Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 pound pizza dough
- 1 cup homemade tomato sauce (recipe below)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves
- Salt and pepper to taste
Homemade Tomato Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 28-ounce can crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 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 450°F.
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the crushed tomatoes, oregano, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes, until the sauce has thickened.
4. Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface to desired thickness.
5. Transfer the dough to a pizza stone or baking sheet.
6. Spread the tomato sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
7. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce.
8. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the mozzarella.
9. Bake for 12-15 minutes, until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
10. Remove from the oven and sprinkle with chopped fresh basil.
11. Slice and serve hot.
- Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
- Cooking time: 15 minutes
Temperature:
- Oven temperature: 450°F
Serving size:
- 4 servings
Nutritional information:
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 14g
- Carbohydrates: 41g
- Protein: 16g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- You can use store-bought pizza dough instead of homemade.
- You can use any type of cheese you prefer, such as cheddar or feta.
- You can add toppings such as sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, or pepperoni.
Variations:
- You can make a white pizza by omitting the tomato sauce and using a garlic and olive oil base instead.
- You can make a margherita pizza by using sliced fresh tomatoes instead of tomato sauce.
Tips and tricks:
- To prevent the pizza from sticking to the baking sheet or pizza stone, sprinkle cornmeal or flour on the surface before placing the dough on it.
- For a crispier crust, preheat the baking sheet or pizza stone in the oven before placing the dough on it.
- Let the pizza cool for a few minutes before slicing to prevent the cheese from sliding off.
Storage instructions:
- Store leftover pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
- To reheat leftover pizza, preheat the oven to 350°F and bake for 10-15 minutes, until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
- Serve the pizza on a wooden cutting board for a rustic look.
- Garnish with additional fresh basil leaves.
Garnishes:
- Fresh basil leaves
Pairings:
- Serve with a side salad or garlic bread.
Suggested side dishes:
- Caesar salad
- Garlic bread
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the crust is not crispy enough, bake the pizza for a few more minutes.
- If the cheese is not melted enough, broil the pizza for a minute or two.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure the pizza is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F to prevent foodborne illness.
Food history:
- Pizza originated in Naples, Italy in the 18th century.
Flavor profiles:
- Savory, tangy, cheesy, and herbaceous.
Serving suggestions:
- Serve hot and fresh out of the oven.
Related Categories
Cooking Method: N/A
Course Type: N/A
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Ingredient: N/A
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Region: Italian
Taste: Savory, Tangy, Cheesy, Tomato, Herbal, Spicy, Tomato-Y