How to Make Pizza- With a Preschooler
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Cooking is messy, time consuming, and doesn’t always turn out the way we imagine. It can be hard to feel like it’s worth it. But, let me tell you, IT IS! Cooking with young children is a fantastic way to build foundational skills in math and motor skill control all while having fun and building warm memories around food. To enjoy this process together, preparation is key!.
One of our favorite cooking activities at The Kitchen Garden Playschool is making homemade pizza! The recipe is easy to split so each child can make their own dough, add their own toppings, and feel proud of making their own meal, while still being in a group.
Preparing the ingredients ahead of time
One of the best ways to make cooking with preschoolers a joyful (rather than chaotic) experience is to prep ingredients ahead of time. Think of it like setting up an art project—you wouldn’t hand a three-year-old a giant bottle of glue and a stack of construction paper and hope for the best! The same goes for cooking. Before inviting little hands into the kitchen, take a few minutes to measure out ingredients into small bowls, pre-chop anything that requires a sharp knife, and set out the tools they’ll need.
Prepping ingredients also makes it easier to focus on the fun parts—stirring, pouring, and, of course, taste-testing! Instead of scrambling to dice an onion while a curious child tries to climb onto the counter, you can be present and engaged. When we make something like banana muffins in my preschool, I’ll pre-mash the bananas just enough so the kids can finish the job without struggling, crack the eggs into a separate bowl in case of rogue shells, and have a little measuring cup with the right amount of flour so they can pour it in themselves.
This small bit of prep work helps keep things moving smoothly and ensures the children feel successful and involved from start to finish. Plus, fewer mess-related meltdowns mean more time for giggles and licking the spoon (because let’s be honest, that’s the best part).
No-Rise Pizza Dough Recipe
This simple no-rise dough recipe is quick to make and perfect for little hands. It eliminates the need for yeast, making the process faster and easier for young chefs.
Ingredients (For Each Child’s Individual Pizza)
- ¾ cup + 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ⅓ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- ¼ cup warm water (plus extra if needed)
Instructions
- Mix Dry Ingredients: Each child gets a small bowl to mix the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Pour in the olive oil and warm water, stirring with a fork until the dough begins to form.
- Knead the Dough: With clean hands, children knead the dough in their bowls until it becomes smooth (about one minute). This is a great way to build hand strength and coordination!
- Shape the Dough: Kids can roll or pat their dough into a pizza shape, roughly 6-7 inches across.
- Add Toppings: Spread sauce and sprinkle cheese and toppings of choice. Let kids get creative!
- Bake: Place on a baking sheet and bake at 450°F for 8-10 minutes or until the crust is golden brown.
The Benefits of Cooking with Preschoolers
Cooking provides numerous developmental benefits for young children:
- Fine and Gross Motor Skills: Kneading, rolling, and shaping dough helps strengthen the muscles in little hands, improving fine motor skills essential for writing, cutting, and other daily activities.
- Sensory Exploration: Feeling the texture of flour, dough, sauce, and cheese provides a rich sensory experience that supports cognitive development.
- Early Math and Science Skills: Measuring ingredients introduces kids to basic math concepts like counting and volume, while watching dough transform in the oven offers a fun science lesson.
- Encourages Healthy Eating Habits: Kids are more likely to try new foods when they participate in making them. Preparing pizza with fresh ingredients can encourage an appreciation for whole foods.
- Boosts Confidence and Independence: Allowing children to mix, knead, and assemble their pizzas gives them a sense of ownership and accomplishment, fostering independence and self-esteem.
The Joy of Cooking Together
These moments in the kitchen create bonds that last a lifetime. They inspire curiosity about the food on our plate and understanding of the hard work it takes to get it there. In our fast paced world, slowing down, and cooking together can be a remedy for more than just picky eating. It can get back some of the warmth our instant kitchens have lost. So set aside the time, prep the ingredients for small hands, and bake the memories that will last a lifetime.
Want more fun kitchen ideas? Follow along for more kid-friendly recipes and educational activities!
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