Carry-Out Pizza Party Ideas

When you're planning a party and don't know what to feed the crowd, consider treating your friends and family members to carryout pizza. Pizza is sure to please everyone on your guest list, and you can easily customize it to create custom-made pies.

Getting pizza carryout for your next event will help minimize your time in the kitchen before and after the guests arrive. All you'll need to do is prepare a few appetizers and desserts, if you'd like. If you're on a tight party-planning budget, you may be able to get a multiple-pizza deal at your favorite pizzeria. Also, picking the pizza up rather than having it delivered may save you money as well.

Pizza is the perfect party food for any type of special event, such as birthday parties, holiday get-togethers, bridal and baby showers, anniversary or graduation celebrations, and housewarming gatherings. It's also versatile, since its a favorite meal of both kids and adults. 

There are many ways that you can elevate carryout pizza to the next level, with a variety of fresh ingredients and sauces. Be sure to provide options for any vegetarians, vegans, and gluten-sensitive people in your party as well.

Here are some ideas for enhancing takeout pizza when you've brought it home:

1. Add More Cheese

A simple way to enhance a pizza is by adding more cheese. Place slices of fresh mozzarella or dollops of ricotta cheese on the pizza, and then bake it until it's melted or hot for a gourmet twist. Other creative cheese ideas include Brie, blue, Parmesan, asiago, and pecorino. You can buy the dry cheeses already grated or grate them yourself for even more flavor.

For any vegans in the group, order a pizza with just sauce and vegetables, and then top it with a shredded non-dairy cheese alternative after it arrives.

2. Layer on Fresh Ingredients 

Transform a carryout pizza into a gourmet pie by layering on fresh ingredients that the pizzeria may not offer on their menu. Some ideas include peppery arugula, pineapple, fried eggplant and even sauteed squash. 

You can also add meats such as crumbled bacon, Cajun sausage or chorizo for a Mexican-inspired pizza. There are also plenty of vegetarian sausage and pepperoni options available as well.

3. Sauce it Up

For party-goers who love a saucy pizza, top a deep-dish pie with an extra layer of marinara for a Chicago-style treat, or provide individual sides of Alfredo or ranch dressing for dipping.