for the PDO label. PDO stands for “protected designation of origin,” meaning that it’s authentic and produced in the region of origin. Learn more about the PDO system and the products it covers at distinctlydeliciouslyeuropean.eu.

Alternate headline and introduction for after Father's Day

Elevate your summer hosting with this fresh, crowd-worthy pizza

(NC) Pizza may be a familiar staple, but it can also make a strong centrepiece for summer hosting. This version swaps a traditional tomato base for a creamy Grana Padano PDO cheese sauce, giving it a savoury European richness that feels balanced rather than heavy. Served straight from the oven and sliced for sharing, it works just as well for a casual patio lunch or a larger spread with salads, charcuterie or wine.