Description
Authentic Italian pizza is a culinary delight that encapsulates the essence of Italy in every bite. With its crispy, thin crust and simple yet flavorful toppings, this homemade pizza offers a delightful experience for all occasions. Picture yourself rolling out fresh dough, the aroma of baking bread wafting through your kitchen as you layer on rich tomato sauce, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil. Whether you’re enjoying a casual family dinner or hosting friends, this recipe allows for infinite customization—from the classic margherita to gourmet toppings like prosciutto and arugula. Get ready to indulge in a delightful experience that celebrates tradition while letting your creativity shine!
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet active dry yeast (2¼ teaspoons)
- 1 cup warm water (110°F/43°C)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 can San Marzano tomatoes (crushed)
- 2 cups fresh mozzarella cheese (shredded)
- Fresh basil leaves (to taste)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine warm water and yeast; let sit for five minutes until foamy. Stir in olive oil and salt.
- Gradually mix in flour until fully combined; knead on a floured surface for about ten minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in an oiled bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for one hour or until doubled in size.
- Crush canned San Marzano tomatoes in another bowl and season with salt.
- Preheat your oven to its highest setting (around 475°F/245°C) with a baking stone inside if available.
- Roll out half of the dough into a thin circle; spread sauce over it, add mozzarella cheese, and top with basil leaves.
- Transfer the pizza onto the baking stone or tray; bake for about ten minutes until cheese is bubbly and crust is golden brown.
Notes
- Use high-quality ingredients for maximum flavor impact.
- Experiment with different toppings like artichokes or prosciutto for variety.
- If you don’t have a pizza stone, an upside-down baking sheet works well too.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (100g)
- Calories: 270
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 15mg