Peinirli – Greek Boat Shaped Pizza

If you’ve ever wanted to experience a little slice of Greece at home, let me introduce you to Peinirli, the boat-shaped pizza that’s cheesy, golden, and utterly irresistible. Imagine soft, slightly chewy dough hugging a melty, flavorful cheese filling, topped with savory meats or fresh veggies. It’s fun to make, fun to eat, and—trust me—your kitchen will smell like a Mediterranean bakery. This one’s a game-changer for pizza night!

Recipe Origin

Peinirli is a classic Greek street food and comfort dish, often compared to a personal pizza but with a uniquely “boat-shaped” twist. Traditionally, it’s filled with gooey cheese, sometimes meats, and finished with a drizzle of olive oil. This recipe brings that authentic Greek flavor to your home kitchen while keeping it approachable, so anyone can enjoy the magic of Peinirli without a trip to Athens.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

• Mixing bowl for dough
• Whisk or fork
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Rolling pin
• Baking sheet or pizza stone
• Pastry brush for egg wash
• Grater for cheese
• Knife for toppings

Why You’ll Love Peinirli – Greek Boat Shaped Pizza

Versatile: Perfect for dinner, brunch, or a snack. Customize toppings to suit your cravings—meaty, veggie-packed, or just gooey cheese!

Budget-Friendly: Uses simple ingredients like flour, yogurt, and cheese, but feels indulgent and special.

Quick and Easy: Dough comes together in minutes, and assembly is fun—almost like building your own mini pizza boats.

Customizable: Swap meats, cheeses, or veggies for endless variations. Fancy a Mediterranean twist? Add olives and oregano. Feeling indulgent? Load on pancetta or bacon.

Crowd-Pleasing: Kids, adults, and picky eaters all love a personal pizza that’s cheesy, soft, and just the right amount of savory.

Chef’s Pro Tips for Perfect Results

• Tepid Water Matters: Use lukewarm water to activate the yeast without killing it.
• Don’t Overwork the Dough: Knead just until smooth to keep it soft and fluffy.
• Cheese Mix: A combo of mozzarella and cheddar gives melty, stretchy texture with a rich flavor.
• Egg Wash: Brush the edges with egg for that golden, shiny finish.
• Toppings: Add delicate toppings like cherry tomatoes after baking for freshness, or bake everything together for rich, melded flavors.

Ingredients in Peinirli – Greek Boat Shaped Pizza

Here’s what makes this Greek pizza so irresistible:

Dough: Soft, pliable, and slightly tangy thanks to Greek yogurt. A subtle sweetness and olive oil create that golden, tender crust that holds the filling perfectly.

Cheese Filling: A melty mix of mozzarella and cheddar, enhanced with garlic powder and mixed herbs. It’s rich, flavorful, and the heart of the Peinirli experience.

Optional Toppings: Pancetta, bacon, ham, or any meats you love add a savory, salty contrast. Sliced peppers and cherry tomatoes bring freshness, color, and balance.

Egg: Lightly brushed over the dough for that irresistible golden sheen.

Olive Oil Drizzle: Adds a final touch of Mediterranean flair and richness.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s bring this Greek classic to life:

Preheat Your Oven: Preheat to 400°F (200°C). A hot oven ensures crispy edges and perfectly melted cheese.

Make the Dough: In a mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, salt, and yeast. Add Greek yogurt, tepid water, and olive oil. Knead until smooth and elastic. Cover and let rise for about 1 hour until doubled in size.

Prepare the Cheese Filling: In a bowl, mix grated mozzarella and cheddar with garlic powder, mixed herbs, and a drizzle of olive oil. Set aside.

Shape the Boats: Divide the dough into portions. Roll each portion into an oval or rectangle. Fold the long edges slightly inward to create the “boat” shape and pinch the ends to seal.

Add the Filling: Spoon the cheese mixture into each boat, spreading evenly. Add optional toppings like pancetta, sliced peppers, or cherry tomatoes.

Egg Wash: Brush the edges of each boat with the beaten egg for a golden, shiny finish.

Bake to Perfection: Place the boats on a baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the crust is golden brown.

Serve and Enjoy: Serve warm, straight from the oven, with a drizzle of olive oil or a sprinkle of fresh herbs for an extra touch of Greek charm.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4-6
Calories per serving: Approx. 400-450
Preparation Time: 15 minutes (plus dough rising)
Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
Total Time: 35-45 minutes

How to Serve Peinirli – Greek Boat Shaped Pizza

Dipping Sauces: Tzatziki, garlic yogurt sauce, or a light marinara complement the cheesy filling beautifully.

Side Pairings: Greek salad, roasted vegetables, or a light soup makes a complete meal.

Party-Friendly: Serve as individual pizza boats for guests to grab and enjoy—fun and interactive!

Presentation matters! Garnish with fresh parsley, a drizzle of olive oil, or a sprinkle of oregano for that authentic Mediterranean touch.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

• Assemble the dough in advance and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
• Leftovers store in an airtight container in the fridge for 1-2 days. Reheat in the oven for best texture.
• Cheese boats freeze well—wrap individually and reheat from frozen in the oven.

Variations to Try

• Vegetarian: Load with mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach.
• Extra Cheesy: Mix in feta or halloumi for a Greek twist.
• Spicy: Add chili flakes or spicy sausage to the filling.
• Mini Boats: Make bite-sized versions for appetizers or lunchboxes.

Additional Tips

Prep Ahead: Grate cheese and chop toppings in advance for quick assembly.

Double the Batch: Perfect for larger gatherings or freezer storage.

Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle oregano, thyme, or parsley over the top before serving.

Egg Wash: Don’t skip it—it gives the crust a professional, golden look.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use all-purpose flour instead of bread flour?
A1: Yes! Bread flour gives a chewier texture, but all-purpose works fine.

Q2: Can I make the dough without Greek yogurt?
A2: Yes, substitute with equal parts milk, but expect a slightly different texture.

Q3: Can I use other cheeses?
A3: Absolutely! Feta, halloumi, or gouda can all work well.

Q4: Can I prepare the Peinirli ahead of time?
A4: Yes! Shape and fill the boats, then refrigerate until ready to bake.

Q5: How do I store leftovers?
A5: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for 1-2 days. Reheat in the oven.

Q6: Can I freeze the unbaked Peinirli?
A6: Yes! Freeze on a tray first, then wrap and store in a freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes.

Q7: Can I add meats to the filling?
A7: Yes! Ham, bacon, or pancetta all work wonderfully.

Q8: How can I make it vegetarian-friendly?
A8: Stick to cheeses and vegetables—mushrooms, peppers, and tomatoes are perfect.

Q9: Can I make mini versions?
A9: Definitely! Mini boats are perfect for parties or lunchboxes.

Q10: Can I brush with something other than egg?
A10: Olive oil works for a golden finish, though not quite as glossy.

Conclusion

Peinirli – Greek Boat Shaped Pizza is a fun, flavorful, and visually stunning dish that brings the taste of Greece into your kitchen. Golden, cheesy, and customizable, it’s perfect for brunch, dinner, or parties. With its soft, slightly chewy dough and melty, savory filling, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. So roll up your sleeves, shape your dough, and create these delicious pizza boats that are as fun to make as they are to eat!

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