Ingredients
For the Pizza Dough:
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1 ½ cups warm water (about 110°F or 45°C)
- 3 ½ to 4 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for kneading)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
For the Pizza Sauce:
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce (or crushed tomatoes)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Toppings:
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup sliced pepperoni (or any meat of choice)
- 1/2 cup sliced bell peppers
- 1/2 cup sliced onions
- 1/2 cup sliced mushrooms
- 1/4 cup black olives
- Fresh basil leaves (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Pizza Dough
1. Activate the Yeast:
- In a small bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
2. Mix the Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 3 ½ cups of flour, salt, and olive oil. Pour in the yeast mixture and stir until a dough forms.
3. Knead the Dough:
- Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add more flour, one tablespoon at a time.
4. Let the Dough Rise:
- Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a damp cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 to 1 ½ hours, or until it doubles in size.
Step 2: Prepare the Pizza Sauce
1. Cook the Sauce:
- In a saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the tomato sauce (or crushed tomatoes), oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer the sauce on low heat for about 10-15 minutes. Remove from heat and let it cool.
Step 3: Assemble the Pizza
1. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven while preheating.
2. Roll Out the Dough:
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Divide it into two equal portions if making two pizzas. Roll out the dough on a floured surface to your desired thickness, either round or rectangular.
3. Transfer the Dough:
- If using a pizza stone, transfer the rolled-out dough to a piece of parchment paper. If using a baking sheet, lightly oil it and place the dough on it.
4. Add the Sauce:
- Spread a generous layer of pizza sauce over the dough, leaving about 1 inch around the edges for the crust.
5. Add the Toppings:
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the sauce. Add your chosen toppings, such as pepperoni, bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, and olives.
Step 4: Bake the Pizza
1. Bake the Pizza:
- Carefully transfer the pizza (with the parchment paper if using a pizza stone) to the preheated oven. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
2. Add Fresh Herbs:
- If using fresh basil, add it on top of the pizza right after baking.
3. Slice and Serve:
- Remove the pizza from the oven, let it cool for a minute, then slice and serve!
Enjoy your wonderful homemade pizza!
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