Master the classic Margherita pizza, turn the heat up in the kitchen with a spicy njuda take or go plant-based with a sweet potato base for National Pizza Day.
There's a lot to love about the month of February. For starters, it means the never-ending month of January is finally over. It marks the official start to Spring as evenings get brighter, days get longer and the temperature rises ever so slightly. Plus, February also has a national holiday - albeit not the best holiday. Valentine's Day, though, marks the first celebration since Christmas (which now feels like years ago) and it encourages the eating of copious amounts of chocolate - so it's not that bad. February also has a day dedicated to eating pancakes.
But perhaps the best thing about February is the ninth day of the month, a little occasion known as National Pizza Day! While pancakes are great and all, pizza is the superior food. Pizza is the ultimate comfort food that works as an instant pick-me-up for anyone, anywhere. You have ordered it for parties, you've ordered it when you just got dumped, you have ordered it when you just couldn't be bothered to cook, you've ordered it so many times in lockdown that you're now on a first-name basis with the delivery man...just us? We could go on - but you get the picture. Pizza is consistent. No matter where you order from, you can guarantee that will A) taste great and B) make your evening considerably better.
So you can understand why National Pizza Day is sort of a big deal and one that should be celebrated accordingly. While you could go and order in tonight (there are a ton of Pizza Day freebies and deals, FYI), we say why not take such a special occasion as a sign to do something different with your evening and make your own? It sounds complicated but with the National Pizza Day recipes below, it's never been easier to create a restaurant-quality pizza from the comfort of your own home.
Quattro Formaggio pizza
If you’re looking for an ultra cheesy pizza then look no further than this classic! Homemade pizza dough topped with not one but four incredible cheeses. So rich and delicious you’ll never have another pizza night without it! Get the recipe, here.
Classic Margherita Pizza
Because if you're going to learn how to make a Classic Margherita Pizza from anyone, it should be Paulie's Pizza. Paulie's is one of our absolute favourite places to get pizza in Dublin so we're delighted to be able to share one of their classic recipes with you. Get the recipe, here.
Cheesy mushroom and spinach calzone
A delicious homemade calzone that's perfect for the ultimate cosy night. This hearty and warming folded pizza will not disappoint; stuffed with an unbeatable combination of mozzarella, mushrooms and spinach. To make this recipe vegetarian, swap the Parmesan for a vegetarian hard cheese. Get the recipe, here.
Sweet potato pizza
You can’t get better than pizza, so we’d never suggest substituting the real thing. But for when you need a hearty meal with added benefits, we bring you this sweet potato version. Made with a high-fibre vegetable and oat base that delivers a huge dose of vitamins A and B, it will make your immune system and your taste buds sing in equal measure. Once you have got the base nailed, you can go wild with the toppings but for best results, we suggest for cheese and pesto toppings and devour with a rom-com. Get the recipe, here.
Hot and spicy njuda chilli pizza
If you like it hot, you've got to try this hot and spice njuda chilli pizza. It features njuda, a Calabrian chilli and pork paste, which is totally delicious. It is also great spread on bruschetta and cooked with mussels. Careful, though, it is very hot! Get the recipe, here.
Tortilla chicken pizzas
It may be hard to believe but there are some people in this world who don't like pizza crust. If you're one of those people who loves everything about pizza bar the base - we've got just the solution for you: tortillas. Perfect for when you want to cut down on carbohydrates or in a rush to get dinner on the table fast, simply open up a pack of tortillas, spread on some passata and top with cheese - tasty, simple and delicious! Get the recipe, here.
Bianca pizza
Just how there are people out there who don't like pizza crust, there are others who hate tomato sauce. For those tomato haters amongst us, allow us to introduce to you Bianca pizza. A favourite in Naples, the white ingredients that give this tomato-free pizza its name add a delicious creaminess to the flavourful dough. Get the recipe, here.
Roast pepper and pesto pizza
Pesto pizza isn’t exactly a new idea. But on a busy day, it sure is a good idea. Using a prepared crust and a quick pesto, this pizza comes together in under 30 minutes. Simply spread the pesto sauce evenly along the pre-made base and sprinkle with grated parmesan then sliced roasted red pepper. Get the recipe, here.
All Day Breakfast Pizza
Poached eggs, Cornflakes or Pizza? The choice – although seemingly obvious – is yours. According to one dietitian, pizza is actually a more balanced way to start your day than cereal. NYC-based dietician Chelsey Amer told ABC News: "Surprisingly, pizza can be a more balanced breakfast option than many sugar-filled breakfast cereals. A slice of plain cheese pizza contains a balance of carbs, protein, and fat. But if the idea of tuckin into a pepperoni pizza before you've had your morning coffee doesn't sit right, why not try this delicious all day breakfast pizza? Made with the toppings of all your typical fry-up ingredients, this is essentially a breakfast roll laid flat. Get the recipe, here.
Banoffee Pizza
Try a winning combination this National Pizza Day with Philip Dennhardt and Kristin Jensen's banoffee pizza – because hey, if it works as a pie, why not try it as a pizza!? Made using a biscuit base and topped with bananas, whipped cream and toffee, it tastes as delicious as it sounds, trust us! Get the recipe, here. 
READ MORE: What we're cooking this week - Valentine's Day edition
