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Homemade Pizza

Homemade Pizza

This Homemade Pizza recipe guides you step-by-step to create a fresh, flavorful pizza from scratch using simple ingredients like fresh mozzarella, tomato sauce, and a perfectly chewy crust. Ideal for all skill levels, it’s customizable, cost-effective, and delivers a pizzeria-quality pizza right in your oven.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Dough

  • 3 1/2 cups all-purpose or bread flour
  • 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
  • 1 1/4 cups warm water (about 110°F / 43°C)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp sugar

For the Sauce

  • 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp dried oregano or fresh basil

Toppings

  • 8 oz fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced or shredded
  • Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
  • Additional toppings as desired (e.g., bell peppers, mushrooms, pepperoni, olives)
  • Olive oil, for drizzling

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Dough: In a bowl, dissolve the yeast and sugar into warm water and let it sit until foamy, about 5-10 minutes. Combine the flour, salt, and olive oil in a large mixing bowl. Add the yeast mixture and mix until a soft dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 2 hours until it doubles in size.
  2. Make the Sauce: While the dough rises, blend crushed tomatoes with minced garlic, olive oil, salt, and herbs like oregano or basil until smooth. Adjust seasoning to taste and set aside.
  3. Preheat the Oven and Prepare Toppings: Preheat your oven to its highest temperature setting, typically around 475°F (245°C). Prepare your toppings by slicing vegetables, grating cheese, or cooking meats as desired.
  4. Shape the Dough: Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out on a floured surface to a 12-inch round or your preferred thickness. Transfer the rolled dough to a pizza stone or baking sheet dusted with flour or cornmeal.
  5. Assemble Your Pizza: Spread the prepared tomato sauce evenly over the dough. Add a generous layer of fresh mozzarella and arrange your chosen toppings. Finish with a drizzle of olive oil and any additional seasoning.
  6. Bake to Perfection: Bake the pizza in the preheated oven for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
  7. Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and let the pizza cool slightly. Garnish with fresh basil leaves or a sprinkle of parmesan cheese. Slice and enjoy your homemade pizza!

Notes

  • Use a pizza stone to distribute heat evenly and achieve a crispy crust bottom.
  • Avoid overloading toppings to prevent sogginess and uneven baking.
  • Allow enough time for the dough to rise well to improve texture and flavor.
  • Preheat the oven thoroughly to mimic professional pizza oven conditions.
  • Using fresh, high-quality ingredients significantly improves the final taste.

Nutrition

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