Kamil Perry
Cheese pizza is a favourite treat for many people. It is made with pizza dough, cheese, and tomato sauce. While the pizza itself is not time-consuming, the dough must be made at least a day or two in advance. The tomato sauce is usually made with crushed tomatoes, olive oil, grated garlic, balsamic vinegar, and seasonings. The cheese used is typically a combination of grated parmesan and shredded low-moisture mozzarella, with cubed fresh mozzarella added on top.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Dough | Made with warm water, sugar, flour, oil, salt, and yeast |
| Tomato Sauce | Crushed tomatoes, olive oil, grated garlic, balsamic vinegar, and seasonings |
| Cheese | Mozzarella, Parmesan, Gorgonzola, Provolone, Fontina, or a mix |
| Garnish | Fresh basil or oregano |
| Bake | Until the crust is browned and the cheese is bubbling |
| Brush | Crust with olive oil |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Classic cheese pizza ingredients
Classic cheese pizza is a simple dish that can be made with just a few ingredients. The key components are pizza dough, tomato sauce, and cheese.
Pizza dough is typically made from flour, oil, salt, and yeast. The yeast is mixed with warm water and sugar, and then flour, oil, and salt are added to create the dough. This dough is more hydrated than other pizza doughs, making it easier to work with. It should be made in advance and allowed to rest and rise, with the recommended time being at least 24 hours.
The tomato sauce for a classic cheese pizza is usually a simple, raw sauce made from canned crushed tomatoes, olive oil, garlic, and herbs such as oregano, salt, and pepper. This combination provides a bright, sweet, and savory flavor that complements the cheese.
Cheese is, of course, the star ingredient of a classic cheese pizza. The most common cheese used is mozzarella, specifically the low-moisture variety, which is shredded or grated. This type of mozzarella melts smoothly, creating the desired stretchy, gooey texture. Fresh mozzarella can also be added for a textural contrast, providing melted, gooey pools of cheese. Other cheeses can be used as well, such as provolone, which adds an extra creamy texture, or a combination of cheeses like in a "quattro formaggi" pizza, which includes mozzarella, Gorgonzola, Parmesan or Pecorino Romano, and Fontina or provolone.
The pizza is then baked in a hot oven, typically at temperatures around 500°F, until the crust is golden and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
With these key ingredients and a bit of preparation, anyone can create a delicious classic cheese pizza at home.
Non-Dairy Delights: Pizza Companies Offering Vegan Cheese Options
You may want to see also
Dough preparation
Preparing pizza dough is a simple process that requires just a few basic ingredients and tools. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you prepare your pizza dough:
Ingredients:
First, gather your ingredients. You will need flour, yeast, water, sugar, salt, and olive oil. You can use all-purpose flour or a combination of all-purpose and white whole wheat flour for a chewier texture. Instant or active dry yeast will help your dough rise, and warm water will activate the yeast. Sugar feeds the yeast and helps the dough rise further. Sea salt and olive oil add flavour and richness to the dough.
Mixing and Kneading:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, yeast, sugar, and salt. You can also add garlic powder and dried herbs like basil if desired. Mix these dry ingredients, then create a well in the centre and slowly add the water and olive oil. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead it for a few minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Kneading helps develop the gluten in the dough, which gives it structure and chewiness. If the dough is sticky, add small amounts of flour as needed.
First Rise:
Place the kneaded dough in a lightly oiled bowl and cover it with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel. Let the dough rest at room temperature for about an hour or until it has doubled in size. This first rise allows the yeast to work and gives the dough flavour.
Shaping and Second Rise:
After the first rise, gently press down on the dough to release the air. Transfer the dough to a floured surface and use a rolling pin to roll it out to your desired thickness. Stretch the dough by hand or with a rolling pin, forming a thicker border around the edges.
Place the shaped dough onto a pizza pan, baking sheet, or a cornmeal-dusted surface. Cover it loosely and let it rise for another 30-60 minutes. This second rise ensures a lighter and airier crust.
Baking:
Preheat your oven to a high temperature, typically between 425-500°F. If using a pizza stone, preheat it in the oven as well. Before baking, you can brush the crust with olive oil to prevent sogginess and add flavour. Top the pizza with your desired sauce, cheese, and other toppings.
Transfer the prepared pizza to the preheated oven and bake for about 13-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown. Keep an eye on it to ensure it doesn't burn. Once baked, garnish with fresh herbs if desired, then slice and serve!
Storage and Freezing:
You can store leftover pizza dough in the refrigerator for up to two days or freeze it for later use. To freeze, coat the dough ball with olive oil, place it in a zipped-top bag, and squeeze out the air. Frozen dough can be thawed overnight in the refrigerator and then brought to room temperature before shaping and baking.
The Ultimate Ricotta Cheese Pizza Guide
You may want to see also
Tomato sauce recipe
Cheese pizza often includes tomato sauce, and there are many ways to make it. Here is a simple recipe for a delicious tomato sauce that can be used on pizza.
Ingredients:
- One 28 oz can of crushed tomatoes
- One 6 oz can of tomato paste
- 1/2 tablespoon of sugar (optional)
- 3/4 teaspoon of salt
- 1 teaspoon of dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon of dried oregano or Italian seasoning
- Freshly cracked pepper
- A pinch of red pepper flakes
Optional ingredients:
- Fresh herbs like rosemary, basil, or parsley
- Granulated sugar or honey
- Garlic powder or garlic salt
- Onion powder
- Parmesan or Grana Padano rinds
Instructions:
- Mix the tomato paste and crushed tomatoes in a medium-sized bowl until smooth.
- Add the rest of the ingredients and stir until evenly distributed throughout the sauce.
- Taste and adjust the seasonings to your preference.
- Spread the sauce onto your favourite pizza dough.
This recipe can be adjusted to your taste preferences and can be made with fresh or dried herbs and spices. It is a quick and easy recipe that can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator or freezer for future use.
Mozzarella and More: The Ultimate Pizza Cheese
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Cheese types and quantities
When it comes to cheese types and quantities for pizza, there are a few key factors to consider. The most popular cheese for pizzas worldwide is mozzarella, which is known for its mild flavour, creamy texture, and excellent meltability and stretchability. It is a versatile cheese that pairs well with various toppings, and its browning properties are scientifically proven. Fresh mozzarella has a higher water content, which can lead to a soggy crust if not thoroughly dried before baking. On the other hand, low-moisture mozzarella is denser, saltier, and has a longer shelf life, making it a popular choice for pizzerias.
While mozzarella is the classic choice, other cheeses can be used to add variety and depth of flavour to your pizza. These include cheddar, fontina, gouda, jack, muenster, provolone, raclette, gorgonzola, asiago, and even exotic cheeses like goat cheese. For added umami and depth of flavour, consider adding aged cheeses like Parmesan or aged cheddar in small quantities. Blending cheeses with different meltability and flavour profiles can create a balanced and flavourful pizza.
The quantity of cheese used on a pizza is also important. A typical slice of pizza might have around 21 grams (3/4 of an ounce) of cheese, or about 3 tablespoons. This can be adjusted to personal preference, but using too much cheese may result in a soggy pizza. It is also essential to consider the type of pizza and the other toppings used to ensure the cheese-to-topping ratio is balanced.
When making a cheese pizza, the type and quantity of cheese used can be tailored to personal preference. However, it is essential to consider the meltability and stretchability of the cheese to achieve the desired texture and appearance. Experimenting with different cheeses and combinations can lead to unique and delicious results.
Cheese Pizza: Healthy Indulgence or Dietary Disaster?
You may want to see also
Baking instructions
The following instructions will guide you through the process of making a classic cheese pizza, from preparing the dough to baking the final product.
Preparing the Dough
First, prepare the dough. The dough must be made at least a day or two in advance. It requires 12 hours to ferment and rise at room temperature, or 24 to 48 hours if you opt for cold fermentation in the refrigerator. You can also make the dough up to two weeks in advance and store it in the freezer. The dough should be made with warm water, about 90 to 100 degrees Celsius. Use a thermometer to check the temperature; water that is too cold will slow down rising time, and water that is too hot can kill the yeast. Next, add a bit of sugar to feed the yeast and speed up fermentation. This won't make the dough sweet. You can also add a tablespoon of olive oil and salt to the mixture.
Shaping the Dough
On a lightly floured work surface, use your hands or a rolling pin to gently flatten the dough into a disc. Place it on a prepared pan and stretch and flatten the disc into a 12-inch circle, about 1/2-inch thick. If the dough keeps shrinking back, cover it lightly and try again in 5-10 minutes. Once shaped, lift the edge of the dough to create a lip around the edges. You can simply pinch the edges to create the rim.
Adding the Sauce and Toppings
Spread the tomato sauce over the pizza, leaving a thin edge untouched for the crust. A simple tomato sauce with olive oil, grated garlic, and oregano or basil is a great choice. You can also add balsamic vinegar and other seasonings. For the cheese, a mix of mozzarella and parmesan is a good option. The parmesan acts as a barrier, protecting the crust from the sauce, and adds a savoury saltiness. You can use shredded low-moisture mozzarella and cubed fresh mozzarella. The low-moisture variety will give you that stretchy, cheesy layer, while the fresh mozzarella adds gooey, melted cheese on top.
Baking the Pizza
Preheat your oven to 450-550°F (232-288°C). If using a pizza stone, baking steel, or sturdy upside-down baking sheet, place it on the upper third rack during the preheat. Transfer the pizza to the preheated oven and bake for 6 to 15 minutes, depending on your oven temperature. Bake until the crust is golden brown and the cheese has melted with golden spots.
Serving the Pizza
Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool on a rack. Brush the crust with olive oil and sprinkle with basil leaves. Slice the pizza and serve it hot.
Storing Leftovers
Cover leftover pizza tightly and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat as desired. Baked pizza slices can be frozen for up to three months.
Cheese and Pizza Rolls: A Match Made in Heaven?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
A classic cheese pizza is made of pizza dough, tomato sauce, and cheese.
Fresh mozzarella is the most common cheese used on a cheese pizza, although mozzarella di bufala is also used.
Yes, you can replace the tomato sauce with garlic sauce or another sauce of your choice.
First, prepare the pizza dough. The dough should be made at least a day or two in advance. Then, add the tomato sauce, followed by the cheese. Finally, bake the pizza until the crust is browned and the cheese is bubbling.
