delish pizza recipe

To make delicious homemade pizza, follow these steps that encompass everything from preparing the dough to choosing the toppings.

Ingredients for the Dough

• Warm Water: About 1 ½ cups (105°F-115°F).
• Active Dry Yeast: 1 packet (around 2 ¼ teaspoons).
• Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons.
• Honey or Sugar: 1 tablespoon (for activating the yeast).
• Salt: 1 tablespoon.
• Flour: 3 ¾ cups of bread flour or all-purpose flour.

Steps to Prepare Dough

1. Proof the Yeast: Mix warm water, honey, and yeast in a bowl. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it foams.
2. Mix Ingredients: Add the flour, salt, and olive oil to the yeast mixture. Stir or knead until a smooth dough forms.
3. Let It Rise: Place the dough in an oiled bowl, cover, and let it rise for 1 to 2 hours at room temperature, or for enhanced flavor, refrigerate it overnight.
4. Shape the Dough: Divide the dough into 2-4 pieces (for personal pizzas). Roll each piece out into a circle or rectangle based on your preference.

Pizza Sauce

• You can use store-bought or make your own using whole peeled tomatoes, garlic, diced onions, and Italian herbs such as oregano and basil. Here’s an easy homemade sauce recipe:
  • Blend or cook tomatoes, season with salt, and let simmer until thick.

Assembling Your Pizza

1. Preheat Your Oven: Preheat to 475°F (246°C), and place a pizza stone or baking sheet inside to heat.
2. Prepare the Base: Roll out your dough on a floured surface to your desired thickness, then transfer it to parchment paper for easier handling.
3. Add Sauce and Toppings: Spread a thin layer of pizza sauce followed by shredded mozzarella cheese and your desired toppings (pepperoni, mushrooms, olives, bell peppers, etc.).
4. Bake: Carefully slide the pizza onto the preheated pizza stone and bake for about 8-12 minutes until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbling.

Tips for Perfect Pizza

• Dough Proofing: Give your dough more time to proof if possible. A longer rise enhances flavor and texture8.
• Flour Choice: For chewier crusts, use bread flour; if you prefer a crispier crust, consider 00 flour9.
• Temperature and Timing: Bake your pizza at a high temperature for a short duration to achieve that perfect crust7.

Additional Resource Links

• For an excellent overview of homemade pizza recipes, visit Delish’s Best Homemade Pizza Recipes 1.
• You can also check out Tasty’s guide to making pizza for a visual step-by-step approach 3.
• For a no-rise pizza dough recipe, see Allrecipes 6.

These links and the provided instructions will help you create a delicious and personalized pizza experience right at home! Enjoy your pizza night.