Bushra Griffith
Pizza is one of life's greatest pleasures, and while ordering pizza is always a treat, making it at home is even more satisfying. The key to a good cheese pizza is in the dough, sauce, and cheese blend. The dough should be soft and elastic, the sauce should be bold, and the cheese should be a blend of melting cheese and harder, more flavourful varieties. This guide will take you through the process of making pizza dough, selecting the right cheese, and blending it with other ingredients to create the perfect cheese pizza.
Characteristics of cooking pizza cheese at home
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Oven temperature | 450°F (232°C) or 500°F-550°F (288°C) for a shorter time |
| Baking time | 6-15 minutes, depending on oven temperature |
| Dough | Homemade or store-bought |
| Dough preparation | Mix yeast, water, and sugar, then stir in flour and salt |
| Dough consistency | Soft, elastic, and not sticky |
| Dough thickness | 0.5-inch thick for a thicker pizza, stretch the dough for a thinner pizza |
| Pizza stone | Recommended for a crispier crust |
| Pizza toppings | Mozzarella, Parmesan, oregano, basil, gouda, Monterey jack, chives, and more |
| Reheating | Preheat oven to 350°F and reheat for 10 minutes; avoid using a microwave |
| Freezing | Let pizza cool, wrap slices in plastic wrap and foil, or place in a plastic bag |
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What You'll Learn
Making pizza dough
Ingredients
You will need just six basic ingredients: yeast, warm water, sugar, flour, salt, and olive oil. You can also add some cornmeal for preparing the pan, but this can be skipped if needed.
Mixing
In a large mixing bowl, add the yeast and warm water, and mix until the yeast is dissolved. Next, add the sugar and olive oil, and mix again. Finally, add the flour and salt, and mix until a dough forms. You can do this by hand or use a handheld or stand mixer.
Kneading
Once the dough has formed, turn it out onto a floured surface and knead for about 3-5 minutes, or until a smooth ball forms. You can do this by hand or with a mixer. If you are kneading by hand, use your fingers to push down the dome in the middle of the dough to make it flat, and then pass the dough from hand to hand, stretching it out evenly into a circle.
Rising
Place the dough into a greased mixing bowl, cover tightly, and set aside to rise. The dough can rise at room temperature for about 90 minutes or in the refrigerator overnight.
Shaping
After the dough has risen, punch it down to release air bubbles and divide it in half. Roll each piece of dough out into a 12-inch circle, or stretch it out more for a thinner pizza. You can also shape the dough by spinning it in the air, catching it on your knuckles.
Baking
Preheat your oven to a high temperature, preferably 450° Fahrenheit (232°C) or higher if your oven allows. Place a baking stone or pizza steel/stone in the oven to preheat as well. Dust a pizza peel or pan with semolina flour, and place the dough on top. Bake the pizza for about 15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown.
Freezing
If you want to freeze your pizza dough for later use, divide the risen dough into two balls and lightly coat all sides with olive oil. Place each ball into a separate zipped-top bag and freeze for up to 3 months. When you're ready to use the frozen dough, remove it from the freezer and let it rest at room temperature for about 30 minutes before shaping and baking.
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Choosing the right cheese
Mozzarella is a classic choice for pizza, and for good reason. It melts beautifully, creating those pristine white pools of cheese that we all know and love. It also has a fantastic stretch, which is key for that perfect, cheesy pull when you take a bite. Fresh mozzarella is a great option, but if you're looking for a more traditional pizza experience, go for low-moisture mozzarella, which will give you that classic, chewier texture.
However, mozzarella doesn't have to be your only option. Blending cheeses can add depth and complexity to your pizza. Hard or aged cheeses like Parmesan, Asiago, or Romano can add a nice salty kick and a nutty flavour to your pizza. Just be sure to use these sparingly and blend them with a melting cheese like mozzarella, as they can become oily or grainy when melted on their own.
If you're feeling adventurous, you can experiment with other cheese combinations. For example, Monterey Jack, gouda, gorgonzola, or even cheddar can all make excellent pizza toppings, each bringing their unique flavour and texture to the table.
Lastly, don't be afraid to sprinkle on some herbs or spices with your cheese. Oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes can all enhance the flavour of your pizza and take it to the next level. So, get creative, and most importantly, have fun with it!
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Preparing the sauce
Selecting the Right Tomatoes:
The type of tomatoes you choose will impact the flavour and texture of your sauce. Canned tomatoes are a convenient option, but if you prefer a fresher taste, you can use diced fresh tomatoes. Cherry or Roma tomatoes are also excellent choices for making pizza sauce due to their flavourful and fleshy nature.
Creating a Smooth Base:
For a smooth and creamy sauce, blend your tomatoes in a food processor or blender. If you prefer a chunkier sauce, you can simply crush the tomatoes with your hands or a potato masher. Remember to remove the tomato skins if you want a smoother texture. Cooking the sauce for a longer period can also help soften the tomatoes and create a more unified sauce.
Adding Aromatics:
Aromatic ingredients are essential for building flavour in your sauce. Start by sautéing onions and garlic in olive oil until translucent. You can also add spices like oregano, basil, or red pepper flakes to give your sauce a kick. If you're feeling adventurous, try adding chopped vegetables like carrots or celery for extra depth of flavour.
Balancing Flavours:
To balance the acidity of the tomatoes, add a pinch of sugar. You can also enhance the savoury notes by adding a dash of salt and a splash of good quality extra virgin olive oil. For a more complex sauce, consider incorporating ingredients like sundried tomatoes, roasted red peppers, or a splash of red wine.
Simmering to Perfection:
Allow your sauce to simmer over medium heat for at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. This step is crucial, as it reduces the water content in the sauce, intensifies the flavours, and creates a thicker consistency. Taste the sauce periodically and adjust the seasoning as needed. Remember, a good pizza sauce should be bold and flavourful without being overly sweet or savoury.
Final Adjustments:
Once your sauce has simmered, it's time to fine-tune the flavour. If you feel it's lacking depth, you can add umami-rich ingredients like mushroom powder, soy sauce, or tomato paste. For a brighter, fresher taste, stir in some chopped fresh basil or parsley. Remember, you can always adjust the sauce to your personal preference.
Preparing a delicious pizza sauce at home is a labour of love, but the results are well worth the effort. Don't be afraid to experiment and adjust the recipe to your taste. Enjoy the process, and get ready to impress your family and friends with your homemade pizza masterpiece!
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Baking the pizza
Before baking your pizza, you should decide on the type of crust you want. If you like your pizza thin and crispy, stretch the dough out thinly and widely. If you prefer a thick and soft crust, you won't need to stretch the dough out as much. You can also substitute bread flour or use half bread flour for a chewier pizza crust.
At least 30 minutes before baking, preheat your oven to 450° Fahrenheit (232°C). If you have one, place a pizza steel or pizza stone into the oven before preheating. If your pizza dough is cold, allow it to warm at room temperature for 20 to 30 minutes.
When ready to bake your pizza, prepare a pizza peel or pizza pan by dusting it with semolina flour. You can also use a regular sheet pan. Grease it with olive oil and sprinkle with cornmeal, then press the dough into whatever shape will fit. Make sure the dough is about 1/2-inch thick.
Spread your pizza sauce over the dough, leaving a thin edge untouched for the crust. Scatter your cheese mixture over the sauce. You can use a blend of mozzarella and Parmesan, or experiment with other cheeses such as Monterey jack, gouda, or Romano. You can also add herbs such as oregano or chives to your cheese mixture.
Bake until the crust is golden brown and the cheese has melted with golden spots all over. This should take 6 to 15 minutes, depending on your oven temperature. If you are comfortable with it, increasing the temperature to 550° Fahrenheit (288°C) will provide even better results. Transfer the pizza from the oven to a cooling rack. Brush the crust with olive oil, sprinkle the surface with basil leaves, and serve hot.
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Storing and reheating pizza
Storing Pizza
Storing leftover pizza properly is essential to retain its freshness and flavour. It is best to avoid storing pizza in its delivery box in the refrigerator, as the cardboard and air circulation can quickly dehydrate the slices. Instead, opt for one of the following methods:
- Stack and wrap: Place a single layer of slices on a dinner plate and cover with a layer of wax, freezer, foil, or parchment paper. Repeat this process, alternating pizza and paper layers, until all the pizza is stacked. Finally, wrap the entire stack tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate.
- Airtight container: Line an airtight container with paper towels. Place the pizza inside and cover with another layer of paper towels to absorb moisture. Then, seal the container and store it in the fridge.
Properly stored pizza will maintain its quality for 3-4 days in the refrigerator or up to 2 months in the freezer.
Reheating Pizza
There are several methods to reheat pizza, each with its pros and cons:
- Oven: Preheat the oven to 400 °F (205 °C). Line a baking tray or pizza pan with foil and place it in the oven for a few minutes to get it piping hot. Then, carefully remove the hot tray, place the pizza on it, and return it to the oven for around 10 minutes, checking occasionally to avoid burning. This method works well for multiple slices and delivers a crispy crust with bubbly cheese.
- Stovetop: Place a nonstick frying pan on medium heat and put the cold pizza slice in it for a couple of minutes. Add a few drops of water to the pan's base (away from the slice) and cover the pan. Continue heating for a few minutes until the cheese melts and the crust becomes crispy.
- Microwave: If convenience and speed are a priority, the microwave is an option. Place the pizza slice in the microwave for 30 seconds to a couple of minutes, depending on your desired warmth. However, this method may result in a soggy, rubbery texture.
- Air fryer: For thin-crust pizza, an air fryer can produce a super-crispy, cracker-like texture. Place the pizza in the air fryer for a super-fast reheat. However, air fryers may only fit one slice at a time.
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Frequently asked questions
The recommended temperature is 450° Fahrenheit (232°C) but you can increase the temperature to 550° Fahrenheit (288°C) for an even better result.
Mozzarella is a classic choice for pizza as it provides a good melt. You can also add Parmesan for a salty kick and depth of flavour. Other cheeses such as Monterey Jack, Gouda, and Cheddar also work well.
You can make pizza dough at home using a combination of warm water, sugar, active dry yeast, flour, salt, and oil. You can also add dried herbs to the mix. Store-bought pizza dough is also an option.
The best way to reheat pizza is in the oven, as it will crisp up the crust. Microwaving slices is not recommended as it can make the crust rubbery.
