Pizza Made at Home

Components:

1. For the dough (enough to make one big pizza or two medium pizzas):
2. One package of 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
3. One and a half cups of heated water (45°C/110°F)
4. One teaspoon of sugar
5. Three and a half cups all-purpose flour
6. 1 1/2 teaspoons of salt
7. Two tablespoons of olive oil, with additional for lubrication
8. One tablespoon of cornmeal (optional; for dusting)

Regarding the Sauce:

• One 15-ounce can of crushed tomatoes
• One teaspoon of olive oil
• 1 tsp minced garlic
• One teaspoon of dried oregano
• Half a teaspoon of dried basil
• To taste, add salt and pepper.
• Optional: a pinch of sugar to counteract the acidity

Regarding the toppings (you can personalize them!):

• 1 1/2 to 2 cups of whole milk or part-skim mozzarella cheese, shredded
• Half a cup of Parmesan cheese, grated
• Half a cup of sausage, pepperoni pieces, or other meats (optional)
• Fresh vegetables (e.g., spinach, olives, bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, etc.)
• Fresh basil leaves are optional; they can be used as a garnish after baking.

Directions:

1. Get the dough ready:

• To activate the yeast, mix the sugar and warm water in a small basin, then scatter the yeast on top of the water. Wait five to ten minutes for the mixture to start foaming.
• Mix the dough: Put the flour and salt in a big bowl. Stir the dough until it starts to come together after adding the olive oil and yeast mixture.
• Knead the dough for 8 to 10 minutes, or until it is smooth and elastic, after transferring the dough to a lightly floured board. As you knead, add a bit more flour if the dough is sticky.
• Allow the dough to rise by putting it in a bowl that has been lightly oiled with olive oil. After covering the bowl with a fresh kitchen towel or plastic wrap, leave it in a warm location for around one to one and a half hours, or until it has doubled in size.

2. Get the pizza sauce ready:

• In a saucepan, heat 1 tsp olive oil over medium heat. Cook the minced garlic for approximately one minute, or until it becomes aromatic.
• Add the basil, oregano, smashed tomatoes, and a dash of salt and pepper. Simmer over low heat, stirring periodically, for approximately 15 minutes. A pinch of sugar can be added if the sauce is excessively acidic. Let it cool a little.

3. Put the pizza together:

• Set the oven’s temperature to 475°F (245°C). Heat a pizza stone in the oven, or if you don’t have one, use a baking sheet.
• Shape the dough: If making two medium pizzas, punch down the dough after it has risen and divide it into two equal sections. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough into the round or rectangular form you want. Roll it thinner if you want a crispy crust, or thicker if you want a thicker crust.
• Transfer to a baking surface: Line a baking sheet or pizza stone with a little amount of cornmeal. The rolled-out dough should be carefully moved to the prepared surface.

4. Include the toppings:

• Sauce: Leaving a thin border for the crust, cover the dough with a thin coating of the homemade pizza sauce.
• Cheese: Evenly distribute the mozzarella cheese shreds over the sauce. To add even more flavor, add Parmesan cheese.
• Add as many extra toppings as you wish, such as veggies, sausage, or pepperoni. Use your imagination! However, if you put too many toppings on the pizza, the dough may become soggy.

5. Prepare the pizza:

• Pizza should be baked for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbling and gently browned, after the oven has been prepared. Watch it to make sure it doesn’t catch fire.
• You can slide the pizza straight onto the hot pizza stone if you’re using one. Simply put the baking sheet in the oven if you’re using one.

6. Offer:

• After the pizza is done, take it out of the oven and let it a few minutes to cool. For extra taste, rip fresh basil leaves and scatter them over the pizza.

Serve the pizza hot after slicing it. Savor your tasty, handmade pizza!

Advice for Making the Ideal Pizza at Home:

• Dough Tip: You can let your dough rise gradually in the fridge overnight if you want to prepare it in advance. Simply put it in an airtight container or wrap it tightly with plastic wrap. Before shaping, return it to room temperature.
• Crispy crust: Use a pizza stone and preheat the oven if you prefer a crispy crust. It contributes to a deliciously crunchy bottom.
• Flavored crust: Before baking, brush the crust’s outside edges with olive oil and top with dried herbs, parmesan, or garlic powder for more flavor.
• Other fantastic topping suggestions are grilled chicken, , sautéed mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh arugula.

Option Without Hassle:

• If you’re pressed for time, you may make a quick personal pizza using store-bought pizza dough or even pita or naan bread.

Why It’s Excellent:

• You can customize your pizza by adding meat lovers’ toppings, vegetarian toppings, or a combination of all three!
• Fresh and delicious: The flavor of homemade dough and sauce is significantly better than that of store-bought pizzas.
• Fun for all ages: Since everyone can help shape and top their own pizzas, it’s a terrific supper to prepare with family or friends.

With the added benefit of being able to customize it as you desire, this homemade pizza recipe allows you to enjoy pizzeria-quality pizza in your own kitchen. Have a great pizza night! 🍕