Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 pre-made pizza crust
- 1 cup Circassian smoked cheese, shredded
- 4 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1/4 cup tomato sauce
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup green bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup black olives, sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- Salt and pepper to taste
Special equipment needed:
- Pizza stone or baking sheet
- Rolling pin
- Pizza cutter
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 425°F.
2. Dust the rolling pin and work surface with flour and roll out the pizza crust to desired thickness.
3. Spread the tomato sauce evenly over the pizza crust.
4. Sprinkle the shredded Circassian smoked cheese over the tomato sauce.
5. Add the cooked and crumbled bacon on top of the cheese.
6. Add the sliced red onion, green bell pepper, and black olives.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Bake the pizza for 12-15 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
9. Remove the pizza from the oven and sprinkle with fresh chopped basil.
10. Cut the pizza into slices and serve hot.
Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 12-15 minutes
5. Temperature:
425°F
Serving size:
4-6 servings
Nutritional information:
Calories: 320
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 30mg
Sodium: 740mg
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 2g
Protein: 14g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Any type of smoked cheese can be used instead of Circassian smoked cheese.
- Turkey bacon or vegetarian bacon can be used instead of regular bacon.
- Any type of pizza crust can be used, including homemade or gluten-free.
Variations:
- Add sliced mushrooms or jalapenos for extra flavor.
- Use a white sauce instead of tomato sauce for a different flavor profile.
- Add sliced chicken or sausage for a meatier pizza.
Tips and tricks:
- Preheat the pizza stone or baking sheet in the oven before placing the pizza on it for a crispier crust.
- Use a pizza cutter to easily slice the pizza into even pieces.
- Let the pizza cool for a few minutes before slicing to prevent the toppings from sliding off.
Storage instructions:
Leftover pizza can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
Reheat leftover pizza in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes or until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
Serve the pizza on a wooden cutting board or pizza stone for a rustic look.
Garnishes:
Garnish with additional fresh basil leaves or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for extra heat.
Pairings:
Pair with a crisp green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
Suggested side dishes:
- Caesar salad
- Roasted vegetables
- Garlic bread
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the crust is not crispy enough, bake the pizza for an additional 2-3 minutes.
- If the cheese is not melted enough, broil the pizza for 1-2 minutes.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure to cook the bacon thoroughly before adding it to the pizza.
- Store leftover pizza in the refrigerator within 2 hours of cooking.
Food history:
Circassian smoked cheese is a traditional cheese from the Circassian region of Russia. It is a hard, smoked cheese with a distinct flavor.
Flavor profiles:
The smoky flavor of the Circassian smoked cheese pairs well with the salty bacon and tangy tomato sauce. The vegetables add a fresh, crisp flavor to the pizza.
Serving suggestions:
Serve the pizza hot and fresh out of the oven for the best flavor.
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