Dawn
Culinary Explorer
have some home made today!
Ingredients:
For the Pizza Dough:
- 2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
- 1 1/2 cups warm water (110°F/45°C)
- 3 1/2 to 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
For the Tomato Sauce:
- 1 can (14 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Toppings:
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Your choice of toppings (e.g., pepperoni, mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, olives, etc.)
- Fresh basil leaves (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Dough:
- Activate the Yeast:
- In a small bowl, dissolve the sugar in the warm water. Sprinkle the yeast over the top and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes, until it becomes frothy.
- Mix the Dough:
- In a large bowl, combine 3 1/2 cups of flour with the salt. Make a well in the center and add the yeast mixture and olive oil.
- Mix until a dough forms. If the dough is too sticky, gradually add more flour, a tablespoon at a time.
- Knead the Dough:
- Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
- Let the Dough Rise:
- Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl and cover with a clean kitchen towel. Let it rise in a warm place for about 1-1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
2. Prepare the Tomato Sauce:
- Cook the Sauce:
- In a saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, until fragrant.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, and sugar (if using). Season with salt and pepper.
- Simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens. Adjust seasoning if needed.
3. Assemble the Pizza:
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If you’re using a pizza stone, place it in the oven to preheat as well.
- Shape the Dough:
- Punch down the risen dough and divide it into 2-3 portions (depending on how large you want your pizzas).
- On a floured surface, roll out each portion into your desired shape and thickness. Transfer the dough to a pizza peel or a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Add Sauce and Toppings:
- Spread a thin layer of tomato sauce over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Sprinkle with shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Add your favorite toppings evenly over the cheese.
4. Bake the Pizza:
- Bake:
- Transfer the pizza to the preheated oven (or onto the pizza stone) and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Cool and Slice:
- Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil if desired, then slice and serve.
Tips:
- Crust Thickness: For a thinner crust, roll the dough out more. For a thicker crust, use less dough per pizza and roll it out less.
- Prebake the Crust: For a crispier crust, you can prebake the dough for 5 minutes before adding the sauce and toppings.
- Toppings: Get creative with toppings! Try different combinations of vegetables, meats, and cheeses.
Thanks for the homemade pizza recipe—can’t wait to make my own pizza night! 
I love how you can customize it with your favorite toppings. Can’t wait to try making my own pizza dough and sauce from scratch!
