Fun Holiday Pizza Night: Easy Pizza Shapes Kids Can Help Make

Make holiday pizza night a fun activity for the whole family! Easy cookie-cutter pizza shapes like gingerbread men and snowmen let kids help create a festive, delicious dinner or appetizer.

Fun Holiday Pizza Night: Easy Pizza Shapes Kids Can Help Make

Make dinner a fun holiday activity this season! These festive pizza shapes—gingerbread men, snowmen, stars, and more—are easy to make with store-bought dough and simple toppings. Kids can help with cutting, decorating, and adding their favorite toppings, turning pizza night into a holiday tradition everyone will love.

Ingredients You Will Need

• Holiday-themed cookie cutters (gingerbread men, snowmen, stars, etc.)

• Pizza dough (store-bought dough such as Pillsbury, naan bread, or premade pizza crusts)

• 14-ounce can peeled tomatoes, crushed by hand or mashed

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 8 fresh basil leaves, torn

• Mozzarella cheese, torn or shredded

• Optional toppings: sliced olives, mini pepperoni, or other kid-friendly favorites

Instructions with Tips for Getting the Kids Involved!

• Preheat the oven according to your pizza dough or crust package directions.

• Prepare the sauce: Place peeled tomatoes in a bowl and crush by hand or with a masher. For a smoother sauce, pulse the tomatoes with an immersion blender about three times. Stir in the salt and torn basil leaves. Set aside.

  • Kid Tip: Let kids help tear the basil leaves and stir the sauce—they love feeling like “chefs”!

• Cut the dough: Roll out pizza dough on a lightly floured surface if needed. Use holiday cookie cutters to cut dough into festive shapes. Carefully transfer the shapes to a parchment-lined baking sheet.

  • Kid Tip: Allow kids to press the cookie cutters into the dough and pop out the shapes—they get a hands-on holiday activity.

• Assemble pizzas: Spoon a small amount of sauce onto each dough shape, spreading gently while leaving a small border around the edges. Top with mozzarella cheese and any optional toppings.

  • Kid Tip: Let kids sprinkle the cheese and decorate with toppings—they’ll love making each pizza unique!

• Bake: Follow your dough’s recommended bake time until crust is cooked through and cheese is melted and bubbly. Smaller shapes may cook faster, so keep an eye on them.

  • Kid Tip: This is a great time to teach kids about oven safety—remind them to watch from a safe distance or wear oven mitts if helping near the tray.

• Serve: Let cool slightly before serving, then watch the kids enjoy their creations!

• Kid Tip: Let kids arrange the pizzas on a festive platter—they’ll feel proud showing off their creations.

Tips & Variations

• Kid-friendly fun: Have a decorating contest if you have more that one kid by letting them add the toppings themselves—they’ll love decorating their own pizzas.

• Holiday twist: Use different cookie cutters for stockings, trees, or candy cane shapes.

• Party-ready: These mini pizzas are also perfect as a holiday appetizer plate for friends, neighbors, or classroom parties.

• Quick version: Use premade mini pizza crusts or naan for super fast prep.

Make It a Holiday Tradition

Turn a simple pizza night into a fun, festive activity that the whole family looks forward to. With a few easy steps, a little creativity, and some holiday spirit, these mini pizzas are sure to become a favorite holiday tradition.

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Bridgerton Brunch: Courtship Crumbs: Strawberry Scones Worthy of a Proposal

Delicate strawberry scones fit for courtship—perfectly tender, blushing, and worthy of a proposal at your next Bridgerton-inspired brunch. 

Click here to begin your immersive experience.

A Continuing Affair: The Bridgerton Brunch Series

Dearest Reader,

With a flourish of flour and a whisper of romance, we return once more to the irresistible charms of Bridgerton Brunch—a culinary promenade where Regency refinement meets modern indulgence. Inspired by the elegance, drama, and delectable excess of the Ton, this series delivers dishes destined to grace even the most discerning of breakfast tables.

Now in its fourth installment, we follow in the dainty footsteps of our previous delights—Strawberries & Secrets: A French Toast Affair, Scandal & Spice: Lady Featherington’s Honeyed Tea Loaf, and The Duke’s Delight: Herbed Quiche with Gruyère & Asparagus. Today, however, we find ourselves swept into the tender world of pastries and proposals with a batch of blush-worthy scones.

May these Courtship Crumbs charm your guests, warm your heart, and perhaps—even win a suitor’s hand.

Yours in crumbs, courtship, and just a hint of scandal,
Slice of Southern

"Whispers abound that these strawberry scones have inspired more than one gentleman to drop to one knee. Whether it be the flaky crumb or the sweet blush of berry, one thing is certain—no teatime table shall be complete without them."

— Lady Whistledown

Courtship Crumbs: Strawberry Scones Worthy of a Proposal

In the grand theatre of the ton’s endless pursuit of romance, there are few moments as enchanting as the first shared bite of something truly delightful. It is in such simple pleasures—an exchanged glance over tea, a whispered compliment between crumbs—that hearts are won and secrets are sealed.

Allow me to draw your attention to a most delectable temptation recently causing quite the stir among the elite: Courtship Crumbs, a collection of strawberry scones so utterly divine that one might hazard a guess they were crafted with nothing less than a proposal in mind. Imagine tender, flaky layers bursting with jewel-toned berries, their sweetness rivaling that of any whispered sonnet. These scones, my dear readers, are the very embodiment of flirtation baked into buttery perfection.

Whether enjoyed beneath the dappled light of a garden party or at an elegantly appointed Bridgerton Brunch—where charm and sophistication mingle as effortlessly as the finest teas—these scones promise to turn even the most hesitant courtier into a hopeful suitor.

Take heed, for in matters of the heart, as in baking, it is the smallest details—the careful folding of dough, the ripest berries—that make all the difference between a fleeting fancy and a love worthy of a proposal.

A Toast to Elegance

In the delicate dance of romance, it’s often the smallest gestures that leave the sweetest impressions. Enter Courtship Crumbs, a batch of strawberry scones so tender, buttery, and fragrant they might just inspire a proposal—or at least a second date. Bursting with sun-ripened strawberries and kissed with a hint of vanilla, these scones offer a perfect balance of flaky elegance and cozy comfort. Whether you’re serving them at a leisurely morning tea or a secret rendezvous, these scones are your deliciously charming love letter to the heart—and the palate.

Perfect Pairings for a Bridgerton Brunch Table

To truly capture the essence of a Bridgerton Brunch, these strawberry scones deserve companions as refined and delightful as themselves. Consider these elegant pairings to elevate your table to ton-worthy heights:

• Tea Pairing:  Earl Grey with a Twist of Bergamot — The quintessential tea for delicate pastries, its citrus notes perfectly highlight the sweetness of fresh strawberries.

• Libation:  Champagne or Sparkling Rosé — For those moments when brunch calls for a touch of sparkle and celebration.

• Music Suggestion:  Classical Strings & Harp Melodies — Gentle compositions by composers like Vivaldi or Debussy provide a graceful soundtrack that evokes the elegance of the Regency era.

• Decor Tip:  Fresh Floral Arrangements & Vintage China — Think delicate roses, peonies, or lilacs in crystal vases, paired with fine china teacups and linen napkins to create a table setting worthy of the ton.

Lady Whistledown’s Final Word

Should a single treat be deemed capable of causing whispers and stolen glances across the drawing rooms of the ton, these strawberry scones would surely be the culprit. With each tender, buttery bite bursting with the sweetest hint of summer berries, they offer just the right touch of decadence to quicken a lady’s heartbeat. Share them graciously with your guests—or indulge in secret, for discretion is the soul of elegance.

Until we meet again, dear reader… may your table be as radiant and inviting as a twilight soirée beneath the chandeliers of Grosvenor Square.

Bridgerton Brunch: Strawberries & Secrets: A French Toast Affair

Whispers begin over breakfast when golden brioche meets vanilla-scented custard and a scandalous tumble of sugared strawberries. A dish so temptingly sweet, one might just forget their manners—and their corset.

Click here to begin your immersive experience.

Dearest gentle reader,

It is with great pleasure (and a silver spoon in hand) that I welcome you to Bridgerton Brunch—a culinary affair inspired by the opulence, romance, and refined mischief of everyone’s favorite Regency-era society. In this series, we’ll journey beyond the drawing room and into the heart of the kitchen, where every dish is as lovely and layered as a debutante’s ballgown.

Each recipe is crafted to bring the elegance of Bridgerton to your brunch table—think delicate flavors, luxurious ingredients, and just a hint of scandal. Whether you’re hosting a garden fête, indulging in a solo spread, or planning a themed gathering worthy of Lady Danbury herself, these dishes promise to be the talk of the ton.

So don your finest loungewear, pour the tea (or Champagne), and let’s indulge in a world where morning meals are anything but ordinary.

Yours in powdered sugar and propriety,
Slice of Southern

“There is nothing quite so powerful as a breakfast that whispers luxury and promises scandal… especially when strawberries are involved.”

– Lady Whistledown

 

Strawberries & Secrets: A French Toast Affair

The drawing-room is bathed in soft morning light, the tea has just been poured, and somewhere in the distance, a string quartet begins to play. If there were ever a dish to rival the charms of a Viscount, it would be this: Vanilla Bean Infused Strawberry French Toast, layered with sweet, ruby-red berries and kissed with the warmth of brioche.

This is no ordinary French toast—it’s a sumptuous, golden affair, infused with the floral notes of vanilla bean paste and topped with macerated strawberries that glisten like the crown jewels. One might even say it could tempt a duke to linger a little longer at the table.

A Toast to Elegance

Made with thick slices of brioche, soaked in a lightly sweetened custard, and pan-seared to a delicate crisp, this brunch dish is the very definition of refinement. Whether you're entertaining guests in a manicured garden or simply elevating your morning tea, it is sure to leave your table enchanted.

Perfect Pairings for a Bridgerton Brunch Table

• Tea pairing: Earl Grey with a hint of bergamot or a vanilla rooibos

• Libation: A delicate mimosa or sparkling rosé

• Music suggestion: Bridgerton’s instrumental cover of “thank u, next” by Ariana Grande

• Décor tip: Serve on floral china with blush pink napkins and fresh peonies or roses for Regency charm

Lady Whistledown’s Final Word

If ever there was a dish to cause a stir among the ton, this would be it.  A tender bite, a sweet kiss of strawberry, and just enough indulgence to make a lady blush. Serve it to guests—or keep it all to yourself. We won't tell.

Until next time, dear reader… may your brunch be as charming as a promenade through Mayfair.

Let’s Chat Like Ladies of the Ton 

Tried the Strawberries & Secrets French toast? Or perhaps you’ve hosted a Bridgerton Brunch of your own? Share your thoughts, tips, or twists in the comments—Lady Whistledown is all ears.

One-Pan Nacho Explosion – Bold Flavors, Big Cheesy Energy!

Bring the party to your pan – melty, meaty, and made to share! 

One-Pan Nacho Explosion – Bold Flavors, Big Cheesy Energy!

Get ready to fire up your taste buds with One-Pan Nacho Explosion – Bold Flavors, Big Cheesy Energy! This crowd-pleasing dish layers crispy tortilla chips with juicy taco-seasoned ground beef, melty cheddar and Monterey Jack, and all your favorite toppings—like tangy pickled jalapeños, fresh grape tomatoes, creamy sour cream, and zesty lime wedges. It’s a flavor-packed, no-fuss recipe that’s perfect for game nights, family dinners, or anytime you need a fast and festive meal. Best of all? It’s all done on one pan, so cleanup is a breeze!

Whether you're serving it straight from the pan for a laid-back dinner or piling it high on plates for a weekend hangout, this nacho recipe is endlessly customizable. Swap in shredded chicken or black beans for a twist, or add some salsa or a drizzle of hot sauce to turn up the flavor. However you top it, this cheesy, crunchy masterpiece is guaranteed to disappear fast—so don’t be surprised if everyone’s asking for seconds (or thirds).

Enjoy!

What Ingredients do I need?

Produce

• Yellow onion
• Garlic
• Grape tomatoes
• Lime
• Avocado (optional, for topping)

Meat

• Ground beef

Dairy

• Sharp cheddar cheese
• Monterey Jack cheese
• Sour cream

Pantry

• Olive oil
• Taco seasoning
• Tortilla chips
• Pickled jalapeño slices

Substitutions and Variations

Substitutions

• Ground beef → Ground turkey, ground chicken, or plant-based crumbles

• Want to skip meat? → Use black beans, pinto beans, or lentils for a vegetarian version

• Cheddar & Monterey Jack → Pepper Jack for a spicier kick, or mozzarella for a milder melt

• Tortilla chips → Blue corn chips, sweet potato chips, or even pita chips for a twist

• Grape tomatoes → Diced roma tomatoes or salsa

• Avocado → Guacamole or a squeeze of avocado crema

• Pickled jalapeños → Fresh jalapeño slices, banana peppers, or hot sauce

Variations

• Taco Night Twist:  Use taco shells instead of chips—break them into big chunks and layer like nachos.  Add refried beans or a layer of queso for extra indulgence.

• Veggie-Packed Nachos:  Swap beef for black beans, corn, and sautéed bell peppers or mushrooms.  Top with shredded lettuce, diced red onion, and a drizzle of avocado lime crema.

• Spicy Southwest Nachos:  Add chipotle chili powder or chopped green chiles to the beef.  Top with hot salsa, sliced jalapeños, and a sprinkle of cotija cheese.

Kitchen Tips and Notes

• Use a sturdy chip – Thin chips tend to get soggy or break under all that cheesy goodness. Go for thick-cut tortilla chips or ones labeled “restaurant style.

• Don’t overbake – You just want to melt the cheese (about 8–10 minutes). Overbaking can dry out the chips or make the toppings bitter.

• Layer for maximum flavor – Create at least two layers of chips + meat + cheese to make sure every bite gets love.

• Shred your own cheese – Pre-shredded cheese often has anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting. Shredding it fresh gives you a gooier, meltier result.

• Mix cheeses for balance – Cheddar gives sharp flavor, and Monterey Jack melts beautifully!

• Add fresh toppings after baking – Think tomatoes, avocado, jalapeños, sour cream, and lime. It keeps things vibrant and prevents sogginess.

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One-Pan Nacho Explosion 

Serves: 4

1 Tablespoon olive oil
1/2 cup yellow onion, small dice
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 pound ground beef
2 teaspoons taco seasoning
3 cups tortilla chips
1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
1 pint grape tomatoes, halved
1/2 lime, cut into wedges
1 8 oz container sour cream - for topping
1 jar pickled jalapeño slices - for topping

Preheat oven to 350°F.

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the onions until tender, then add the garlic and ground beef. Cook for 5-8 minutes, then season with the taco seasoning. Cook until the outside is no longer pink.

Spread the chips on the baking sheet and spread the ground beef mixture evenly over the chips.
Sprinkle the cheese over the ground beef and bake for 10 minutes, until the cheese has melted.

Remove from the oven and top with cherry tomatoes, avocado, jalapeno, and lime wedges. Dollop with sour cream. Serve hot.

Thai Chicken Meatball Wraps with a Sweet Chili Kick!

Bold Thai Flavors, Fresh Crunch, and a Sweet Chili Kick—These Lettuce Wraps Have It All!

Thai Chicken Meatball Wraps with a Sweet Chili Kick!

If you're craving a healthy and flavorful Thai-inspired meal, these Thai Chicken Meatball Lettuce Wraps with Sweet Chili Sauce are exactly what you need. Juicy, garlic-ginger chicken meatballs are wrapped in crisp butter lettuce, layered with crunchy vegetables, fresh cilantro, and cashews, then drizzled with a sweet and spicy chili sauce for the perfect balance of flavor. The combination of warm, savory meatballs and cool, refreshing toppings makes each bite an irresistible contrast of textures. Plus, low-carb lettuce wraps have become a go-to for those seeking healthy dinner ideas that don’t skimp on taste—offering all the enjoyment of a delicious, flavorful meal without the heaviness of traditional wraps or buns.

These easy Thai lettuce wraps are perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, a healthy spring meal, or a fresh and light lunch. Whether you're looking for a gluten-free, protein-packed recipe or a fun way to mix up your usual dinner routine, this dish delivers in both taste and convenience. The crisp vegetables and zesty cilantro bring a bright, refreshing touch, while the sweet chili sauce ties everything together with a kick of Thai-inspired flavor. High in protein, low in carbs, and packed with fresh ingredients, these wraps are the perfect healthy meal prep option for busy days.

What Ingredients do I need?

Produce:

• Yellow onion
• Garlic
• Fresh ginger
• Jalapeño
• Carrots
• Orange bell pepper
• Cucumber
• Scallions
• Cilantro
• Butter or Boston lettuce
• Lime

Protein:

• Ground chicken
• Eggs

Pantry & Dry Goods:

• Panko bread crumbs
• Cashews
• Cooked rice
• Sweet chili sauce
• Soy sauce

Other:

• Cooking spray

Substitutions and Variations

Substitutions

• Ground chicken → Ground turkey or ground pork (for a similar texture and flavor)

• Butter/Boston lettuce → Romaine or iceberg lettuce (for a sturdier wrap)

• Jalapeño → Red pepper flakes or serrano pepper (for more or less heat) or leave it out all together

• Panko bread crumbs → Crushed crackers 

• Cooked rice → Cauliflower rice or quinoa (for a lower-carb alternative)

Variations

• Spicy Sriracha Peanut Wraps:  Swap sweet chili sauce for a spicy peanut sauce (mix peanut butter, sriracha, soy sauce, and lime juice).  Add crushed peanuts instead of cashews.  Top with a drizzle of extra sriracha for a fiery kick!

• Tropical Thai Wraps:  Add diced mango or pineapple for a sweet and tangy contrast.  Swap cashews for toasted coconut flakes for extra tropical flair.  Use Thai basil instead of cilantro for a unique flavor twist.

• Teriyaki Glazed Wraps:  Swap sweet chili sauce for a homemade or store-bought teriyaki glaze.  Add sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers for a stir-fry-inspired variation.  Sprinkle with sesame seeds for extra crunch.

Kitchen Tips and Notes

• Use a cookie scoop – This ensures evenly sized meatballs, which cook uniformly under the broiler.

• Broiling for a crispy exterior – Broiling gives the meatballs a slight char, but you can also pan-fry or bake them at 400°F (200°C) for about 15 minutes.

• Meal prep friendly – Make the meatballs ahead of time and store them in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Just reheat and assemble!

• Lettuce storage hack – Keep butter lettuce fresh by storing it in a damp paper towel inside an airtight container in the fridge.

• Make it a rice bowl – If you don’t have lettuce or want a heartier meal, serve everything over jasmine or brown rice instead!

    Equipment You May Need    

• Mixing bowls – For combining the meatball mixture and tossing the veggies.
• Cutting board & knife – For chopping vegetables, herbs, and aromatics.
• Microplane  – To easily grate fresh ginger.
• Baking sheet & foil – For broiling the meatballs (lining with foil makes cleanup easier).
• Cookie scoop (optional) – For evenly portioning the meatballs.
• Tongs or Spoon – For assembling the wraps neatly.

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Thai Chicken Meatball Wraps with a Sweet Chili Kick!

serves 4

1 recipe Thai Chicken Meatballs (see below)
1 cup shredded carrots
1 small orange bell pepper, julienned to 1/2-inch pieces
1/2 cup cucumbers, julienned
2 scallions, white and green parts sliced
1 small heads Butter or Boston lettuce, leaves separated
1 cups cooked rice
1/4 cup chopped cilantro, plus more for garnish
1/4 cup cashews
Sweet chili sauce
Lime wedges

 
In a medium bowl toss together carrots, bell peppers, cilantro, cucumber, and scallions.

 
To serve: Top a lettuce leaf with a spoonful of rice, 2 or 3 warm meatballs, and some of the vegetable mixture, extra cilantro, and cashews. Drizzle with chili sauce and a squeeze of lime.

Thai Chicken Meatballs

yield:  15 meatballs  

1/2 small yellow onion, small diced
1 clove garlic, minced
1 teaspoons fresh grated ginger
1/2 jalapeño, seeded, small diced
1 pound ground chicken
1/4 cup packed cilantro, chopped
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1/4 cup panko bread crumbs
1 egg whites

In a large bowl, combine onion, garlic, ginger, and jalapeño, chicken, cilantro, soy sauce, bread crumbs and egg whites.  Using a gentle hand mix until incorporated and ingredients are spread throughout.  

Heat broiler to high and place rack 6 inches from heat. Line a baking sheet with foil and lightly coat with cooking spray.

Use a 2-tablespoon cookie scoop, portion mixture into about 15 balls. Shape into meatballs. Arrange on prepared baking sheet.

Broil until meatballs are lightly browned, about 4 minutes. Turn meatballs over and broil another 4 minutes. 

adapted from:  Live Life Deliciously by Tara Teaspoon