How to Make Delicious Pizza from Scratch

Pizza is one of the most loved dishes in the world. It is a delicious, versatile and cost-effective meal that can satisfy even the pickiest eaters. Making pizza from scratch might seem daunting, but it is actually quite easy and rewarding. With a bit of patience and practice, you can make a pizza that tastes better than anything you can order at your local pizza joint.

The secret to making a great pizza is starting with the right ingredients. You need good quality flour, yeast, salt, water, and of course, your toppings of choice. Making the dough is the most time-consuming part of the process, but it is also the most important. Once you’ve made the dough, you can let it rest for a few hours or overnight so it develops flavor. Then, you can add your tomato sauce, cheese, vegetables, meats or whatever else you fancy and bake it in the oven until golden and crispy. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced chef, making pizza from scratch is a fun and delicious way to spend an evening with friends or family.

Choosing the Best Ingredients

When it comes to making pizza from scratch, the quality of your ingredients is crucial. Whether you prefer a classic Margherita or a meat-lover’s delight, here’s what you need to consider.

Flour

The foundation of any pizza is its crust. To achieve a deliciously chewy and crispy texture, use a high-protein flour, such as bread flour. If you’re feeling adventurous, try experimenting with different flours, like whole wheat or spelt, to add a unique twist to your crust.

Yeast

To help your dough rise, you’ll need yeast. For a quick and easy option, use active dry yeast, which is readily available in most grocery stores. If you want to add more flavor to your dough, consider using a sourdough starter.

Salt

Don’t skimp on salt! Not only does it enhance the flavor of your pizza, but it also helps to activate the yeast in your dough. Use kosher or sea salt for best results.

Tomatoes

For the sauce, opt for San Marzano tomatoes, which have a sweet and slightly acidic taste that’s perfect for pizza. You can use canned tomatoes or fresh ones (peeled and seeded).

Cheese

There’s no pizza without cheese! Mozzarella is the classic choice, but you can also use other varieties like fontina, provolone, and Parmesan. Don’t forget to grate your cheese ahead of time to save yourself some prep time.

Meat and Vegetables

When it comes to toppings, the options are endless. Choose your favorite meats, like pepperoni or sausage, or go vegetarian with roasted veggies. Just make sure to prepare your toppings before assembling your pizza.

Olive Oil

Olive oil adds flavor and richness to your pizza, so don’t forget to brush some on top of your crust before adding your sauce and toppings.

Herbs and Spices

Adding herbs and spices to your pizza can take its flavor to the next level. Consider using fresh basil, oregano, or garlic for added flavor. Red pepper flakes can also add a nice kick of heat.

Cornmeal

Sprinkling cornmeal on your pizza peel or baking sheet will prevent your pizza from sticking and give it a nice crunch.

Water

Last but not least, don’t forget to use lukewarm water when making your dough. Cold water will slow down the fermentation process, while hot water could kill the yeast. Aim for a temperature of around 100-110°F.

With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to making mouth-watering pizza from scratch. Next, let’s move on to the dough.

Gather Your Ingredients and Tools

Before you start making your pizza dough from scratch, make sure you have all the necessary ingredients and tools. Here is a list of everything you will need:

Ingredients:

• 3 and 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour
• 1 and 1/4 ounces of active dry yeast
• 2 teaspoons of salt
• 1 and 1/2 cups of warm water
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• 1 teaspoon of sugar
• Pizza sauce (either store-bought or homemade)
• Shredded mozzarella cheese
• Other toppings of your choice (such as pepperoni, mushrooms, onions, etc.)

Tools:

• Large mixing bowl
• Wooden spoon
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Pizza peel (optional, but makes it easier to transfer pizza to oven)
• Pizza stone or baking sheet

Choosing the Right Flour

One of the most important ingredients in pizza dough is flour. All-purpose flour works well for pizza crust because it has a moderate protein content and creates a chewy texture. However, you can also use bread flour or even mix all-purpose and bread flour together for a more structured crust. Avoid using cake flour or self-rising flour, as they do not have the necessary protein levels for a sturdy pizza crust.

Measuring Your Ingredients

Proper measuring is crucial to making good pizza dough. Be sure to use measuring cups and spoons to ensure accurate proportions. When measuring flour, spoon it into the measuring cup and level it off with a knife. Do not scoop the flour directly from the bag with the measuring cup, as this can result in too much flour being added to the dough.

Using Active Dry Yeast

Active dry yeast is a key ingredient in pizza dough as it helps the dough to rise and creates a light, airy texture. Make sure to use fresh, unexpired yeast for best results. To activate the yeast, dissolve it in warm water with a teaspoon of sugar and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy and bubbly.

Water Temperature

The water used in pizza dough should be warm, but not too hot. If the water is too hot, it can kill the yeast and prevent the dough from rising. On the other hand, if the water is too cool, the yeast will not activate properly. Aim for a water temperature between 105-110F.

Olive Oil

Olive oil adds flavor and moisture to pizza dough. It also helps to prevent sticking when shaping and rolling out the dough. You can use extra virgin olive oil or regular olive oil, whichever you prefer. If you don’t have olive oil, you can also use vegetable oil or another neutral oil.

Choosing Pizza Sauce

Pizza sauce is a matter of preference. You can use store-bought pizza sauce or make your own with canned tomato sauce, garlic, and Italian seasonings. Experiment with different brands and flavors to find one you like best.

Cheese and Toppings

Mozzarella cheese is a classic choice for pizza, but you can also use other types of cheese or a combination. Shredded cheese melts best and is easiest to use. As for toppings, it really depends on your taste. Some popular choices include pepperoni, mushrooms, onions, bell peppers, and black olives.

Pizza Stone or Baking Sheet

A pizza stone is a great investment for making homemade pizza. It helps to create a crispy crust and evenly cook the pizza. If you don’t have a pizza stone, you can use a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Either way, make sure to preheat your oven before baking the pizza.

5 Essential Ingredients for Homemade Pizza Dough

Making pizza from scratch starts with the most important part – the pizza dough. Without good dough, your pizza is just not going to taste great. Here are 5 essential ingredients you should have in your kitchen to make the perfect pizza dough from scratch.

1. Flour: The foundation of any good pizza dough is the flour. It provides the structure and texture to the dough. You can use either all-purpose flour or bread flour. All-purpose flour will give your dough a thinner and crisper crust, while bread flour will give it a chewier texture.

2. Water: The amount of water you use is crucial, as it hydrates the dough and activates the yeast. Make sure the water is warm, but not too hot, as this can kill the yeast. If you prefer a chewier crust, use cold water instead of warm.

3. Yeast: Yeast is responsible for the rising of the dough. You can use either active dry yeast or instant yeast. Active dry yeast needs to be rehydrated in warm water before using, while instant yeast can be added directly to the dough.

4. Salt: Salt is not only essential for enhancing the flavor of the dough, but it also controls fermentation. Too much salt can slow down the fermentation process, while too little can make the dough rise too quickly and result in a less flavorful crust.

5. Olive oil: Olive oil enriches the dough and adds moisture, resulting in a softer and more flavorful crust. You can use extra virgin olive oil or regular olive oil, depending on your preference.

Cheers to Homemade Pizza Goodness

And that’s how you make a delicious homemade pizza from scratch. I hope you enjoyed my step-by-step guide and found it easy to follow along with. Remember, making pizza from scratch may require a bit of time and effort, but the results are definitely worth it. Thank you for joining me on this pizza-making adventure, and I hope to see you again soon for more foodie fun!