Description
Cheese Pizza
Ingredients:
For the Dough:
2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
1 packet active dry yeast (2 ¼ tsp)
1 tsp sugar
¾ cup warm water
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp salt
For the Topping:
1 cup pizza sauce
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried basil
Olive oil for brushing
Instructions:
Prepare the dough: In a bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5 minutes until frothy. Add flour, salt, and olive oil to the yeast mixture and stir to form a dough. Knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth. Cover with a damp towel and let it rise for 1 hour.
Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If using a pizza stone, place it in the oven to heat up.
Shape the dough: Punch down the dough and transfer it to a floured surface. Roll it into a circle or desired shape, about 12 inches in diameter. Place the dough onto a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet or pizza stone.
Add toppings: Spread a thin layer of pizza sauce on the dough. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese generously on top. Add garlic powder, oregano, and basil for extra flavor.
Bake the pizza: Bake the pizza in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbling and slightly browned.
Serve: Let the pizza cool for a minute before slicing. Enjoy your delicious homemade cheese pizza!
A classic cheese pizza with a crispy crust, gooey cheese, and a hint of garlic and herbs! Perfect for any pizza night!
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Activate the Yeast: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ¾ cup of warm water (around 110°F), sugar, and yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy and bubbly, confirming the yeast is active.
2. Form the Dough: Add the olive oil and salt to the yeast mixture. Gradually add the flour, stirring with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms.
3. Knead the Dough: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Knead by pushing the dough away with the heel of your hand, folding it over, and repeating for 5-7 minutes until it’s smooth, elastic, and springs back when poked.
4. First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover with a damp kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm, draft-free place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
5. Shape the Base: After the rise, punch down the dough to release air. On a floured surface, use your hands or a rolling pin to gently stretch and shape it into a 12-inch circle. Avoid rolling the edges thin.
6. Final Assembly & Bake: Transfer the shaped dough to your prepared pan or pizza peel. Add sauce and toppings as instructed. Bake immediately in your preheated oven until perfectly golden.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your fresh cheese pizza with a side of garlic butter or ranch dressing for dipping the crust. A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette cuts through the richness perfectly. For a heartier meal, pair with breadsticks or buffalo wings. Don’t forget to offer crushed red pepper flakes and grated Parmesan cheese at the table for personalized finishing touches.
How-to Summary
To make classic cheese pizza: activate yeast in warm water with sugar. Mix in flour, salt, and oil to form a dough, then knead until smooth. Let the dough rise for one hour. Preheat oven to 475°F. Shape the dough, top with sauce, mozzarella, and herbs. Bake for 10-12 minutes until the crust is golden and cheese is bubbly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the dough ahead of time? Yes. After the first rise, punch it down, place it in an airtight container, and refrigerate for up to 48 hours. Let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before shaping.
Why is my pizza crust tough? Over-kneading the dough or using too much flour during shaping can develop too much gluten, leading to a tough crust. Knead just until smooth and use flour sparingly.
What can I use if I don’t have a pizza stone? A preheated inverted baking sheet or a cast-iron skillet are excellent alternatives. The key is preheating your cooking surface in the oven.
How do I get a crispier crust? Ensure your oven is fully preheated. Bake the pizza on a lower rack, and if possible, use a perforated pizza pan or stone to allow air circulation underneath.
Can I freeze homemade pizza? You can freeze the baked pizza. Let it cool completely, wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using water that is too hot, which will kill the yeast, or too cold, which won’t activate it.
- Overloading the pizza with sauce, which makes the crust soggy. Use a thin, even layer.
- Using pre-shredded cheese that contains anti-caking agents; it doesn’t melt as well. Shred your own mozzarella.
- Not preheating your oven or baking surface adequately, resulting in a pale, undercooked crust.
- Slicing the pizza immediately after baking, which causes the cheese to slide off. Let it rest for 2-3 minutes.
Conclusion
Mastering a classic cheese pizza at home is a rewarding culinary skill. By understanding the simple science of yeast dough and following these detailed steps, you can consistently create a pizza far superior to delivery. The process, from activating the yeast to pulling a bubbling pie from the oven, is part of the joy. With this guide, you’re equipped to avoid common pitfalls and tailor the pizza to your taste. Gather your ingredients, and transform your next pizza night into a delicious homemade triumph.