These 15 Recipes, Tools + Upgrades Will Seriously Level Up Your Homemade Pizza

homemade pizza

We're pretty sure there's no better way to spend a Friday night than making homemade pizza and watching a movie. But classic combos like cheese and pepperoni can get old when you've been eating them since elementary school. From sauces to fun appliances, once you try these 16 ideas, you'll never go back to regular pizza!

    Toppings

    Mike's Hot Honey Original ($11)

    Drizzle some hot honey on top of your pie before or after taking it out of the oven. It'll offer a sweet and spicy kick that goes with just about everything.

    Applewood Smoked Honey Maple Pecans ($9)

    A little bit sweet, a little bit salty, and a whole lot of crunchy, these babies are the perfect way to add texture to pizza. Even though maple pecan is usually a fall flavor, you don't have to wait for September to sprinkle them on.

    Smallhold Fancy Mushroom Pack ($35)

    If you love mushrooms on your pizza (we're big fans), step up your game with these nutty, subtle Lion's Mane mushrooms.

    Creminelli Artisan Prosciutto ($7)

    This salty meat isn't just for charcuterie boards, although brie would make for another great homemade pizza upgrade! Replace your usual pepperoni with prosciutto for a whole new flavor.

    Best Pizza Ovens

    Camp Chef Italia Artisan Pizza Oven ($400)

    This portable oven will give you artisan pizza without leaving your own backyard. It's designed to replicate wood-fired brick ovens, and since you have total control over the heat, you can get your pie just right.

    Sienna Brick Textured Pizza Oven ($167, was $200)

    This oven is handmade in Mexico. Since it's made from clay (and you need to build a fire to cook with it), you'll get the flavor you can only get from real clay ovens!

    Big Horn Stainless Steel Pizza Oven ($243)

    You can take apart this oven for all your cleaning, storage, and moving needs, and it takes just a few minutes to be assembled and installed. After it's done preheating, your pizzas can cook in as little as two minutes, and it works with other foods too!

    Roccbox ($499)

    Even though this restaurant-grade portable oven (which uses gas or wood) can reach temps over 900 degrees, the safe-touch silicone jacket will keep friends and family members from burning themselves.

    Other Appliances

    Pizza Scizza ($35)

    If you're over pizza rollers, use these pizza scissors instead! The appliance has a spatula end so that you can slide it under the crust and cut, even if it's not sitting on a cutting board.

    Pizza Roulette Cut & Serve Board ($50)

    This board is a surefire way to make any pizza dinner more fun. Everyone's chores are revealed when they grab a slice, and it'll make cleaning easy as (pizza) pie.

    Black Metal Spiral Cone ($7)

    You don't need to change up your flavors or toppings for a whole new pizza experience! Roll up your pie while it's still hot and rest it in this spiral to help it keep its shape.

    Pizza Cutter Wheel ($11)

    This compact pizza cutter takes up a lot less space than its counterparts, and it disassembles so you can give it a thorough cleaning when you need to.

    Unique Pizza Toppings + Recipes

    Image via A Spicy Perspective

    Sweet + Salty

    Fig Prosciutto Pizza

    An easy way to bring these two flavor profiles together is to top your pizza with fruit and meat. Case in point? This delicious recipe that bring figs and prosciutto to the forefront. (via A Spicy Perspective)

    Hot + Cold

    Cheeseburger Pizza

    Bake the meat and cheese into this pie for a different take on the classic cheeseburger, but once it's ready to be served, add some pickles and onions fresh from the fridge. (via Brit + Co)

    Dinner + Dessert

    S’mores Dessert Pizza

    Pizzas aren't exclusive to dinner! Whip up a sweet pizza for dessert or a midnight snack. This s'mores recipe is one of our faves and makes for a great campfire recipe. (via Brit + Co)

      Follow us on Pinterest and for more homemade pizza and summer recipe ideas!

      Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

      Featured photo viaYoav Aziz/Unsplash.

      As much as I adore coffee, you could not convince me to drink it black. I like my drinks sweet (but not too sweet) and creamy (but not too creamy), with plenty of flavor that doesn’t drown out the actual coffee notes. But sometimes, the classic coffee-creamer combo gets old and I need a way to spice up my morning joe. Luckily, there are endless ways to upgrade coffee that take your brew from boring to beautiful.

      I polled my inner circle (we’re all coffee snobs to a degree) about their #1 favorite add-in that truly makes their coffee shine. These 6 simple coffee upgrades are all affordable, easy, and compatible with all kinds of brewing methods. Next time your pick-me-up needs a pick-me-up, try out one of these hacks!

      Brigitte Tohm / PEXELS

      1. Lavender

      Lavender in a latte is sheer heaven. I’ve DIY’ed my own lavender syrup before (it’s too easy), but you can also buy it ready-made! Any sort of syrup makes for an easy coffee upgrade, really. Brands like Jordan's Skinny Mixes and Torani are my go-to’s, and they sell a vast array of flavors to suit any taste!

      Lisa Fotios / PEXELS

      2. Cinnamon

      I’m convinced cinnamon belongs in everything. I put it in my protein pancakes, yogurt bowls, and cookies, but it’s also a supreme add-in for coffee and even matcha lattes! The warm flavor notes of cinnamon are also perfect for cozying up in the fall and winter.

      Julissa Helmuth / PEXELS

      3. Honey

      Cinnamon in coffee gets even better when you put honey in the mix with cinnamon. It’s one of my pal’s absolute go-to’s in lattes (hot or iced), but it also works just as well in hot drip coffees or cold brews.

      Andrea Davis / PEXELS

      4. Oat milk

      Oat milk (or milk of any kind) is a perfect coffee hack for those who can’t stand black coffee. It helps cut the sharpness and acidity of the brew, adding some creaminess and color to each sip. I find that oat milk is the best pairing for breakfast time!

      Amazon

      5. Protein shake

      In place of milk, I also really like adding a splash of a protein shake to my coffee for a dose of creaminess and flavor. The protein is just an added bonus!

      I really love Koia’s protein shakes since they sell a lot of different flavors, from Cinnamon Cereal to Pumpkin Spice.

      JaYoung Choi / PEXELS

      6. Brown sugar

      I’ve used brown sugar many times to make a Starbucks copycat brown sugar shaken espresso right at home. I’ll simply add equal parts instant coffee and brown sugar to a mason jar with ice, shake it up, and top it off with cinnamon and milk.

      If you prefer sipping on something a little less fancy, adding a spoonful to a plain hot coffee could be really delightful, too!

      Target

      7. Cold foam

      The final (and tastiest) coffee hack I drink on the regular is cold foam! Target sells a good range of cold foam cans in various flavors, but I’ve really come to love the salted caramel iteration. It’s perfect for topping of iced coffees for a nice mid-day treat!

      Subscribe to our newsletter to discover more food + drink hacks!

      Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

      "What would you do if your entire family, and your hometown, set you up to find love?" That's the question Ashley Williams poses in the first Small Town Setup trailer, coming to Hallmark+ in 2025. And if anyone has the answer, I have no doubt it's Hallmark — if anyone knows about warm, cozy, and sappy romance it's them! Even if you're not a huge reality dating show fan (or if you couldn't stop watching Reese Witherspoon's Love in Fairhope) this is one January TV show you won't want to miss.

      Here's everything we know about Hallmark's dating show Small Town Setup, hosted by Ashley Williams.

      'Small Town Setup' puts you right in a Hallmark movie.

      All six episodes of Small Town Setup premieres on Hallmark+ on Thursday, January 2, 2025, and is hosted by Ashley Williams, who you'll recognize from movies like Falling Together and Two Tickets to Paradise as well as How I Met Your Mother.

      Just like your favorite Hallmark movies are all about finding love, Small Town Setup focuses on singles coupling up. The show will follow a single who "has made it in the big city, but has yet to find love." And their concerned parents (definitely a Hallmark trope and an IRL trope...) get the whole neighborhood involved in finding three potential matches.

      "When the singleton arrives home for a visit, they are presented with dating options curated by their hometown. After three dates, will they find love in their hometown? Or head back to the big city? All is revealed at a big town hall event, full of heart, warmth, and a few laughs along the way."

      Okay, getting the entire town involved in my love life sounds crazy, but the whole community coming together for a town hall event sounds exactly like the kind of sweet and sappy event my life needs. (Listen!! Dating as a 20-something in the city is harder than I expected...)

      Throughout the trailer we see our singles looking for love around their hometown, going on small town dates, and finding connection in the most unexpected places. Yeah...I'll be tuning in — especially since Small Town Setup is totally giving Gilmore Girls.

      Check out the 11 New January 2025 Movies Viewers Will Adore — and you'll want to add to your calendar ASAP!

      One of the hard facts of life is that sometimes you have to accept that your favorite Starbucks drink just doesn’t vibe with your wallet. But that doesn’t mean you have to swear off your coffee addiction altogether!

      If you look hard enough, there’s actually a Starbucks hiding in your kitchen. Okay, not actually — that would be weird — but with a few ingredients, you can recreate your favorite treats with Starbucks hacks at home. From breakfast wraps to Frapps, here are the Starbucks copycat recipes you need to access all things Starbies at home.

      Starbucks Cranberry Bliss Bars

      This Starbucks copycat recipe is still as gooey and sweet as the OG. Using all fresh ingredients to make these bars will make them even better than the drive-thru! (via Brit + Co)

      Starbucks Peppermint Mocha

      This seasonal drink doesn't have to be just for the holidays anymore! Simply follow the copycat recipe and adjust the sweetness, type of milk, and garnishes how you like 'em. (via Brit + Co)

      Starbucks Bacon & Gruyere Egg Bites

      Starbucks' egg bites will always be famous. Recreate the best flavor at home with under 10 ingredients! (viaBrit + Co)

      Starbucks Medicine Ball

      The citrusy-sweet effect of this Starbucks copycat recipe will keep you company on sick days or cold winter nights. Plus, it's only 4 ingredients? Say less. (via Brit + Co)

      Starbucks Lemon Loaf

      There's no doubt that the lemon loaf is one of the best items on the Starbucks breakfast menu, but they can get pretty pricey once you start ordering them regularly. This copycat recipe yields a slice just as soft, sweet, and lemon-y! (via Brit + Co)

      Starbucks Caramel Brûlée Latte

      Now you can enjoy your go-to seasonal bev year-round! This caramel-infused Starbucks drink earns a dessert-y feel, which is perfect for pairing with bedtime. (via Brit + Co)

      Starbucks Eggnog Latte

      R.I.P. the original Eggnog Latte! Luckily, you can revive the now-discontinued drink right at home super easily with eggnog, espresso, and nutmeg. Add a splash of Baileys if you're feelin' fiesty! (via Brit + Co)

      Starbucks Iced Brown Sugar Shaken Espresso

      Gotta love some shaken espresso for on-the-go! Start your mornings off strong with this intensely-caffeinated iced coffee that won't cost $6 each time you drink it.(via A Virtual Vegan)

      Peach Green Tea

      ​One of our fave Starbucks hacks is asking for a splash of peach juice in our iced teas. As opposed to Starbucks' pre-made peach tea, this copycat recipe leverages ​fresh ​peaches for a ridiculously refreshing sip! (via Hello Little Home)

      Starbucks Mushroom & Spinach Egg White Bites

      The best thing about this Starbucks copycat recipe is that you can easily customize what goes into them. Instead of the expected mix of mushrooms and spinach, try adding bacon, sausage, cheese, peppers, and more. (via Kathryn's Kitchen)

      Starbucks Iced Pistachio Latte

      With this copycat cup, you'll first craft your very own pistachio syrup. It'll yield a ton of syrup that you can use for drinks in the future. It's a massive time-saver, plus it's tasty AF! (via Pink Owl Kitchen)

      Starbucks Cinnamon Dolce Latte

      Make sure to brew an extra strong cup of espresso for this latte. The bitterness of the espresso strikes a not-too-sweet balance with the addition of brown sugar and cinnamon spice! It’s a more indulgent way to get your daily dose of caffeine. (via Diethood)

      Starbucks Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins

      These muffins are addictive! But, like anything you get from Starbucks, the money you spend will rack up quick. Opt to make an entire batch at home to last you and the fam weeks – instead of minutes. (via Averie Cooks)

      Starbucks Petite Vanilla Scone

      Use vanilla bean paste in this scone’s frosting for a punched-up dessert flavor. It’s one way to make your morning meal feel like a special treat! (viaCrazy For Crust)

      Starbucks Iced Pumpkin Spice Latte

      PSL season doesn't have to end in October! Keep all things pumpkin goin' past fall time with this easy copycat recipe. It uses pumpkin puree to keep the flavor fresh and authentic. (via Vanilla and Bean)

      Healthy Homemade Strawberry Frappuccinos

      You can have your strawberry Frappuccino and drink it too with this easy Starbucks copycat recipe. It’ll turn your post-gym smoothie into a healthy Frappuccino that only tastes like an indulgence! (via Desserts With Benefits)

      Starbucks Copycat S’mores Frappuccino

      This copycat S’mores Frappuccino recipe is like a quick camping trip... without all the bugs, dirt, and potentially inclement weather. Enjoy this chocolate-y drink in the comfort of your home, with ingredients you have in your pantry! (via Baking Beauty)

      Pumpkin Scones

      Not-too-sweet pumpkin scones get a double dose of vanilla icing in this Starbucks copycat recipe. One icing is plain and sweet, while the other packs a pumpkin-spiced punch. Now you can experience fall any time you want! (via Brown Eyed Baker)

      Healthy Iced Coffee

      This skinny vanilla iced coffee doesn’t require a trip to the store or Starbucks. It’s only three ingredients — coffee, your milk of choice, and vanilla extract. Yay, saving money! (via iFoodReal)

      Copycat Starbucks Passion Tea Lemonade

      The key to recreating passion tea lemonade in your home is Tazo Passion Tea bags. From there, all you need is lemonade and a dash of vanilla extract. (via Cincy Shopper)

      Vanilla Iced Chai Latte

      Jazzing up your chai with vanilla is such an easy idea. Plus, this make-at-home bev is only three ingredients and takes just over five minutes to make. Never wait for your name to be called out again. (via Mom Makes Dinner)

      Starbucks Copycat Spinach Feta Wrap

      Recreating this Starbucks wrap at home lets you add more ingredients that the original might lack. Add extra feta cheese or spinach to satisfy your morning cravings! Best of all, you can really taste the difference in freshness with this Starbucks copycat recipe. (via The Big Man’s World)

      Oat Milk Hot Chocolate

      Hot chocolates are classic – but there's no need to go spend $7 on a single drink when you have all you need to make one at home! Sugar, cocoa powder, water, salt, and oat milk make this sipper super easy. The marshmallows and shaved chocolate garnishes are optional, but we say go for it! (via Earthly Provisions)

      Subscribe to our newsletter for more copycat recipes!

      Lead image via Pink Owl Kitchen.

      This post has been updated with additional reporting by Meredith Holser.

      Tourism can be a blessing for the economy of many cities around the world, but it often comes at a price. Destinations like Venice and Bali are iconic for a reason — they’re unique, breathtaking places that lure travelers from around the globe. But when a travel destination becomes too popular, it risks losing its charm and overcrowding can strain infrastructure, inflate costs for locals, and disrupt the peace and quiet of small, serene towns.

      Here are 12 destinations that have struggled with overtourism. The good news? Many are implementing smart strategies to balance tourism with sustainability. Planning to visit? Consider booking during the off-season for a more authentic and enjoyable experience or try these hidden gems.

      Pixabay

      Venice, Italy

      Cruise ships and swarms of tourists have overwhelmed this picturesque city, leading to overcrowded canals, damaged infrastructure, and skyrocketing prices. The local population is dwindling as Venetians leave due to the city’s unsustainable tourism boom. Last spring, in an effort to manage the influx, the city put into effect an entry fee for day-trippers and has limited cruise ships docking its shores.

      Oleksandr P

      Bali, Indonesia

      Once an idyllic paradise, Bali now suffers from traffic congestion, environmental degradation, and overcrowded beaches. The island’s resources are strained under the weight of mass tourism, but there are efforts underway to promote sustainability like putting a moratorium on new hotels.

      Willian Justen de Vasconcellos

      Machu Picchu, Peru

      Overtourism has led to erosion and damage to this ancient Incan citadel. A quota system and mandatory guides are helping preserve this popular South American destination.

      Darren Lawrence

      Tulum, Mexico

      Once a tranquil paradise known for its pristine beaches, ancient Mayan ruins, and eco-chic vibe, Tulum has become a cautionary tale of overtourism. The surge in popularity, fueled by Instagram-worthy scenery, has brought overcrowding, environmental strain, and rising costs. The Guardianreported that locals are being pushed out by developers and despite the thinking that tourism helps local communities, poverty nearly doubled between 2015 and 2020. Local ecosystems, including fragile mangroves and coral reefs, are threatened by unchecked construction and pollution too. The local ruins have implemented stricter rules like no food or drink to limit trash and environmental impact from tourists.

      Jimmy Teoh

      Santorini, Greece

      Instagram fame has turned this once-serene island into a tourist hotspot. Narrow streets are perpetually clogged, and locals are struggling with soaring costs of living due to tourism demand. The government has since capped the number of daily cruise ship visitors to keep overtourism at bay.

      Chait Goli

      Cinque Terre, Italy

      Known for its colorful cliffside villages and breathtaking coastal views, these once-quiet fishing towns now see millions of visitors annually, way more than they can handle. To combat issues like congestion and cruise ships, local authorities have introduced visitor caps and encourage sustainable travel to protect Cinque Terre’s charm.

      Rudy Kirchner

      Reykjavík, Iceland

      Is there anyone not going to Iceland these days? A small country with breathtaking landscapes, Iceland has been overwhelmed by tourists flocking to Instagram-famous sites like the Blue Lagoon and Diamond Beach. It's best to travel during the off season (November to April) and travel to lesser known spots like the Sturlungalaug hot spring.

      youseflns

      Maya Bay, Thailand (Phi Phi Islands)

      This iconic beach, popularized by the DiCaprio film The Beach, suffered ecological devastation from hordes of visitors and anchored boats. Coral reefs were destroyed, and the beach was closed for years to allow recovery. It has since reopened after a huge revitalization project, but they have introduced visitor caps.

      Pixabay

      Kyoto, Japan

      Traditionally quiet streets of this ancient capital city now teem with tourists during peak season. An increase in litter from tourists has required the city to install more trash bins to handle the crowds, and peaceful geishas are often chased down for photos. To mitigate the problem, Kyoto is considering running special buses to popular sites to reduce overcrowding, and temples and shrines are encouraging visitors to come early in the morning.

      Prabin Sunar

      Mount Everest, Nepal

      The ultimate challenge for adventurers, Mount Everest has experienced overcrowding on the slopes and at base camps, leading to dangerous conditions, with litter and human waste piling up on the mountain. Permits are now harder to get, and stricter regulations for climbers are being enforced.

      Mateusz Popek

      Dubrovnik, Croatia

      The Game of Thrones effect brought an influx of fans to this medieval city. Overcrowded streets and cruise ship arrivals have made it difficult to appreciate its beauty. The local government is taking steps to limit daily visitors and impose stricter cruise ship regulations.

      Helena I

      Lisbon, Portugal

      Short-term rentals dominate the housing market now, thanks to affordable flights and the digital nomad craze. This has led to skyrocketing rents and displaced locals. Historic neighborhoods are inundated with tourists, making them less charming too. Everything from public transport to waste management struggles to keep pace with the influx. I went in December and it still felt a bit like Disneyland. Douro Valley and Madeira might be more favorable destinations any time of year.

      Cure your wanderlust in 2025! Be sure to subscribe to our newsletter for more travel ideas!

      Heaping plates of Christmas cookies are synonymous with the holidays. It seems that nearly every country around the globe has their own variation on the holiday classic. In fact, some of these regions have been making their version of Christmas cookies for literal hundreds of years.

      If you’re looking for a way to reconnect with your heritage, or maybe just want a little baking inspiration, check out our picks for the yummiest Christmas cookies from around the world.

      The Noshery

      Mantecaditos con Guayaba

      These may look like ordinary thumbprint cookies, but these almond shortbreads from Puerto Rico are filled with a special guava marmalade. (via The Noshery)

      Broma Bakery

      Meringues

      French meringues are a classic crumbly egg white cookie with a chewy interior. These get an extra European twist with the addition of Nutella. (via Broma Bakery)

      Pretty. Simple. Sweet.

      Alfajores

      Deeply flavored dulce de leche, a caramel made from whole milk commonly found in Spain and many Latin American countries, is the key ingredient in these super pretty sandwiched Christmas cookies. (via Pretty. Simple. Sweet.)

      Fancy Peasant

      Melomakarona

      These Christmas cookies that hail from Greece get their sweetness from a generous soaking of fresh honey! (via Fancy Peasant)

      Very Eatalian

      Baci di Dama

      The name of this Italian treat translates to “lady’s kisses” — how adorable is that? These bite-sized cuties are made with ground hazelnuts and filled with a dollop of dark chocolate. (via Very Eatalian)

      Cooking Classy

      Linzer Cookies

      These Austrian Christmas cookies are typically made with raspberry jam, but feel free to get crazy with a filling of your choice. Plus, the gorgeous windowpane look will make them a prize takeaway at your next cookie exchange. (via Cooking Classy)

      Olivia’s Cuisine

      Basler Brunsli

      If you’re hanging out in Switzerland around Christmas time, you’ll definitely see these chocolate treats around. They’re often described as Swiss brownies due to their deliciously chewy texture. Perfect with a cup of eggnog or coffee! (via Olivia’s Cuisine)

      Cilantro Parsley

      Buñuelos

      These tender miniature fritters from Mexico are a mix between a donut and cookie. Whatever you want to call them, they’re delicious. (via Cilantro Parsley)

      Chef Lindsey Farr

      Apricot Kolachys

      The Hungarians definitely know what’s up when tart apricot jam gets wrapped in a blanket of flaky pastry. They’re a bright spot on a cold Christmas day. (via Chef Lindsey Farr)

      Life, Love and Sugar

      Cutout Sugar Cookies

      In the United States, a plate of these festively decorated sugar cookies is just what Santa ordered. (via Life, Love and Sugar)

      Saveur

      Polvorones

      You’ll find these simple pecan shortbread cookies all over Mexico around this time of year. The coating of powdered sugar and canela, a type of Mexican cinnamon, really bring the flavor to the next level. (via Saveur)

      A Healthy Life for Me

      Pignoli

      These Italian Christmas cookies are made of a chewy almond base and topped with pine nuts. (via A Healthy Life for Me)

      Fancy Peasant

      Kourabiedes

      These Greek Christmas cookies feature a buttery biscuit topped with mass amounts of powdered sugar. (via Fancy Peasant)

      Does your family have a traditional cookie recipe for the holidays? Tag us @BritandBo in your Instagram photos and let us know!

      This post has been updated with additional reporting by Meredith Holser.

      Lead image via Pretty. Simple. Sweet.