An Epic Grown-Up Pizza & Homemade Ice Cream Party: Recipes, Friends & Festive Feasting

It all began with Foodbuzz’s 24, 24, 24, an incredible program that encourages food bloggers to host culinary events and share their stories. This month, I submitted my idea for an elevated “grown-up” pizza and homemade ice cream party to the fantastic team at Foodbuzz, and to my delight, they accepted it! The concept for this party came to me quite naturally. If you know me, you’ll know that pizza has been a constant in my life since childhood. My parents have owned a pizzeria since I was just four years old, so I’ve truly seen more pizza than most people can imagine – and that’s no exaggeration. This idea also stemmed from a recent observation: as parents of young children, pizza and ice cream nights often revolve around kid-friendly preferences. While those moments are wonderful, I realized it was time to treat ourselves, the adults, to a version that was a little more sophisticated, a little more adventurous, and undeniably more delicious. We deserved a gourmet pizza experience paired with artisanal homemade ice cream, creating an unforgettable evening of culinary delight.

Planning the Ultimate Gourmet Pizza & Ice Cream Extravaganza

Every great party begins with meticulous planning, and this grown-up gathering was no exception. I immediately reached out to my trusted inner circle – my foodie friends and their wonderful spouses – to brainstorm an exciting menu. I knew they would bring fantastic ideas to the table, and they certainly delivered! Together, we envisioned a selection of unique, gourmet pizzas and a delightful array of homemade ice cream flavors that would elevate our usual pizza night into a truly special occasion. We discussed flavor profiles, ingredient pairings, and how to create a menu that catered to diverse tastes while remaining cohesive. Once the delectable menu was finalized, we all convened in Aggie’s Kitchen on a bright, sunny Saturday afternoon in beautiful Florida. With refreshing fruity white sangria already in hand, we prepared to pull together a feast that promised fun and flavor for everyone, kids included, of course, though this event was designed with the adults firmly in mind.

Refreshing Sips: Crafting Allison’s Signature Sangria

Before diving into the pizza preparations, our first order of business was to ensure the beverages were perfectly chilled and ready to serve. What better way to kick off a sunny Florida afternoon party than with a vibrant, homemade sangria? It’s the ideal drink for social gatherings, offering a light, fruity, and immensely refreshing counterpoint to the rich flavors of pizza. Allison’s Sangria quickly became the official drink of the day, setting a relaxed and festive tone for our culinary adventure. The beauty of sangria lies in its simplicity and ability to be prepared ahead of time, allowing hosts to mingle and enjoy their guests rather than being stuck behind the bar. Plus, with its beautiful medley of fresh fruit, it adds a lovely aesthetic touch to any party spread.

Allison’s Sangria Recipe

This recipe is incredibly versatile; feel free to adjust the amount of fruit or liquor to your preference. Preparing it a day in advance allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making it even more delicious.

• 2 – 750ml bottles of wine (red or white, depending on your preference)
• 1 cup of rum or brandy
• 1 cup of triple sec or orange liqueur
• 2/3 cup of orange juice
• 6 oz. of lemonade concentrate
• 4 cups of ginger ale
• Orange, lemon, lime slices for garnish
• Additional chopped fruit (such as apples, berries, or peaches), optional

Instructions: Combine the wine, rum/brandy, triple sec, orange juice, and lemonade concentrate in a large pitcher or dispenser. Stir well and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or ideally, overnight. Just before serving, add the ginger ale and fresh fruit slices. Serve over ice and enjoy!

The Heart of the Party: A Collaborative Pizza-Making Workshop

As the sangria chilled, it was time to get to work – though everyone was delighted to discover this was very much a “working party”! With a kitchen full of eager hands, we had abundant staff for all the slicing, dicing, and chopping that lay ahead. This communal cooking aspect truly makes a party special, turning meal preparation into part of the entertainment. There’s a unique satisfaction in preparing a meal together, sharing stories and laughter over a chopping board. We made sure to treat ourselves exceptionally well by sourcing and utilizing only the highest quality ingredients. Our selection included exquisite Prosciutto di Parma, rich Genoa Salami, fragrant fresh basil picked right from the garden, homemade roasted red peppers bursting with flavor, a unique Fig Balsamico Dressing from a cherished local restaurant, and spicy fresh Mexican Chorizo. For the foundation of our gourmet pizzas, all the dough was freshly prepared and picked up from our reliable Publix bakery, ensuring a perfect crust for every creation. This attention to detail in ingredient selection is what truly elevates a simple pizza night into a gourmet adult experience.

(Allison, our dedicated prep chef, ensuring everything is perfectly chopped and ready!)

Setting Up the Pizza Station for Success

Transforming our kitchen counter into a bustling pizza-making station was surprisingly simple. All you truly need is a clean, spacious counter, a good bottle of olive oil, a dusting of flour to prevent sticking, and, ideally, a pizza stone for that perfect crispy crust. We spread out all our premium ingredients in an organized fashion, creating a colorful and inviting spread. The atmosphere was vibrant with laughter and conversation as everyone eagerly got involved in stretching dough, spreading sauces, and artfully arranging toppings. There’s something incredibly satisfying about creating your own pizza from scratch, and it’s even more fun when you’re doing it with friends. It was wonderful to see everyone’s creativity shine as they crafted their own unique pizza masterpieces, anticipating the delicious results.

Now, onto the exciting part: making the pizza!

(Our efficient pizza making station: a clean counter, olive oil, flour, and a hot pizza stone were all we needed for delicious homemade pies.)

(And to our pleasant surprise, Dan actually knew what he was doing with that pizza dough – a true natural!)

(The master and his apprentice, collaborating on a delicious pizza creation.)

(This is where the magic truly began – a blank canvas for culinary creativity.)

(Our efficient assembly line, ensuring every pizza was loaded with delicious toppings before heading to the oven.)

Showcasing the Delicious Pizza Creations

After much laughter, collaboration, and a little bit of friendly competition, here are the incredible and delicious pizza creations that emerged from our kitchen. Each one was a testament to the creativity and palate of our wonderful friends, truly elevating our “grown-up” pizza party to gourmet status. The aromas filling the kitchen were simply intoxicating!

Larry’s Italian Stallion Pizza:

Larry’s creation was a robust blend of classic Italian deli flavors, a true homage to hearty, delicious traditions. This pizza was designed for those who appreciate rich, savory meats and aromatic herbs, creating a taste profile that was both familiar and excitingly premium.

• Tomato Sauce
• Mozzarella Cheese
• Prosciutto di Parma, chopped
• Genoa Salami, chopped
• Roasted Red Peppers
• Asiago Cheese shavings
• Fresh Basil

(Larry proudly enjoying his magnificent creation with appreciative friends, making for a truly memorable moment.)

Allison’s Harmoni Special Pizza:

Allison’s pizza was a sophisticated sweet and savory combination, featuring the exquisite Fig Balsamic Preserves from Harmoni Artisan Meal Market, which added a unique depth of flavor. The rich bacon and tangy blue cheese provided a delightful contrast, making each bite an exploration of delicious textures and tastes.

• Fig Balsamic Preserves from Harmoni Artisan Meal Market
• Cooked Crumbled Bacon
• Sliced Tomatoes
• Crumbled Blue Cheese

Dan’s Mexican Pizza:

Dan brought a vibrant, south-of-the-border twist to our pizza selection. This Mexican-inspired pizza was loaded with flavorful, crumbly chorizo and a rich blend of Mexican cheeses, then topped with fresh, crisp vegetables after baking, offering a lively and spicy kick that was incredibly popular with everyone.

• Tomato Sauce
• Shredded Mexican Cheese blend
• Crumbled Mexican Chorizo sausage
• Fresh Toppings (added after baking): shredded lettuce, chopped tomatoes, and chopped onions

Rocky’s Spinach Alfredo Pizza:


Drawing inspiration from my family’s pizzeria, Rocky’s, this Spinach Alfredo Pizza was a creamy, decadent option that perfectly balanced rich flavors with the freshness of spinach. It was a comforting yet sophisticated choice that quickly became a crowd favorite, offering a different texture and taste profile from the tomato-based options.

• Spinach White Cream Sauce: Melt 2-4 tablespoons butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in 2 tablespoons of flour, cooking for 1-2 minutes to create a roux. Gradually add 2 cups of half and half to the butter mixture, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Add a dash of salt, pepper, and freshly ground nutmeg to the cream. Bring to a gentle simmer, continuing to stir constantly to avoid the bottom of the pan burning. Simmer for a few minutes until the sauce starts to thicken to your desired consistency. Remove the sauce from heat and allow it to cool to room temperature. Finally, fold in 8 ounces of thawed, chopped frozen spinach.
• Parmesan Cheese
• Mozzarella Cheese

The Perfect Sweet Ending: Indulgent Homemade Ice Creams

No “grown-up” pizza party would be complete without a sensational sweet finale, and nothing beats the creamy indulgence of freshly homemade ice cream. This was the ideal way to conclude our fantastic meal, offering two distinct and utterly delicious flavors that left everyone craving more. Making ice cream from scratch adds a special touch to any gathering, allowing for custom flavors and an unparalleled freshness that store-bought simply can’t match. It’s the perfect, cool counterpoint to the rich, savory pizzas we had just enjoyed, ensuring our evening ended on a high, sweet note.

Coconut Lime Crunch Ice Cream
Recipe adapted from 125 Best Ice Cream Recipes

This tropical-inspired ice cream was a refreshing burst of flavor, with the bright zest of lime cutting through the creamy coconut, all complemented by the delightful crunch of graham crackers. It was an unbelievably creamy treat, perfect for a warm Florida day and a fantastic palate cleanser after all the savory pizzas. The combination of sweet, tangy, and crunchy was a true delight.

• 1 can (15 oz) coconut cream
• 1 1/2 cups whipping cream
• 1 cup milk
• 1/2 cup sweetened flaked coconut
• Zest from 2 limes
• Graham crackers, broken into small pieces

Instructions: In a blender or food processor, combine the coconut cream, whipping cream, milk, flaked coconut, and lime zest. Process until thoroughly blended and smooth. Transfer the mixture to your ice cream maker and freeze according to the manufacturer’s instructions. About 5 minutes before the ice cream is completely churned and firm, add the broken graham crackers to the mixture. This ensures they retain some crunch. Transfer the finished ice cream to an airtight container and freeze for at least 1 hour before serving to allow it to firm up properly.

(The bright lime zest added such a wonderfully refreshing flavor to this unbelievably creamy coconut ice cream, making it an instant favorite and a perfect tropical escape.)

Dulce de Leche Ice Cream
Recipe from Smitten Kitchen

For those who prefer a richer, more decadent dessert, our Dulce de Leche Ice Cream was an absolute dream. Made with Christina’s incredible homemade dulce de leche, this ice cream offered a deep, caramelized sweetness and a velvety texture that was utterly irresistible. The optional toasted pecans added a lovely nutty crunch and a layer of sophistication, completing this luxurious treat and leaving a lasting impression of sweet indulgence.

(We were lucky enough to use Christina’s fantastic homemade Dulce de Leche for this recipe, which truly made all the difference in its rich, authentic flavor and creamy texture.)

• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 pound dulce de leche (about 1 2/3 cups) (learn how to make your own)
• 1/8 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 3/4 cup chopped pecans (2 1/2 to 3 oz), toasted (optional, but highly recommended for added texture and flavor)

Instructions: Bring the whole milk and heavy cream just to a boil in a 3-quart heavy saucepan over moderate heat. Remove from heat immediately and whisk in the dulce de leche until it is completely dissolved and smooth. Whisk in the pure vanilla extract. Transfer this mixture to a metal bowl. To quick-chill the mixture, place this bowl into a larger bowl filled with ice and cold water, stirring occasionally until the mixture is thoroughly cold, which typically takes 15 to 20 minutes. Freeze the chilled mixture in your ice cream maker according to the manufacturer’s instructions until it is almost firm. If using, gently fold in the toasted chopped pecans during the last few minutes of churning. Transfer the ice cream to an airtight container and place it in the freezer to harden for at least 1 hour before serving to achieve the perfect scoopable consistency.

Cheers to Great Food & Wonderful Friends!

Our grown-up pizza and homemade ice cream party was an absolute triumph – a perfect blend of delicious food, creative culinary collaboration, and heartwarming camaraderie. It truly showcased how much fun and flavor can be had when friends come together to create something special and elevate a simple meal into an extraordinary event. The joy of sharing good food and good company is unmatched, and this party was a beautiful testament to that. Thank you to everyone involved for making it such an unforgettable and enjoyable time, filled with delicious memories that we’ll cherish for years to come!