Frederic Melton
A classic cheese pizza is a timeless dish, beloved by many. The perfect cheese pizza combines a crispy, chewy crust with a rich tomato sauce and stretchy, melty cheese. While ordering pizza is always a treat, making it at home can be even more satisfying. This introduction will cover the basics of creating the perfect cheese pizza, from kneading the dough to choosing the right cheese, and finally, baking it to golden perfection. By following these steps and tips, you'll be well on your way to crafting a mouth-watering cheese pizza that's sure to impress. So, get ready to roll up your sleeves, fire up your oven, and create a delicious masterpiece that will satisfy any pizza lover's cravings.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Dough | Water, sugar, active dry yeast, flour, salt, oil, and dried herbs |
| Dough preparation | Knead the dough and roll it out by hand to a 12-inch circle |
| Sauce | Tomato sauce, olive oil, grated garlic, balsamic vinegar, and seasonings |
| Cheese | Mozzarella, provolone, parmesan, feta, ricotta, goat cheese, asiago, or fontina |
| Cheese preparation | Grate the cheese and scatter it over the pizza sauce |
| Baking | Preheat the oven with a pizza stone, baking steel, or a sturdy, upside-down baking sheet on the upper third rack. Bake for 8-14 minutes at 350-400°F (177-204°C) |
| Garnish | Brush the crust with olive oil and sprinkle with basil leaves |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right cheese
Mozzarella is a classic choice for pizza, and for good reason. It melts beautifully, providing that signature stretchiness that we all know and love in a cheese pizza. When selecting mozzarella, opt for whole milk, low-moisture mozzarella cheese blocks. These blocks are ideal for grating by hand, resulting in a smoother melt and superior flavour. If convenience is a priority, pre-shredded mozzarella is a suitable alternative.
To elevate your cheese pizza, consider adding provolone cheese slices. Provolone contributes a delightful flavour and melts smoothly, creating an irresistibly gooey texture. Simply tear the slices into 2-inch pieces and scatter them over your pizza sauce before topping with mozzarella.
While mozzarella and provolone take centre stage, don't underestimate the role of grated Parmesan. This savoury, salty cheese serves as a protective barrier between the crust and sauce, ensuring your pizza maintains its structural integrity.
Remember, the key to a great cheese pizza is finding the right balance of cheeses and understanding their unique contributions to the overall flavour, texture, and visual appeal.
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Preparing the dough
To prepare the dough, start by mixing warm water, sugar, and active dry yeast in a bowl. The water should be between 90 and 100 degrees Fahrenheit. You can use a thermometer to check the temperature. Ensure that the sugar is dissolved, and then let the mixture stand for about 5 minutes until bubbles form on the surface. This is an important step, as water that is too cold will slow down the rising time, and water that is too hot can kill the yeast.
Next, in a separate large bowl, combine flour, salt, and, if desired, dried herbs. Make a well in the center of the flour mixture and add the yeast mixture and oil. Stir the mixture until it is smooth and well-combined. At this point, you may need to add small amounts of flour to form a soft dough.
Turn the dough onto a floured surface and begin kneading. Kneading is an important step in the dough-making process as it helps to develop the gluten in the flour, which gives the dough its structure and elasticity. Knead the dough for about 6 to 8 minutes, adding small amounts of flour to the surface as needed to prevent stickiness. The dough is ready when it feels smooth and elastic.
Once the dough is kneaded, it's time to let it rise. Cover the dough and let it rest in a warm, draft-free place until it has doubled in size. This process may take about an hour, depending on the environmental conditions. A longer rising time will result in a more flavourful dough with a better texture.
After the dough has risen, you can begin shaping it into a pizza base. Preheat your oven to a high temperature, ideally with a pizza stone, baking steel, or a sturdy, upside-down baking sheet on the upper rack. Roll the dough out by hand to a desired thickness, usually about 12 inches in diameter for a standard-sized pizza. You can also stretch and shape the dough by hand to form a rustic, rounded base.
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Making the sauce
For a more complex sauce, you can add different types of cheese to the mixture. Grated Parmesan cheese, for example, can act as a barrier between the crust and the sauce, adding a savoury saltiness to the overall flavour of the pizza. You can also add soft cheeses like feta, ricotta, or goat cheese for a creamy consistency. If you decide to incorporate hard or aged cheeses like Asiago, Parmesan, or Romano, be sure to use them sparingly as they can become oily or grainy when melted on their own. Instead, blend them with a melting cheese like mozzarella for the best results.
To enhance the flavour and texture of your sauce, consider adding dried herbs to the mixture. You can also experiment with different types of tomatoes to find the perfect consistency and taste for your sauce. Remember, a great pizza sauce should be bold and flavourful without overwhelming the other ingredients.
Once you have made your sauce, you can store any leftovers in the freezer so that you always have some on hand when the pizza craving hits!
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Baking the pizza
To bake the perfect cheese pizza, you'll need to start with the right equipment. Preheat your oven to a high temperature and use a pizza stone, baking steel, or a sturdy, upside-down baking sheet on the upper third rack. If you're using a pizza stone, it's recommended to preheat it for about an hour. You can also use a regular sheet pan, greasing it with olive oil and sprinkling with cornmeal before pressing the dough into the desired shape.
Once your oven is preheated, it's time to assemble your pizza. Start by pressing dents into the surface of the dough to prevent bubbling. Then, lightly brush the crust with olive oil and sprinkle with minced garlic, if desired. Next, spread on your pizza sauce—a simple blend of crushed tomatoes, olive oil, garlic, balsamic vinegar, and seasonings.
For the cheese, you can use a combination of grated parmesan and shredded low-moisture mozzarella. The parmesan acts as a barrier, protecting the crust from the sauce, while the low-moisture mozzarella gives you that essential stretchy layer of cheese that browns nicely in the oven. You can also add cubed fresh mozzarella for a textural contrast and a gooey, melted cheese effect. Don't forget to add any additional toppings of your choice!
Now, it's time to bake your pizza. Transfer it to the preheated pizza stone or baking sheet and bake for 8 to 15 minutes, keeping a close eye on it to prevent overcooking. You'll know it's done when the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbling. If you're using a stovetop method, cook the pizza until the bottom is crisp, and then finish it under the broiler for a perfectly charred finish.
Once your pizza is baked to perfection, let it cool for a few minutes on a rack before transferring it to a large plate. Top with fresh basil leaves and a drizzle of olive oil, if desired. Finally, slice and serve your homemade cheese pizza!
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Serving the pizza
Once your pizza is baked to perfection, it's time to serve it. The best way to serve pizza is to let it cool down slightly before slicing it. This will ensure that the cheese doesn't all slide off when you pick up a slice.
Let the pizza cool for about 5 minutes, and then use a pizza cutter or a sharp knife to cut it into slices. If you're serving a group, it's a good idea to cut the pizza into even slices so that everyone gets a fair portion. You can also cut the pizza into strips, which can make it easier for people to grab a slice without disturbing the rest of the pie.
If you're serving a crowd, it's a good idea to have some extra toppings on hand that people can add to their slices. This can include things like crushed red pepper, Parmesan cheese, or fresh herbs. You can also provide different types of pizza sauces for dipping, such as ranch or spicy marinara.
For a more elegant presentation, you can transfer the pizza to a serving platter or cutting board. This will also help to catch any drips or crumbs. If you're serving the pizza straight from the oven, be sure to use oven mitts or pot holders to protect your hands from the hot pan.
Finally, don't forget to provide plates and napkins for your guests. Pizza can be a messy business, so it's always a good idea to have plenty of napkins on hand!
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