homemade Pizza

Pizza is one of the most beloved dishes across the globe, and its origin lies in the heart of Italy. The classic Italian pizza features a thin, crispy crust, fresh tomato sauce, and a medley of high-quality toppings that create a perfect balance of flavors. This recipe is perfect for those who want to recreate the authentic experience of Italian pizza in the comfort of their own home. With simple ingredients and a little patience, you can make a pizza that’s as close to the traditional Italian pizza as possible.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through the process of making Homemade Italian Pizza with a hand-tossed crust, delicious tomato sauce, and the freshest mozzarella cheese, all baked to perfection.

Recipe: Authentic Italian Homemade Pizza

Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes
Resting Time for Dough: 1-2 hours
Total Time: 2 hours

Servings: 2 large pizzas (or 4 individual pizzas)

Ingredients

For the Pizza Dough (makes enough for two pizzas)

• 3 ½ cups (440g) of all-purpose flour (preferably 00 flour for pizza)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
• 1 ½ cups warm water (110°F/43°C)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (extra virgin is best)

For the Pizza Sauce

• 2 cups canned San Marzano tomatoes (or any high-quality whole tomatoes)
• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste (optional, for a thicker sauce)

For the Toppings

• 1 ½ cups fresh mozzarella cheese (preferably buffalo mozzarella or fior di latte), shredded or torn into pieces
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil leaves
• Olive oil (for drizzling)
• Optional: additional toppings such as pepperoni, mushrooms, olives, or bell peppers

Equipment Needed

• Large mixing bowl
• Kitchen towel or plastic wrap (for dough resting)
• Pizza stone or baking sheet
• Rolling pin (optional)
• Saucepan for cooking the sauce
• Knife or pizza cutter
• Pizza peel (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Preparing the Pizza Dough

1. Activate the yeast:
   In a small bowl, combine the warm water and sugar. Sprinkle the active dry yeast on top and stir gently to dissolve. Let the mixture sit for about 5-10 minutes, or until it becomes frothy. If the yeast doesn’t foam up, it may be expired or the water may have been too hot or cold, so start over with fresh ingredients.

2. Make the dough:
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Create a well in the center and pour in the activated yeast mixture and olive oil. Using a wooden spoon or your hands, mix everything together until it forms a shaggy dough.

3. Knead the dough:
   Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and knead it for about 8-10 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, but be careful not to add too much, as this could make the dough tough.

4. First rise:
   Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly oiled bowl. Cover the bowl with a kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rest in a warm place for 1-2 hours, or until it doubles in size. This is the first rise, which gives the dough its characteristic airy texture.

Step 2: Preparing the Pizza Sauce

1. Cook the garlic:
   In a saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, or until it becomes fragrant but not browned.

2. Simmer the tomatoes:
   Add the canned tomatoes (with their juices) into the saucepan and stir. Use a spoon to crush the tomatoes slightly, or you can use a hand blender for a smoother sauce. Stir in the oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. For a richer, thicker sauce, you can add 1 tablespoon of tomato paste at this stage. Let the sauce simmer for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly. Adjust seasoning to taste.

3. Blend the sauce (optional):
   For a smoother sauce, you can use an immersion blender or regular blender to puree the sauce to your preferred consistency.

4. Let it cool:
   Once the sauce has cooked, remove it from the heat and allow it to cool down before applying it to the pizza.

Step 3: Assembling the Pizza

1. Preheat the oven:
   Place a pizza stone or baking sheet in the oven and preheat it to 475°F (245°C) for at least 30 minutes. A hot oven ensures a crispy crust and optimal cooking conditions for the pizza.

2. Shape the dough:
   Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release air bubbles. Divide it into two equal portions. On a floured surface, roll out one portion into a thin circle, about 12-14 inches in diameter. You can use a rolling pin or stretch the dough with your hands for a more rustic look. Be gentle when stretching to avoid tearing.

3. Add the toppings:
   Transfer the dough onto a piece of parchment paper or a pizza peel if you have one. Spread a thin layer of the prepared pizza sauce over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges for the crust. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and Parmesan evenly over the sauce. You can now add additional toppings if desired, such as pepperoni, mushrooms, or bell peppers.

4. Bake the pizza:
   Using the parchment paper or pizza peel, carefully slide the pizza onto the preheated pizza stone or baking sheet in the oven. Bake for 10-15 minutes or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbling and slightly browned.

5. Garnish and serve:
   Once baked, remove the pizza from the oven and add a few fresh basil leaves on top. Drizzle with a little extra virgin olive oil for added flavor. Let it cool for a minute before slicing and serving.

Tips for Perfect Pizza

• Flour: If you can, use 00 flour, which is finely milled and ideal for pizza dough. It gives a light, airy texture to the crust. If you don’t have 00 flour, regular all-purpose flour works well too.

• Resting time: If you have more time, let the dough rest in the fridge overnight for an even better texture. This slow fermentation adds flavor to the dough.

• Toppings: Less is more when it comes to pizza toppings. Stick to a few high-quality ingredients to let the flavors shine.

• Preheating: Make sure the oven is preheated well. A hot oven will give you that crispy, golden crust.

Nutrition (Per Slice, Based on 8 slices per pizza)

• Calories: 250-300 kcal
• Protein: 10g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fat: 12g
• Sodium: 500mg
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 3g
• Cholesterol: 20mg

Conclusion

Making your own homemade Italian pizza is a truly rewarding experience. The combination of a chewy, crispy crust, tangy tomato sauce, and creamy mozzarella makes for a pizza that will rival any pizzeria. By following this step-by-step recipe, you’ll create an authentic Italian pizza that’s packed with flavor and sure to satisfy your cravings. Whether you’re making a classic Margherita or adding your own toppings, this recipe is your gateway to homemade pizza perfection. Enjoy!