Pizza is a beloved Italian dish that has become a global favorite. It typically consists of a flat, round base of dough topped with tomato sauce, cheese, and various toppings like vegetables, meats, or seafood. Baked to perfection, pizza offers endless variations, from the classic Margherita to gourmet creations with unique ingredients.
Ingredients:
For the Pizza Dough:
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1 1/2 cups warm water (about 110°F or 45°C)
- 3 1/2 to 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
For the Pizza Sauce:
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Toppings:
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Pepperoni slices
- Sliced bell peppers
- Sliced onions
- Sliced mushrooms
- Fresh basil leaves
- Any other toppings you like
Instructions:
- Prepare the Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, dissolve the yeast and sugar in warm water. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until frothy.
- Add the olive oil, salt, and 2 cups of flour. Mix until combined.
- Gradually add the remaining flour, 1/2 cup at a time, until the dough comes together and is no longer sticky.
- Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
- Prepare the Sauce:
- In a small bowl, mix together the tomato sauce, oregano, basil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Adjust the seasoning to taste.
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven to heat up.
- Assemble the Pizza:
- Punch down the risen dough and divide it into two equal portions for two pizzas. Roll out one portion of dough on a floured surface to your desired thickness.
- Transfer the rolled-out dough to a pizza peel or baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Spread a thin layer of pizza sauce over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce.
- Add your favorite toppings, such as pepperoni, bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, and fresh basil leaves.
- Bake the Pizza:
- If using a pizza stone, carefully slide the pizza (along with the parchment paper) onto the hot stone. If using a baking sheet, place it directly in the oven.
- Bake for about 10-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and melted.
- Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing.
- Serve:
- Slice the pizza and enjoy it while it’s hot and fresh!
Tips:
- Dough Rising: If you’re in a hurry, you can let the dough rise for just 30 minutes, but it may not be as airy.
- Cheese: Experiment with different types of cheese like cheddar, Parmesan, or gouda for added flavor.
- Crust: For a crispier crust, you can pre-bake the dough for a few minutes before adding the sauce and toppings.