With an autumnal chill in the air and Premier League in full swing, we can’t think of a better way to spend an afternoon than having some friends over to watch the big game and cheer on our favourite teams. Of course, a day hunkered down in front of the telly also provides the perfect opportunity to enjoy some incredible food and drink – and what goes better with football than pizza and beer? Whether you’re up for making Italian-style pies from scratch or you’re willing to cut a few corners to keep things simple, here’s how to make game day great with authentic pizza and pale lagers from Diforti’s Italian deli online.
Making a Phenomenal Pizza
When it comes to pizza, nothing beats a homemade dough – but for some home cooks, the idea of working with yeast, kneading by hand and letting it rise can be a bit intimidating. Never fear! If you’re up for prepping a bit in advance, this easy No Knead Pizza Dough recipe is perfect for quelling any anxiety you may have about making your own dough. However, if you’re less than enthusiastic about whipping up a pizza dough (or you’re short on time), buying a ready-made dough or crust from your local Italian delicatessen in London is great, too – toppings can take any pie to the next level.
Start with a quality tomato sauce (our Sicilian Cherry Tomato Sauce works a treat!) and then place torn pieces of mozzarella di bufala on the pizza. Add your favourite toppings – we love mixed olives, salami, veggies like mushrooms, tomatoes or red peppers, plus a few dollops of pesto and an extra sprinkling of Parmigiano-Reggiano for good measure.
Now, you might not want to pile all of these toppings on a single pie (though we certainly won’t stop you from making your fully loaded pizza dreams come true). Practising a little self-restraint and keeping pizza simple can pay off. Who doesn’t love the classic combination of a slice with tomato, cheese and basil? That’s authentic Italian food at its finest!
No matter what your preference, be sure to make a few different pizzas so you and your guests have some variety to choose from. That way, you can satisfy all your cravings – and you might even have some leftovers to snack on later.
Choosing the Best Beers
Your pizzas are baking away in the oven, and that means it’s time to crack open a cold one. For a well-balanced brew, try a Peroni Nastro Azzurro. Its citrusy aroma and crisp dryness offset the acidity of a tomato-heavy pizza perfectly. For a beer that’s slightly fruitier, Birra Moretti is an excellent option. It’s particularly good with a white pizza that’s topped delicately with greens and a tangy cheese. And if you want a beer that’s strong, flavourful, malty and bold, you should go with Peroni Gran Riserva – it’s a brew that stands up to meaty pizzas and those loaded with briny olives and anchovies.
If you’ve got plans to watch the game, why not make a day of it? Gather your mates and show off your pizza-making, beer-drinking, yelling-at-the-midfielder-to-pass-the-ball-already skills. It’s sure to be the highlight of your week!