National Pizza with Everything (Except Anchovies) Day

A Slice of Celebration: National Pizza with Everything (Except Anchovies) Day with Good Thyme Gal 🍕🌿

Mark your calendars, pizza lovers, November 12th is National Pizza with Everything (Except Anchovies) Day! This fun and flavorful food holiday celebrates one of the most universally loved dishes: pizza piled high with all your favorite toppings. It’s a day for creativity, indulgence, and community, values that align beautifully with Good Thyme Gal’s mission of bringing people together through food that’s full of heart, flavor, and inclusivity.

🍕 What Is National Pizza with Everything (Except Anchovies) Day?

This delicious holiday is all about celebrating the joy of variety. On November 12th, pizza fans across the country load their pies with a colorful array of toppings, from pepperoni and sausage to veggies, cheese, and herbs, but there’s one rule: no anchovies allowed.

Anchovies, with their strong and salty flavor, can be polarizing. This day gives everyone permission to enjoy pizza in all its cheesy, customizable glory, without the debate. Whether you prefer a crispy thin crust, deep dish, or gluten-free base, the goal is to celebrate abundance, creativity, and the communal joy of sharing a meal.

🌿 Why National Pizza with Everything (Except Anchovies) Day Matters

Pizza is more than just food, it’s a unifier. Every culture has its own version of flatbread topped with flavorful ingredients, from Italian margheritas to Turkish pide and Middle Eastern manakeesh. On National Pizza with Everything (Except Anchovies) Day, we celebrate not only the dish but also the connections it creates.

Here’s why this holiday is meaningful and perfectly in tune with Good Thyme Gal’s food philosophy:

1. It Encourages Creativity in the KitchenAt Good Thyme Gal, we believe cooking should be joyful and approachable. Pizza is the ultimate canvas for expression, you can make it your own with seasonal ingredients, fresh herbs, and flavors that fit your mood or dietary needs.

2. It Celebrates TogethernessPizza nights bring people together. Whether you’re gathering family around the table, having friends over for game night, or baking solo for some self-care, pizza fosters connection, and that’s the heart of everything we stand for at Good Thyme Gal.

3. It Promotes Inclusivity and AccessibilityFrom plant-based toppings to gluten-free crusts, pizza can be adapted to nearly every lifestyle. That flexibility reflects Good Thyme Gal’s commitment to equitable and inclusive cooking, food that everyone can enjoy, regardless of preference or dietary restrictions.

4. It’s a Reminder to Find Joy in the Simple ThingsNational Pizza with Everything (Except Anchovies) Day reminds us that happiness doesn’t have to be complicated. Sometimes, all you need is good dough, good sauce, and good thyme (pun intended) to create something worth celebrating.

🍅 Equitable Recipe: “Everything But Anchovies” Homemade Pizza

🛒 Ingredients:

For the Dough (or use store-bought crust):

• 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast

• 1 cup warm water

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose or whole wheat flour

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tsp salt

• 1 tsp sugar

For the Toppings:

• ½ cup pizza sauce (homemade or jarred)

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

• ¼ cup sliced mushrooms

• ¼ cup diced bell peppers (any color)

• ¼ cup sliced black olives

• ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced

• ¼ cup cooked Italian sausage or turkey sausage (optional)

• 6–8 pepperoni slices (optional)

• Fresh basil and thyme for garnish

• Crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

👩‍🍳 Instructions:

1. Make the Dough (if homemade):In a bowl, combine yeast, warm water, and sugar. Let sit for 5 minutes until frothy. Add flour, salt, and olive oil, then knead for 5–7 minutes until smooth. Cover and let rise for 1 hour.

2. Preheat the Oven:Heat your oven to 475°F (245°C). Place a pizza stone or baking sheet inside to warm.

3. Shape and Sauce:Roll out your dough into a 12-inch circle. Spread a thin layer of pizza sauce over the surface, leaving a small border for the crust.

4. Add the “Everything” Toppings:Layer on mozzarella, mushrooms, peppers, onions, olives, and sausage or pepperoni, but remember, no anchovies allowed!

5. Bake to Perfection:Transfer your pizza to the hot baking sheet and bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the crust is golden and cheese is bubbly.

6. Garnish and Serve:Sprinkle with fresh basil, thyme, and a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra flavor. Slice and serve hot.

🌟 Why This Day Aligns with Good Thyme Gal

At Good Thyme Gal, we’re passionate about food that brings joy, connection, and creativity to the table. National Pizza with Everything (Except Anchovies) Day captures those values perfectly. It’s a celebration of abundance, not just in toppings, but in gratitude, imagination, and community.

Cooking and sharing a pizza reminds us that life is best when it’s shared, messy, and delicious, much like our approach to food and storytelling.

So this November 12th, grab your favorite ingredients, invite someone you love to join you, and make a pizza that’s as vibrant and bold as you are. Because when it comes to celebrating food, Good Thyme Gal believes there’s always room for everything… except anchovies. 😉🍕