How can I make quality pizza at home?

George Santo

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Philadelphia, Delaware, US at Today (company) (2021–present )1h

How can I make quality pizza at home?

1. Prepare the Dough

The foundation of any great pizza is its dough. Here’s how to make it:

• Ingredients: You will need flour (preferably bread flour for better gluten structure), water, yeast, olive oil, and salt.
• Mixing: Start by blooming the yeast in warm water with a pinch of sugar for about 10 minutes until it becomes frothy. In a separate bowl, combine flour and salt. Create a well in the center and add the bloomed yeast mixture along with olive oil.
• Kneading: Mix until a shaggy dough forms, then turn it out onto a floured surface and knead for about 10-15 minutes until smooth and elastic.
• Fermentation: Place the dough in an oiled bowl, cover it with plastic wrap or a damp cloth, and let it rise at room temperature for at least 1 hour or up to 24 hours in the refrigerator for better flavor development.

2. Shape the Dough

Once your dough has risen:

• Punch Down: Gently punch down the dough to release air bubbles.
• Divide: Cut the dough into portions (typically around 9 ounces each for personal pizzas).
• Shape: Form each portion into a ball by folding edges into the center and rolling on a floured surface until taut.

3. Prepare Your Sauce

A simple sauce enhances your pizza without overpowering it:

• Ingredients: Use canned tomatoes (like San Marzano), garlic, olive oil, salt, and herbs like oregano or basil.
• Preparation: Blend these ingredients together until smooth. No cooking is necessary; just spread this raw sauce over your shaped dough.

4. Add Toppings

When adding toppings:

• Keep It Simple: Aim for 3 to 4 ounces of toppings total per pizza to avoid sogginess.
• Cheese Choices: Use low-moisture mozzarella for best results; fresh mozzarella can also be used but should be drained well.
• Vegetables & Proteins: Pre-cook vegetables like mushrooms or bell peppers if they have high moisture content. For meats like sausage or pepperoni, ensure they are cooked before adding them as toppings.

5. Bake Your Pizza

Baking is crucial for achieving that perfect crust:

• Preheat Oven: Set your oven as high as it will go (ideally between 500°F - 550°F) and preheat with a pizza stone or heavy baking sheet inside for at least 30 minutes.
• Transfer Pizza: Use a pizza peel dusted with flour or cornmeal to transfer your topped pizza onto the hot stone or pan.
• Cooking Time: Bake for about 8–12 minutes depending on your oven’s heat level until the crust is golden brown and cheese is bubbly.

6. Finishing Touches

After baking:

• Garnish & Serve: Add fresh herbs like basil after baking for extra flavor. Drizzle with olive oil or sprinkle with red pepper flakes if desired.

By following these steps carefully, you can create quality homemade pizzas that rival those from pizzerias.