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Homemade Pizza

Homemade Pizza
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This Homemade Pizza recipe guides you through creating a perfect crispy crust, fresh tangy sauce, and melty mozzarella cheese with customizable toppings. Using simple pantry staples, this easy-to-follow method ensures great results for all skill levels, delivering a delicious, family-friendly meal that can be tailored to various dietary needs.

Ingredients

Scale

Dough Ingredients

  • 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 1/4 teaspoons instant yeast (one packet)
  • 1 1/4 cups warm water (100-110°F)
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt

Pizza Sauce Ingredients

  • 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil

Toppings

  • 8 oz fresh mozzarella, sliced or torn
  • Fresh basil leaves
  • Optional toppings: pepperoni, sautéed vegetables, chili flakes

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, combine the warm water and instant yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until frothy. Add the all-purpose flour, salt, and olive oil, then mix until a rough dough forms. Knead on a floured surface for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place the dough in an oiled bowl, cover it with a damp towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for 1-2 hours until doubled in size.
  2. Make the Sauce: While the dough rises, stir together crushed tomatoes, minced garlic, salt, dried oregano, and olive oil in a bowl. Taste and adjust seasoning, keeping it simple and fresh to complement the toppings.
  3. Shape the Dough: Once risen, punch down the dough and divide it if making multiple pizzas. On a floured surface, gently stretch or roll out the dough into a 12-inch circle or preferred shape, taking care not to overwork it to maintain lightness.
  4. Add Sauce and Toppings: Spoon a thin layer of the prepared sauce over the dough, leaving a small border for the crust. Scatter fresh mozzarella evenly, then add chosen toppings sparingly to avoid weighing down the crust.
  5. Bake to Perfection: Preheat your oven to the highest setting (450-500°F or 230-260°C), ideally using a pizza stone for a crispier crust. Bake the pizza for 10-15 minutes until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
  6. Finish with Fresh Herbs: Remove the pizza from the oven and scatter fresh basil leaves on top. Let it rest for a couple of minutes before slicing to allow flavors to meld and herbs to add aroma.

Notes

  • Keep water temperature between 100-110°F to activate yeast properly without killing it.
  • Allow dough to rise sufficiently for better texture and flavor development.
  • Using a pizza stone provides an evenly distributed heat, mimicking a brick oven for a crispier crust.
  • Avoid overloading toppings to prevent a soggy crust and ensure even cooking.
  • Use fresh, quality ingredients for the best flavor and texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: Homemade pizza, pizza dough, pizza sauce, mozzarella, fresh basil, crispy crust, easy pizza recipe, customizable pizza

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