Description
This classic Italian pizza recipe guides you through making a delicious homemade pizza from scratch, featuring a flavorful yeast dough, tangy pizza sauce, melted mozzarella cheese, and optional toppings like pepperoni or fresh basil. Perfect for a cozy Italian dinner or sharing with friends, this recipe provides authentic flavors with easy-to-follow steps.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Dough:
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- ¾ cup warm water (about 110°F)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Toppings:
- ½ cup pizza sauce (or crushed San Marzano tomatoes seasoned with salt and olive oil)
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese (or fresh mozzarella slices)
- 6–8 slices of pepperoni, prosciutto, or salami (optional)
- Fresh basil leaves
- 1 tablespoon olive oil, for brushing
- Optional: grated Parmesan, crushed red pepper flakes, sliced olives, mushrooms, or arugula
Instructions
- Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is active and ready to use.
- Make the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture and olive oil. Stir until the ingredients form a rough dough. Transfer to a floured surface and knead for about 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Let the Dough Rise: Place the kneaded dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a clean cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it has doubled in size.
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven while it preheats to ensure a crisp crust.
- Shape the Dough: Punch down the risen dough and roll it out on a floured surface into a 12-inch circle or your preferred shape. Transfer it to a pizza pan or the preheated stone.
- Add Toppings: Spread the pizza sauce evenly over the dough surface. Top with shredded or sliced mozzarella cheese, then add your choice of toppings. Brush the crust edges with olive oil for a golden, crispy finish.
- Bake the Pizza: Bake in the preheated oven for 12–15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the pizza from the oven and scatter fresh basil leaves on top. Slice the pizza and serve hot for the best experience.
Notes
- For an authentic Italian touch, use “00” flour and buffalo mozzarella for the dough and toppings.
- Allow the dough to ferment overnight in the refrigerator for deeper flavor development.
- This recipe produces 1 medium pizza, ideal for 2–3 people.
- Customize toppings to suit personal preferences or dietary needs.
