The Ultimate Guide to Perfect Homemade Pizza

Ingredients:

Dough:

• 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
• 1 ½ cups warm water (110°F or 45°C)
• 3 ½ to 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt

Sauce:

• 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
• 1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Toppings:

• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup sliced pepperoni or other preferred toppings
• ½ cup sliced bell peppers
• ½ cup sliced mushrooms
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Dough: In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast and sugar in warm water. Let it sit for 5 minutes until frothy. In a large mixing bowl, combine 3 ½ cups flour and salt. Create a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture and olive oil. Mix until the dough starts to come together. If the dough is too sticky, gradually add more flour until it’s workable. Knead on a floured surface for about 5 minutes, until smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours or until doubled in size.

2. Make the Sauce: In a saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the tomato sauce and paste, and stir well. Add oregano, basil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Adjust seasoning to taste and set aside.

3. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven while it heats up to get it nice and hot.

4. Shape the Dough: Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into 2 portions for 2 medium pizzas or keep it whole for one large pizza. On a floured surface, roll out the dough to your desired thickness. If you’re using a pizza stone, transfer the rolled-out dough onto a piece of parchment paper for easy handling.

5. Assemble the Pizza: Spread a thin layer of sauce over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges. Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese and arrange your toppings. Finish with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.

6. Bake the Pizza: Carefully transfer the pizza (with parchment paper if using a pizza stone) to the oven. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.

7. Garnish and Serve: Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil leaves before slicing and serving. Enjoy your homemade masterpiece!

Tips for Perfection:

• Use a Pizza Stone: For a crispier crust, bake your pizza on a preheated pizza stone.
• Preheat Your Oven: Ensure your oven is fully preheated to the correct temperature before baking.
• Experiment with Toppings: Don’t be afraid to try different cheeses, vegetables, or meats to find your perfect combination.

Conclusion: Mastering the art of homemade pizza is both an enjoyable and rewarding endeavor. With these steps, you can create a pizza that rivals those from your favorite pizzeria. Experiment with different variations and toppings to make each pizza night unique!