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Homemade Pizza

Homemade Pizza
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This homemade pizza recipe delivers a warm, crispy crust topped with melty mozzarella cheese, fresh tomato sauce, and customizable toppings. Perfect for any night, it uses fresh ingredients and simple techniques to create a delicious and customizable pizza experience right at home. Ideal for family cooking and adaptable to various dietary preferences, this recipe brings the joy of pizzeria-quality pizza into your kitchen.

Ingredients

Scale

Dough

  • 3 ½ cups bread flour
  • 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast
  • 1 ¼ cups warm water (about 110°F/43°C)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • 1 ½ tsp salt

Tomato Sauce

  • 1 ½ cups crushed fresh or canned tomatoes
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • ½ tsp dried oregano
  • Fresh basil leaves (optional in sauce and for garnish)

Toppings

  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • Optional toppings: mushrooms, bell peppers, olives, spinach, jalapeños, pepperoni, sausage, bacon, ham, crushed red pepper flakes, ricotta (for white pizza), or vegan cheese alternatives

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Dough: Dissolve the active dry yeast in warm water with a pinch of sugar and let it foam for 5 to 10 minutes. In a large bowl, combine the bread flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture and olive oil to the flour and mix until a sticky dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 8 to 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a cloth, and let it rise for 1 to 1.5 hours until it doubles in size.
  2. Make the Sauce: While the dough rises, combine crushed tomatoes, minced garlic, olive oil, salt, pepper, and dried oregano in a bowl. Blend lightly to keep some texture. Optionally, fresh basil can be added to the sauce or reserved for garnish after baking.
  3. Roll Out the Dough: Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into portions depending on the desired pizza size. Roll each portion into a thin circle or oval shape on a floured surface. For a crispier crust, stretch the dough gently by hand instead of using a rolling pin.
  4. Add Toppings: Spread a thin layer of tomato sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges for the crust. Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded mozzarella cheese and add your choice of toppings evenly on the pizza.
  5. Bake the Pizza: Preheat your oven to its highest setting (450°F/230°C or above) with a pizza stone or baking sheet inside. Carefully transfer the prepared pizza onto the hot surface and bake for 10 to 15 minutes until the crust is golden brown, cheese is melted, and toppings are sizzling.
  6. Garnish and Serve: Remove the pizza from the oven and add fresh basil leaves or a drizzle of olive oil for extra flavor. Slice and serve immediately to enjoy your homemade pizza at its best.

Notes

  • Use a preheated pizza stone for a super crispy crust that mimics wood-fired ovens.
  • Avoid overloading with toppings to prevent soggy pizza and ensure even cooking.
  • Let cheese and sauce reach room temperature for better melting and enhanced flavor.
  • Stretch the dough gently by hand for thin, airy crust edges rather than using a rolling pin alone.
  • Allow adequate rising time for the dough; patient fermentation improves taste and texture.
  • Store leftover pizza slices in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in foil in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Freeze baked pizza slices on a baking sheet before transferring to freezer bags to prevent sticking and ease reheating.
  • Reheat pizza in a preheated oven or skillet at 375°F (190°C) to maintain crust crispiness rather than microwaving.

Nutrition

Keywords: homemade pizza, pizza dough, pizza sauce, mozzarella, Italian pizza, pizza recipe, customizable pizza, easy dinner

Find it online: https://juliaglam.com/homemade-pizza/