Authentic Italian Pizza Recipe
Description
Want to impress someone with your culinary skills or just looking for a comfort meal? This authentic italian pizza recipe checks all boxes!
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 1/2 cup warm water
- 3 cups all-purpose flour (plus more for dusting)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (plus more for brushing on the dough)
- 1 cup pizza sauce
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese (shredded)
- Fresh basil leaves
Instructions
- In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast and sugar in the warm water. Let stand for 5 minutes, until the yeast is foamy.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture and olive oil. Stir until a dough forms.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 10-15 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- Preheat your oven to 450F/230C.
- Punch down the dough and divide it in half. Roll out each half into a 12-inch circle.
- Place the dough circles on a lightly greased baking sheet. Spread the pizza sauce over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border. Sprinkle with the mozzarella cheese.
- Bake the pizzas for 10-12 minutes, until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves. Serve immediately.
Tips
- For a crispier crust, preheat a baking sheet in the oven while it's preheating. Then, place the rolled-out dough on the hot baking sheet before adding the sauce and cheese.
- You can use any type of pizza sauce you like. For a more authentic Italian flavor, use a simple tomato sauce made with crushed tomatoes, garlic, oregano, and basil.
- You can also use any type of cheese you like. Mozzarella is the traditional choice, but you can also use provolone, Parmesan, or even goat cheese.
- Get creative with your toppings! Some popular Italian pizza toppings include mushrooms, onions, peppers, olives, artichoke, and anchovies.
- You can also use store-bought pizza dough, but it will not be as authentic as homemade dough.
- If you don't have fresh basil, you can use dried basil. Just be sure to use less dried basil than fresh basil, as it is more potent.
pizza