Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 pound pizza dough
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup sliced cherry tomatoes
- 1/4 cup sliced red onion
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Special equipment needed:
- Pizza stone or baking sheet
- Pizza peel or spatula
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C) and place the pizza stone or baking sheet in the oven to heat up.
2. Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface to desired thickness.
3. Spread the tomato sauce evenly over the pizza dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
4. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese over the tomato sauce.
5. Arrange the sliced cherry tomatoes and red onion on top of the cheese.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Use the pizza peel or spatula to transfer the pizza onto the hot pizza stone or baking sheet.
8. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
9. Remove the pizza from the oven and sprinkle the chopped fresh basil over the top.
10. Let the pizza cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 10-12 minutes
Temperature:
450°F (230°C)
Serving size:
4 servings
Nutritional information:
Calories: 320
Fat: 10g
Carbohydrates: 44g
Protein: 14g
Sodium: 710mg
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Pizza dough: store-bought or homemade pizza dough, or pre-made pizza crust
- Tomato sauce: marinara sauce, pizza sauce, or tomato paste mixed with water and seasonings
- Cheese: any type of shredded cheese, such as cheddar, Gouda, or provolone
- Toppings: any type of vegetables or meats, such as mushrooms, bell peppers, sausage, or pepperoni
Variations:
- Margherita pizza: omit the red onion and cherry tomatoes, and use fresh sliced tomatoes and whole basil leaves instead.
- Meat lovers pizza: add cooked crumbled sausage, bacon, and/or pepperoni on top of the cheese.
- Veggie pizza: use a variety of vegetables, such as mushrooms, bell peppers, olives, and artichoke hearts, on top of the cheese.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure the pizza stone or baking sheet is hot before placing the pizza on it to ensure a crispy crust.
- Use a light hand when adding toppings to avoid overloading the pizza and making it soggy.
- Let the pizza cool for a few minutes before slicing to avoid the cheese and 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:
To reheat leftover pizza, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the pizza on a baking sheet. Bake for 5-7 minutes, or until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
Serve the pizza on a wooden board or pizza stone for a rustic look.
Garnishes:
Sprinkle extra chopped fresh basil over the top before serving.
Pairings:
Serve with a side salad or garlic bread.
Suggested side dishes:
- Caesar salad
- Caprese salad
- Garlic bread
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the crust is too thick or chewy, roll it out thinner next time or let it rise longer before baking.
- If the cheese is not melted enough, bake the pizza for a few more minutes or broil it for a minute or two.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure to wash your hands and any utensils or surfaces that come into contact with raw pizza dough or toppings to avoid cross-contamination.
- Cook the pizza to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure it is safe to eat.
Food history:
The origins of pizza can be traced back to ancient civilizations such as the Greeks, Egyptians, and Romans, who all had some form of flatbread topped with herbs, cheese, and other ingredients. However, the modern pizza as we know it today originated in Naples, Italy in the 18th century.
Flavor profiles:
This pizza has a classic combination of tangy tomato sauce, melty cheese, and fresh basil, with a pop of sweetness from the cherry tomatoes and a bit of bite from the red onion.
Serving suggestions:
Serve the pizza hot and fresh out of the oven for the best flavor and texture.
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