Homemade Pizza
The aroma of freshly baked crust wafts through the air as I take my homemade pizza out of the oven. The cheese is melted to perfection, with a golden-brown crust that crunches satisfyingly with each bite.
I've spent years perfecting my pizza recipe, and it's become a staple in my household. From the tangy tomato sauce to the gooey mozzarella cheese, every component is carefully crafted to create a flavorful and satisfying dish.
Table of Contents
Ingredients for Homemade Pizza
- 2 cups (spooned) all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp active dry yeast
- 1 tsp fine salt
- 1 cup san marzano tomatoes, crushed by hand
- 8 oz mozzarella cheese, sliced
- 1/4 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 4 large fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
Step-by-Step Instructions
- To begin, combine the flour, yeast, and salt in a large mixing bowl. Gradually add in the olive oil and mix until a shaggy dough forms. Knead the dough for 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- Next, place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour. Preheat your oven to 500°F (260°C) with a pizza stone inside, if you have one.
- Now it's time to shape the dough into a circle or rectangle, depending on your preference. Place the dough on a piece of parchment paper or a lightly floured pizza peel, if you have one. Spread the crushed san marzano tomatoes over the dough, leaving a 1/2-inch border around the edges.
- Finally, top the pizza with sliced mozzarella cheese, grated parmesan cheese, and a sprinkle of chopped fresh basil. Drizzle with extra-virgin olive oil and season with dried oregano and red pepper flakes. Bake the pizza in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
What to Serve with Homemade Pizza
As I slice into my homemade pizza, the aroma of melted cheese and fresh herbs fills the air. This dish is perfect for a cozy night in, paired with a simple green salad or a side of roasted vegetables.
Storage and Serving Tips
To store leftover pizza, allow it to cool completely before wrapping it in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. The pizza can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
When reheating the pizza, place it in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until the crust is crispy and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
It's also possible to freeze the pizza dough before baking, allowing you to make individual pizzas as needed. Simply thaw the dough overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature for a few hours before shaping and topping.
Conclusion
Homemade Pizza
A delicious and authentic homemade pizza recipe, featuring a crispy crust, flavorful sauce, and gooey cheese. Perfect for a cozy night in or a special occasion.
📝 Ingredients
- 2 cups (spooned) all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp active dry yeast
- 1 tsp fine salt
- 1 cup san marzano tomatoes, crushed by hand
- 8 oz mozzarella cheese, sliced
- 1/4 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 4 large fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
🍳 Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon or dough whisk
- Pizza peel or baking sheet
- Oven
👨🍳 Method
- Combine flour, yeast, and salt in a large mixing bowl
- Knead the dough for 10 minutes until smooth and elastic
- Shape the dough into a circle or rectangle and top with sauce and cheese
- Bake the pizza in a preheated oven at 500°F (260°C) for 12-15 minutes
📝 Notes
For an extra crispy crust, bake the pizza for an additional 2-3 minutes. To freeze the pizza dough, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store in the freezer for up to 2 months.