Homemade Pizza Recipe 🍕🍅
This Homemade Pizza is all about fresh ingredients, a crispy golden crust, and gooey cheese. With a variety of toppings and a flavorful tomato sauce, this pizza will be a hit with the whole family. You can customize it to your liking and create the perfect pizza experience!
Ingredients (Makes 1 large pizza):
For the dough:
- 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
- 1 1/2 cups warm water (110°F or 43°C)
- 1 tsp sugar
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
For the sauce:
- 1 can (15 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For the toppings:
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup pepperoni slices (or any preferred topping)
- 1/2 cup sliced bell peppers
- 1/2 cup sliced mushrooms
- 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- Fresh basil leaves (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Dough:
- In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast and sugar in warm water. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.
- In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the olive oil and yeast mixture, and stir until the dough begins to form.
- Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes, until it’s smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-1.5 hours, or until it doubles in size.
- Prepare the Sauce:
- In a saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C) and place a pizza stone or baking sheet inside to heat up.
- Shape the Dough:
- Punch down the dough and transfer it to a floured surface. Roll it out into a large circle (about 12 inches in diameter) using a rolling pin or your hands.
- If you prefer a thicker crust, leave the dough slightly thicker around the edges.
- Assemble the Pizza:
- Spread a thin layer of tomato sauce over the dough, leaving a border around the edges for the crust.
- Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded mozzarella cheese on top, followed by the Parmesan cheese.
- Add your desired toppings, such as pepperoni, bell peppers, mushrooms, and red onion.
- Bake the Pizza:
- Carefully transfer the pizza onto the preheated pizza stone or baking sheet.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve:
- Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Tips for Success:
- For an extra crispy crust, preheat your pizza stone or baking sheet for at least 30 minutes before baking the pizza.
- Get creative with toppings! Try different cheeses, vegetables, or meats for a unique flavor.
- You can freeze leftover dough for future pizza nights. Simply wrap it in plastic wrap and store in the freezer for up to 3 months.
This Homemade Pizza is customizable and packed with flavor, making it the perfect dish for a cozy night in or for impressing guests. 🍕🍅