Pizza Dough Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) instant yeast
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup warm water
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Mix flour, yeast, and salt in a bowl.
- Add warm water and olive oil, then mix until a dough forms.
- Knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth.
- Let rise for 1 hour, covered.
Tomato Sauce Ingredients
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Add garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Add crushed tomatoes and oregano, simmer for 15 minutes.
- Season with salt to taste.
Classic Pizza: The Perfect Crispy Crust at Home
There’s something magical about homemade pizza—the aroma of fresh dough baking, the rich tomato sauce simmering, and the final bite that delivers a perfect crunch. Over the years, I’ve tested countless methods to perfect a crispy yet chewy crust and a balanced, flavorful sauce. This recipe combines simple ingredients with tried-and-true techniques, so you can achieve pizzeria-quality pizza in your own kitchen.
Why This Recipe Works
- Cold Fermentation Option – Letting the dough rest overnight enhances the flavor.
- High Heat Baking – A preheated pizza stone or steel mimics a professional oven.
- Minimal Sauce – Just enough to add moisture without making the crust soggy.
- Parbaking for Extra Crisp – A quick pre-bake ensures a crispier bottom.
Equipment Needed
- Pizza stone or steel (for best crust)
- Baking sheet (alternative)
- Pizza peel or spatula
Assembling & Baking the Pizza
- Preheat the Oven: Set to 500°F (260°C) and preheat your pizza stone for 30 minutes.
- Roll Out the Dough: Lightly flour a surface and roll dough into a 12-inch round.
- Prebake the Crust (Optional for Extra Crispiness): Bake dough alone for 3-4 minutes before adding toppings.
- Add Toppings:
- Spread a thin layer of tomato sauce (about 1/2 cup).
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella evenly.
- Add any desired toppings (pepperoni, mushrooms, olives).
- Bake Until Golden: Transfer pizza to the hot stone and bake for 7-10 minutes, until the crust is golden and cheese is bubbly.
- Cool & Slice: Let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing—this helps set the cheese.
Pro Tips for Success
For Thin & Crispy Pizza: Roll the dough out thinner and parbake the crust. For a Chewier Crust: Use bread flour and let the dough rise overnight. For Extra Flavor: Brush the crust with garlic butter before baking.
Serving & Pairing Suggestions
Pair with: A glass of Chianti or an IPA for the perfect pizza night. Serve with: A crisp Caesar salad or roasted garlic bread.
Now, grab a slice and enjoy your homemade masterpiece!