Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 pound pizza dough
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella, sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Special equipment needed:
- Pizza stone or baking sheet
- Pizza peel or large spatula
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 450°F.
2. Roll out pizza dough on a floured surface to desired thickness.
3. Transfer dough to a pizza stone or baking sheet.
4. Spread tomato sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
5. Arrange sliced mozzarella over the sauce.
6. Sprinkle torn basil leaves over the cheese.
7. Drizzle olive oil over the pizza.
8. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
9. Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the pizza.
10. Bake in preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until crust is golden brown and cheese is melted and bubbly.
11. Remove from oven and let cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 12-15 minutes
Temperature:
Preheat oven to 450°F.
Serving size:
Makes one 12-inch pizza, serves 2-4 people.
Nutritional information:
Calories: 400
Fat: 18g
Carbohydrates: 40g
Protein: 20g
Sodium: 800mg
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Use any type of cheese you prefer instead of fresh mozzarella.
- Substitute tomato sauce with pesto or alfredo sauce.
- Use any herbs you prefer instead of basil.
Variations:
- Add sliced tomatoes or roasted red peppers for extra flavor.
- Top with cooked sausage or pepperoni for a meaty version.
- Add sliced mushrooms or onions for a vegetarian option.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to preheat your oven and pizza stone or baking sheet before baking the pizza.
- Use a pizza peel or large spatula to transfer the pizza to the oven.
- 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:
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 torn basil leaves or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for extra heat.
Pairings:
Pair with a crisp green salad or a glass of red wine.
Suggested side dishes:
Serve with garlic bread or breadsticks for a complete meal.
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the crust is not crispy enough, try baking the pizza for a few more minutes.
- If the cheese is not melted enough, try broiling the pizza for a minute or two.
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:
Pizza originated in Naples, Italy in the 18th century and has since become a popular dish around the world.
Flavor profiles:
This pizza has a classic Italian flavor profile with tangy tomato sauce, creamy fresh mozzarella, and fragrant basil.
Serving suggestions:
Serve hot and fresh out of the oven for the best flavor and texture.
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Region: Italian