Mellow Mushroom-Style Magic Pizza Night (Day 9)

Day 9 of Ethan & Oliver Adventures: The Great Alabama Road Trip brought the boys back to Aunt Jan’s house for a slower pace after their Tuscaloosa water war. And what better way to wrap up a week of learning, laughter, and sibling rivalry than with pizza and pretzels at Mellow Mushroom?

We never stopped thinking about that crust. So when we got home to San Diego, we decided to recreate the magic, complete with funky toppings, twisty pretzels, and a homemade mustard dip. Don’t get me wrong, there are PLENTY of delicious pizzas here, but something about Mellow Mushroom brings back my youth!

We let the boys name their own pizzas (Ethan’s was “The Moon Cheeser” and Oliver’s was “Blasteroni Deluxe”). With flour-dusted counters and music playing in the background, the kitchen turned into our own mini pizzeria.

The best part? Everyone helped. I rolled dough, Dad manned the oven, and the boys got elbow-deep in cheese and laughter. It wasn’t just pizza night—it was a memory in the making.

Faith Reflection

“Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in Him.” — Psalm 34:8

There’s something sacred about breaking bread together. It doesn’t need to be fancy. Just shared. These slow, delicious moments remind us that home isn’t a place—it’s the people around the table.

Yield: 2 medium pizzas or 1 pizza + 4–6 soft pretzels

Mellow Mushroom Style Magic Dough

Print

Inspired by Day 9 of Ethan & Oliver Adventures: The Great Alabama Road Trip—after a full day of exploring history and hiking through Alabama, the family winds down with a homemade pizza night. Inspired by the funky, creative vibe of Mellow Mushroom, this chewy, golden crust works perfectly for pizza or soft pretzels (with a side of cheese dip or mustard sauce, of course!).

Let the kids get hands-on, sprinkle their own crust, and even name their pizza creation. Family night just leveled up.

Prep Time 20 minutes

Additional Time 1 hour

Cook Time 10 minutes

Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 cup warm water (110°F)
• 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
• 1 tbsp honey
• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for kneading)
• ½ cup whole wheat flour
• 1 tsp salt
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp cornmeal (for dusting the pan)
• Optional: 1 tbsp finely grated Parmesan + 1 tsp dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, garlic powder) for the crust edge

Melty Mellow Cheese Dip

• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1 cup whole milk (warm)
• 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ¼ tsp smoked paprika (optional for mellow “kick”)
• Salt to taste

Mellow Mustard Dipping Sauce (for Pretzels)

• ¼ cup Dijon mustard
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1 tbsp mayo
• 1 tsp lemon juice

Instructions

Instructions (for Pizza or Pretzels):

1. In a mixing bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and honey. Let sit 5–10 minutes until foamy.
2. Stir in flours, salt, and olive oil. Mix until combined, then knead by hand or mixer for 6–8 minutes until smooth.
3. Transfer dough to an oiled bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour (until doubled).
4. Preheat oven to 475°F. If using a pizza stone, preheat it as well.
5. Punch down dough. For pizza: divide, shape, and press into a round. Sprinkle baking sheet or stone with cornmeal. For pretzels: roll dough into ropes and twist into shape.
6. Brush edges of pizza or entire pretzels with olive oil or melted butter. Add herb/cheese sprinkle if desired.
7. Bake 10–12 minutes until golden and bubbly.

Instructions For Cheese Dip:

1. In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
2. Whisk in flour and cook for 1–2 minutes to make a light roux.
3. Slowly whisk in warm milk until smooth. Stir constantly until thickened (about 3–4 minutes).
4. Reduce heat to low. Stir in shredded cheese a handful at a time until fully melted and smooth.
5. Add garlic powder, paprika (if using), and a pinch of salt. Stir and serve warm.

Mellow Mustard Dipping Sauce (for Pretzels)

1. Mix and chill until ready to serve.

Notes

Try This:
Let kids create their own funky pizza name—just like Mellow Mushroom! Think “The Galactic Goat,” “Super Cheeseroni,” or “The Pickle Pirate.”

This meal is tied to Day 9 of Ethan & Oliver Adventures: The Great Alabama Road Trip. After a powerful day in Selma, the family drove north and met up with Aunt Jan for supper at Mellow Mushroom. The funky decor, creative pizzas, and warm hugs were just what they needed. Later, inspired by the restaurant’s signature crust and playful vibe, the boys tried recreating their own pizza night at home—flour everywhere and giggles guaranteed.