Description
Mouthwatering homemade pizza brings Italian culinary magic right to kitchen counters, creating irresistible comfort with crispy crust and melted cheese. Crafted with fresh ingredients and personal passion, this recipe promises a delicious journey that connects families and friends through shared flavor experiences.
Ingredients
Scale
Pizza Dough:
- 3 cups flour
- 1 packet active dry yeast
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup warm water
Sauce and Toppings:
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1/4 cup parmesan cheese
Optional Toppings:
- 1/2 cup pepperoni slices
- 1/3 cup sliced mushrooms
- 1/4 cup sliced bell peppers
- 1/4 cup sliced onions
Instructions
- Dissolve yeast in warm water (110°F) and let it activate for 5 minutes until foamy.
- Mix flour and salt in a large mixing bowl, create a well in the center, and pour in olive oil and activated yeast mixture.
- Knead the dough for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic, forming a cohesive ball that springs back when pressed.
- Place dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let rise in a warm spot for 1 hour until doubled in size.
- Preheat oven to 450°F with a pizza stone or baking sheet inside.
- Punch down risen dough and roll out on a floured surface into a 12-inch circular shape.
- Mince garlic and spread tomato sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Sprinkle mozzarella and parmesan cheeses across the sauce.
- Distribute chopped garlic, sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, and pepperoni across the pizza surface.
- Transfer pizza carefully onto the preheated stone or baking sheet.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes until crust turns golden and cheese bubbles and slightly browns.
- Remove from oven, garnish with fresh basil leaves, slice, and serve immediately.
Notes
- Activate yeast precisely at 110°F to ensure proper fermentation and prevent killing the live cultures.
- Knead dough thoroughly to develop gluten, creating a stretchy, airy texture that results in a crispy yet chewy crust.
- Use room temperature ingredients for better dough consistency and more even mixing, especially with cheese and vegetables.
- Customize toppings based on dietary preferences by substituting pepperoni with plant-based alternatives or adding more vegetables for a healthier version.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 14 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg