Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 pound pizza dough
- 1/2 cup Squacquerone di Romagna DOP cheese
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce
- 1/4 cup sliced black olives
- 1/4 cup sliced red onions
- 1/4 cup sliced mushrooms
- 1/4 cup sliced bell peppers
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Special Equipment Needed:
- Pizza stone or baking sheet
- Rolling pin
- Pizza cutter
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 450°F.
2. Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface to your desired thickness.
3. Transfer the dough to a pizza stone or baking sheet.
4. Spread the tomato sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a 1/2-inch border around the edges.
5. Sprinkle the Squacquerone di Romagna DOP cheese over the sauce.
6. Add the sliced olives, red onions, mushrooms, and bell peppers on top of the cheese.
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 the chopped fresh basil over the top.
10. Slice and serve hot.
Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 12-15 minutes
Temperature:
Preheat oven to 450°F.
Serving size:
This recipe makes one 12-inch pizza, serving 2-4 people.
Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 350
Fat: 12g
Carbohydrates: 47g
Protein: 12g
Sodium: 600mg
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Squacquerone di Romagna DOP cheese can be substituted with any soft, mild cheese such as mozzarella or brie.
- Any preferred pizza toppings can be used in place of the olives, red onions, mushrooms, and bell peppers.
Variations:
- Add cooked Italian sausage or pepperoni for a meaty pizza.
- Use a white sauce or pesto instead of tomato sauce.
- Top with arugula or spinach after baking for a fresh twist.
Tips and Tricks:
- Preheat your oven and pizza stone or baking sheet for at least 30 minutes before baking the pizza for a crispy crust.
- Use a pizza cutter or sharp knife to slice the pizza.
- For a thinner crust, roll the dough out to a larger size.
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 10-12 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:
Pair with a light Italian red wine such as Chianti or Pinot Noir.
Suggested Side Dishes:
Serve with a side salad or garlic bread.
Troubleshooting Advice:
- If the crust is not crispy enough, try baking the pizza for a few more minutes or placing it under the broiler for 1-2 minutes.
- If the cheese is not melting properly, make sure it is at room temperature before adding it to the pizza.
Food Safety Advice:
Make sure to cook the pizza to an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure it is safe to eat.
Food History:
Squacquerone di Romagna DOP cheese is a soft, creamy cheese from the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy. It has been produced for centuries and is a staple ingredient in many Italian dishes.
Flavor Profiles:
This pizza has a savory tomato sauce base with a creamy, mild cheese and a variety of fresh vegetables. The basil adds a bright, herbaceous note to the dish.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve hot with a glass of red wine and a side salad for a complete meal.
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Region: Italian