Making pizza from scratch is a rewarding and delicious way to bring the whole family together. This homemade pizza recipe covers everything from a perfectly crisp and tender dough to a flavorful tomato sauce, and all the way to the mouthwatering toppings. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned cook, this step-by-step guide will help you create a restaurant-quality pizza at home that you can customize with your favorite toppings.
Ingredients:
For the Pizza Dough:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (160 g)
- 1 tsp yeast
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 3 fl oz warm water (90 ml)
For the Tomato Pizza Sauce:
- 14 oz tomatoes (400 g), canned or fresh, crushed
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 4-5 basil leaves, chopped
- 1 tbsp oregano
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Black pepper to taste
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
For the Pizza Toppings:
- Pepperoni sausage slices
- 7 oz mozzarella cheese (200 g), shredded
- Sliced onion
- Sweet corn
Instructions:
1. Make the Pizza Dough:
- Activate the Yeast:
- In a small bowl, combine the warm water (about 100°F / 38°C) with the yeast and sugar. Stir gently and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy, which indicates the yeast is active.
- Prepare the Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Create a hollow in the center and add the activated yeast mixture along with the olive oil..
- Mix the ingredients with a wooden spoon or your hands until a dough forms.
- Knead the Dough:
- Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until the dough becomes smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
2. Prepare the Tomato Pizza Sauce:
- Cook the Sauce:
- In a medium saucepan, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Incorporate the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds, or until it becomes aromatic.Stir in the crushed tomatoes, chopped basil leaves, oregano, salt, black pepper, and sugar. Add the tomato paste for extra thickness.
- Simmer the sauce for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.
3. Assemble the Pizza:
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If using a pizza stone, place it in the oven while preheating.
- Roll Out the Dough:
- After the dough has expanded, deflate it gently to release any trapped air. Transfer it to a lightly floured surface and roll it out into a circle about 10-12 inches in diameter (or to your desired thickness).
- Add the Sauce:
- Transfer the rolled-out dough to a pizza stone or baking sheet. Spread an even layer of the tomato sauce over the pizza dough, leaving a small border for the crust.
- Add the Toppings:
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the sauce.
- Add your toppings—place pepperoni slices, sliced onion, and sweet corn over the cheese. Don’t hesitate to include any extra toppings you like!
4. Bake the Pizza:
- Bake the Pizza:
- Bake the pizza in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Cool and Serve:
- Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for a couple of minutes before slicing. Serve and enjoy your delicious homemade pizza!
Conclusion:
This Perfect Homemade Pizza is a fun and satisfying way to enjoy a delicious meal made completely from scratch. The combination of a light, crisp crust, flavorful tomato sauce, gooey mozzarella cheese, and your favorite toppings makes for an unforgettable pizza night. Feel free to customize this recipe with whatever toppings you prefer and enjoy the joy of homemade pizza!