Description
Square Cheese Pizza
Ingredients:
For the Dough:
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp sugar
1 tsp salt
1 packet (7g) instant yeast
1 cup warm water
2 tbsp olive oil
For the Sauce:
1 cup canned tomato sauce
1 clove garlic (minced)
1 tsp dried oregano
1/2 tsp dried basil
Salt and pepper to taste
For the Topping:
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Fresh basil or oregano for garnish
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Dough:
In a bowl, mix flour, sugar, salt, and yeast.
Gradually add warm water and olive oil. Mix until the dough forms a ball.
Knead on a floured surface for about 5 minutes until smooth.
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour.
2. Prepare the Sauce:
In a small saucepan, heat tomato sauce with garlic, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5-7 minutes.
3. Assemble the Pizza:
Preheat your oven to 220°C (425°F).
Roll out the dough into a rectangular shape and transfer it to a greased baking sheet.
Spread the sauce evenly over the dough.
Sprinkle mozzarella cheese generously on top.
4. Bake:
Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly.
5. Garnish and Serve:
Garnish with fresh basil or oregano leaves. Cut into squares and enjoy!
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed instructions for perfect results. After mixing your dough ingredients, knead until it passes the “windowpane test”: stretch a small piece; if it forms a thin, translucent membrane without tearing, it’s ready. For the rise, ensure your bowl is in a warm, draft-free spot. When assembling, use the back of a spoon to spread sauce, leaving a 1/2-inch border for the crust. Bake on the center rack, and for an extra-crispy bottom, place your baking sheet in the oven as it preheats.
Serving Suggestions
Square-cut pizza is perfect for sharing. Serve alongside a fresh arugula salad with a lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness. For a heartier meal, pair with garlic knots or buffalo wings. A cold, crisp lager or a non-alcoholic sparkling lemonade makes an excellent beverage pairing. Leftover squares reheat beautifully in a hot skillet for a crisp crust.
How-to Summary
In short: 1) Mix and knead dough, then let rise for 1 hour. 2) Simmer sauce ingredients for 5-7 minutes. 3) Roll dough into a rectangle, top with sauce and cheese. 4) Bake at 220°C (425°F) for 12-15 minutes. 5) Garnish with fresh herbs, slice into squares, and serve.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant? Yes, but activate it first. Mix it with the warm water and sugar, wait 5-10 minutes until foamy, then add to the flour.
How can I make a crispier crust? Preheat your baking sheet or use a pizza stone. Also, ensure your oven is fully preheated and avoid overloading with toppings.
Can I make the dough ahead of time? Absolutely. After the first rise, punch it down, place it in an oiled container, and refrigerate for up to 48 hours. Let it come to room temperature before shaping.
What’s the best cheese substitute? For a similar melt, try a blend of provolone and fontina. For dairy-free, high-quality shredded vegan mozzarella works well.
Why is my crust tough? Over-kneading or using too much flour during rolling can develop too much gluten, leading to a tough texture. Knead just until smooth and use a light hand with flour on your surface.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using water that is too hot for the yeast, which will kill it. Aim for 40-43°C (105-110°F).
- Spreading sauce too thickly, which can make the crust soggy.
- Opening the oven door frequently during baking, causing temperature fluctuations.
- Cutting the pizza immediately after baking, which lets the cheese slide off. Let it rest for 3-5 minutes.
- Overloading with cheese, which can weigh down the dough and prevent even cooking.
Conclusion
Mastering this square cheese pizza is about perfecting a few key techniques: proper dough kneading, a balanced sauce, and a hot oven. It’s a versatile foundation that rewards patience and attention to detail. Once you have this classic recipe down, you can confidently experiment with new toppings and flavors. Enjoy the process and the delicious, shareable results.