Name: Peinirli – Greek Boat Shaped Pizza
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 2 h 30 min
Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients: 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour; 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet); 1 ¼ cups warm water (about 110°F/45°C); 1 tsp sugar; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 tsp salt; ½ cup tomato paste or tomato sauce; 1 ½ cups cheese blend (mozzarella and kasseri or feta), shredded or crumbled; Sliced tomatoes; Sliced green peppers; Sliced onions; Fresh herbs (oregano, thyme, dill, parsley); Minced meat (ground beef, lamb, or spicy sausage)

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If you’re craving a fun twist on classic pizza night, look no further than Peinirli – Greek Boat Shaped Pizza. This dish is a delicious, boat-shaped bread stuffed with a mix of gooey cheese and savory toppings that will instantly transport your taste buds to the Mediterranean. With its crispy crust and melty center, Peinirli combines the comfort of pizza with the charm of traditional Greek cuisine, making it an unforgettable dish to share with family and friends.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

A Unique Presentation: The boat shape makes it an eye-catching centerpiece perfect for dinner or parties.
Cheese Lover’s Dream: Packed with a blend of cheeses, it offers gooey, stringy goodness in every bite.
Customizable Fillings: Easily tailor the toppings to your favorite meats, veggies, or herbs for endless flavor variations.
Hands-On Fun: Shaping the dough is a fun activity that feels like crafting edible art.
Perfectly Crispy Crust: Baked to golden perfection, the crust provides a satisfying crunch that balances the soft interior.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Peinirli – Greek Boat Shaped Pizza lies in its simplicity. With just a handful of basic but quality ingredients, you’ll achieve authentic flavor and delightful texture in every slice.

All-Purpose Flour: Essential for creating a soft yet sturdy dough base that holds all the fillings.
Yeast: Activates the dough’s rise, producing a light and airy crust.
Warm Water: Helps the yeast activate and brings the dough ingredients together.
Sugar: A pinch speeds up yeast activity and enhances crust color.
Olive Oil: Adds richness and prevents the dough from drying out during baking.
Salt: Balances the flavors and strengthens the dough’s structure.
Cheese Blend: Typically a mix of mozzarella and kasseri or feta, for creamy and salty layers.
Tomato Paste or Sauce: Provides a slightly tangy richness under the cheese and toppings.
Optional Toppings: Sliced tomatoes, green peppers, onions, fresh herbs, or minced meat to personalize each pie.

Variations for Peinirli – Greek Boat Shaped Pizza

This recipe invites creativity! Whether you prefer vegetarian options or want to try a spicy kick, tailoring Peinirli is simple and satisfying.

Vegetarian Delight: Load up on colorful peppers, olives, spinach, and mushrooms for a fresh variation.
Meat Lover’s Edition: Add ground beef, lamb, or spicy sausage for an extra hearty meal.
Spicy Kick: Incorporate chili flakes, spicy sausage, or pepperoncini to fire up your Peinirli.
Herb Infusion: Fresh oregano, thyme, or dill brings a fragrant Mediterranean twist.
Cheese Swap: Try ricotta or gruyere for unique cheesy textures that elevate the classic blend.

How to Make Peinirli – Greek Boat Shaped Pizza

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Combine warm water, yeast, and sugar in a bowl and let it activate for about 10 minutes until bubbly. Mix in flour, olive oil, and salt, kneading the dough until smooth and elastic. Cover with a damp cloth and let it rise for 1 to 1.5 hours until it doubles in size.

Step 2: Shape the Boats

Once the dough has risen, divide it into equal portions. Roll each portion into an oval and pinch the long edges slightly inward to create the classic boat shape, leaving room in the center for fillings.

Step 3: Add the Sauce and Fillings

Spoon a thin layer of tomato paste or sauce onto the dough center. Next, pile on the cheese blend generously, followed by your chosen veggies or meats. Be careful not to overfill, or the Peinirli might be harder to handle.

Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection

Place the stuffed dough boats on a parchment-lined baking tray. Bake preheated oven at 450°F (230°C) for 12-15 minutes or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Remove from the oven and sprinkle fresh herbs on top. Let cool for just a few minutes before slicing and serving your beautiful, cheesy Peinirli.

Pro Tips for Making Peinirli – Greek Boat Shaped Pizza

Precise Dough Hydration: Maintain a slightly sticky dough for a crust that crisps well without becoming tough.
Preheat the Oven Thoroughly: High, consistent heat ensures a crispy crust and perfectly melted cheese.
Use Fresh Cheese: Fresh mozzarella or kasseri melts best and avoids excess oiliness.
Don’t Overfill: Keep toppings moderate to prevent sogginess or difficult handling.
Brush Edges with Olive Oil: Adding oil to the crust edges before baking encourages a golden, shiny finish.

How to Serve Peinirli – Greek Boat Shaped Pizza

Garnishes

Fresh chopped parsley, oregano, or dill add an herby brightness that complements the rich cheese and toppings beautifully. A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a squeeze of lemon juice brightens every bite even further.

Side Dishes

Serve Peinirli alongside a crisp Greek salad with tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, and feta, or a bowl of homemade tzatziki to cool the palate and balance the savory richness of the pizza.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange several mini Peinirli boats on a wooden board for a festive appetizer spread or slice one large boat in half to share as a main dish during casual family meals or friendly gatherings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap leftover Peinirli tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to preserve the crust’s crunch and cheese’s gooey texture.

Freezing

You can freeze unbaked Peinirli boats by wrapping them individually in plastic wrap and foil, then freezing for up to 2 months. Bake directly from frozen, increasing the baking time by a few minutes, for fresh-tasting results anytime.

Reheating

Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes to restore crispness, or toast in a skillet over low heat to revive the crust and melt the cheese evenly. Avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess.

FAQs

What cheese is best for Peinirli – Greek Boat Shaped Pizza?

A blend of mozzarella with kasseri or feta is traditional because it melts well while adding a characteristic salty tang.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! Prepare the dough a day ahead and refrigerate it overnight for easier handling and enhanced flavor development.

Is Peinirli gluten-free friendly?

Traditional recipes use wheat flour, but you can experiment with gluten-free flours; just note the texture might differ slightly.

How long does it take to make Peinirli?

From start to finish, including dough rising, shaping, and baking, expect about 2 to 2.5 hours.

Can I use store-bought pizza dough?

Yes, store-bought dough works in a pinch and can save time while still producing delicious results.

Final Thoughts

Peinirli – Greek Boat Shaped Pizza is truly a delightful way to liven up your pizza routine and explore Greek flavors in your kitchen. Its unique boat shape, cheesy fillings, and endless customizable toppings make it perfect for sharing and celebrating good food. Give this recipe a try, and watch it become one of your go-to dishes for fun, flavor, and family moments!