Perfect pizza recipes for Italian-inspired entertaining – and other clever ideas with dough

Pizza is the perfect thing to serve at relaxed gatherings, as it's a social, sharable dish that can be tailored to all tastes and preferences. Whether you prefer a classic Neapolitan or are more adventurous with your toppings, these pizza recipes are everything you need to keep your guests coming back for more and more, and more.

We've included the basics, such as the best-ever pizza dough to some alternative ideas to make with it, from focaccia and flatbread to citrussy crackers to elevate desserts.

If you're in the market for one of the best pizza ovens we've whittled down the best in our guide. But even if you don't have one or plan to buy one, with the right techniques and quality ingredients, you can achieve pizzeria-quality results in your regular oven.

Best ever pizza dough and quick tomato sauce

Having a couple of reliable basic pizza recipes in your culinary repertoire is the essential foundation for good quality pizza. A light Italian-style pizza dough takes a little patience, but as it crisps up to form a golden crust with a fluffy center, you'll realize that putting in the time was worthwhile. And if you're after a Neapolitan-style pie, you won't want to be without this quick and versatile tomato sauce to slather generously on your base.

Pizza Bianco

This simple, yet elegant twist is an ideal option for those who favor creamy toppings over a tomato base. With ricotta, buffalo mozzarella and Parmesan, this pizza bianco recipe is a cheesy, yet surprisingly light alternative, with a flavor hit from red chilies and peppery rocket and spring onion.

Cherry tomato and basil oil focaccia

Bursting with the sweetness of roast tomatoes and infused with fragrant basil oil, this cherry tomato focaccia recipe, made with pizza dough makes a wonderful tear-and-share dish for a party or an elevated bread-based side, plus leaving the stems on when you cook it lends a relaxed and rustic look to the finished dish.

Alsace-style tarte flambée

Lending a nod to the traditional French tartiflette dish (without the potato), this Alsace-style tarte features caramelized onions, crispy bacon and crème fraîche for a flavorful topping combination. Plus, it's ready in just 15 minutes, making it an easy win for a quick lunch, light supper or dinner with friends.

Artichoke, olive and parma ham pizza with an egg on top

This classic pizza base is loaded with quality ingredients that will have you Googling your nearest Italian deli, taking traditional combinations to the next level. The egg, when golden and runny, adds an indulgent richness that complements the salty Parma ham, umami-packed olives and earthy artichokes to perfection.

Garlic and herb flatbreads

Whether served as part of an antipasti spread of antipasti, paired with homemade dips, or enjoyed as a side to classic Italian pasta and salad dishes, these garlic and herb flatbreads are plump and generous with a fragrant oil that makes them look like they've come straight from an authentic pizzeria.

Sweet lemon, cinnamon and olive oil crackers

Light, crisp and citrussy, these sweet lemon, cinnamon and olive oil crackers are the ideal way to finish your Italian-style feast, particularly when paired with a couple of scoops of creamy gelato, and perhaps a glass of limoncello spritz.