Frederic Melton
There's nothing quite like a homemade cheese pizza, and it's easier to make than you might think! With just a few simple ingredients and a hot oven, you can create a delicious, gooey, cheesy pizza that rivals any takeout option. While you can use store-bought dough and sauce, making your own dough and sauce from scratch can be a fun weekend project for the whole family. The key to a great pizza is in the preparation and cooking method, and with a little know-how, you can achieve that perfect, crispy crust and bubbly cheese. So, should you cook a cheese pizza? Absolutely!
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ingredients | Pizza dough, tomato sauce, cheese |
| Dough preparation | Warm water (90-100°C), sugar, flour, oil, salt |
| Dough temperature | Warm |
| Dough shape | Thin disc |
| Sauce | Tomato sauce, garlic, olive oil, oregano, salt, pepper |
| Cheese | Mozzarella, parmesan, cheddar, provolone, goat cheese, burrata |
| Other toppings | Basil, oregano, chives |
| Baking temperature | 450-550°F (232-288°C) |
| Baking time | 12-15 minutes |
| Baking equipment | Baking sheet, pizza stone, pizza steel |
| Cooling time | A few minutes |
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What You'll Learn
Oven temperature and equipment
The oven temperature and equipment you use can make a big difference when cooking a cheese pizza. While you don't need a pizza oven or even a baking stone, the setup of your oven is important. It's recommended to preheat your oven to at least 450°F (232°C) for 30 minutes before baking your pizza. If your oven has a vented hood, turn it on high to prevent the hot air from triggering your fire alarm when you open the oven door.
If you want a crispier crust, you can preheat your oven to a higher temperature of 500°F (288°C) or even 550°F. Most home ovens max out at 500°F, but pizzerias often use coal or gas ovens cranked up to 600°F and above. A higher temperature will result in a shorter baking time and a crispier crust. To achieve a similar effect at home, you can preheat a pizza stone, baking steel, or a sturdy, upside-down baking sheet on the upper third rack of your oven for about an hour.
If you're looking for a charred, wood-fired-like finish, you can cook your pizza in two steps. First, cook the pizza on a stovetop to create a crisp bottom, and then finish it under a broiler for the charred finish. An oven-safe wire rack set inside a rimmed baking sheet can help achieve this result.
When it comes to equipment, a pizza steel or pizza stone can be helpful, especially if you're aiming for a crispier crust. If you don't have a pizza steel, a large round cast-iron pizza pan or a sturdy baking sheet can also work. A non-stick pizza pan or baking sheet is recommended for transferring the pizza to the oven. Additionally, a thermometer is useful for checking the temperature of the water when making the dough, as water that's too hot or too cold can affect the yeast.
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Dough preparation
Preparing the dough is the first step in making a delicious cheese pizza. It is a straightforward process that requires only a few basic ingredients and tools. Here is a detailed guide on how to prepare the dough for a cheese pizza:
Ingredients
The dough for a classic cheese pizza typically requires just six basic ingredients: flour, water, yeast, sugar, salt, and olive oil. The type of flour used can vary depending on preferences and availability. All-purpose flour is a popular choice due to its affordability and ease of use, yielding a soft and chewy crust. Bread flour is also an option and will result in a crispier and chewier crust. For a whole-grain option, you can replace up to half of the all-purpose flour with white whole wheat flour, which will give the dough a denser texture.
Mixing the Dough
Start by mixing warm water, around 90 to 100 degrees Fahrenheit, with the yeast and sugar. Use a thermometer to ensure the water is at the right temperature to activate the yeast. Too-cold water will slow down rising, while too-hot water can kill the yeast. Allow the mixture to sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes foamy. If it doesn't foam, the yeast may be expired, and you should try again with a new packet.
Next, in a separate bowl, combine the flour and salt. You can use a stand mixer with a dough hook or mix by hand. Pour in the yeast mixture and add a tablespoon of olive oil. Mix until the dough comes together in a ball. If the dough is too sticky, gradually add more flour until you achieve the desired consistency.
Rising and Shaping the Dough
Once the dough is mixed, it's time to let it rise. Brush a large bowl with olive oil and place the dough ball inside. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and set it aside in a warm place, such as a sunny countertop, to rise. The dough should double in size, which will take about an hour.
After the dough has risen, punch it down to release any air bubbles and divide it in half if you plan to make two pizzas. On a lightly floured surface, use your hands or a rolling pin to gently flatten the dough into a disc. Stretch and flatten the disc into a 12-inch circle, about 1/2 inch thick, forming a slightly thicker border around the edges. If the dough keeps shrinking back, cover it lightly and let it rest for a few minutes before trying again.
Baking the Dough
Preheat your oven to a high temperature, typically between 425 to 500 degrees Fahrenheit, depending on your oven's capabilities. Place a pizza stone, baking steel, or a sturdy, upside-down baking sheet on the upper rack to preheat as well. Stretch the dough onto a pizza peel or a floured baking sheet, creating a lip around the edges to contain the toppings.
Follow the subsequent steps of adding sauce and cheese, and your pizza will be ready for baking!
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Sauce selection
When it comes to sauce selection for a cheese pizza, you can't go wrong with a classic tomato sauce. While cooked, canned, and jarred tomato sauces will work, a raw sauce tends to have a better flavour. To make your own, simply open a can of tomatoes, grate in some garlic, add olive oil, and stir in fresh oregano, salt, and pepper. This simple sauce will provide a bright, sweet-savory flavour that complements the cheese perfectly.
If you're short on time, you can use your favourite store-bought pizza sauce or even spaghetti sauce in a pinch. You can also experiment with different herbs and spices to add extra flavour to your sauce. For example, garlic is a popular addition, giving the sauce a distinct kick.
For a more indulgent option, consider adding a layer of grated parmesan cheese to the sauce. This will add a nice salty flavour to the pizza and create a more complex taste profile.
Finally, don't be afraid to get creative and experiment with different sauces altogether. Pesto, for example, can make a delicious base for a cheese pizza, offering a fresh and fragrant alternative to tomato sauce.
Remember, the key to a great sauce is finding the right balance of flavours that complement the cheese and other toppings without overwhelming them.
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Cheese types and quantities
Mozzarella is a classic choice for pizza cheese, with its superior stretchability and browning properties. It is mild, creamy, tangy, and super meltable. Low-moisture mozzarella is a popular choice for pizzerias as it has a longer shelf life and its low water content avoids a soggy pizza. It is also saltier and denser than fresh mozzarella.
However, fresh mozzarella can be used, but it must be dried thoroughly before use to remove excess moisture. It has a softer texture and a higher water content, which can lead to a soggy crust if not careful.
Other cheeses that can be used for pizza include Parmesan, cheddar, provolone, Monterey Jack, smoked Gouda, pepper Jack, goat cheese, burrata, and Gorgonzola. These cheeses can be blended with mozzarella to add extra depth of flavor. Aged cheeses like Parmesan or aged cheddar can add an extra boost of umami.
The amount of cheese used depends on the size of the pizza. For a 10-12" pizza, about 4 ounces of cheese is a good amount. For a Neapolitan pizza, 7-10 balls of mozzarella are used, while for an Americano pizza, 1 cup to 1.5 cups is preferred. When using fresh mozzarella, 6-8 1/4" slices can be used instead of shredding.
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Cooking methods
Pizza is a beloved dish worldwide, and a classic cheese pizza is one of the most popular choices. Here is a comprehensive guide to cooking a delicious cheese pizza, covering various methods and techniques.
Oven-Baked Cheese Pizza:
The traditional method for cooking pizza involves using an oven. Preheat your oven to a temperature between 450°F and 550°F (232°C to 288°C). While the oven heats up, prepare your pizza dough by letting it rest at room temperature to warm up a bit. Use a rolling pin to roll the dough into a thin, circular disc, approximately 12 inches in diameter, on a well-floured surface. Transfer the dough to a non-stick baking sheet or a preheated pizza stone.
For the toppings, start with a layer of pizza sauce, spreading it evenly and leaving a 1-inch border around the edge for the crust. You can use store-bought pizza sauce or make your own. Fresh or canned tomatoes blended with herbs and spices also work well. Sprinkle grated or shredded cheese over the sauce. A combination of low-moisture mozzarella and fresh mozzarella is a classic choice, but you can also use cheddar, provolone, goat cheese, or burrata, depending on your preference. Add other toppings like chives, dried oregano, or garlic powder to enhance the flavour.
Bake the pizza for 12 to 14 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly. If you want a more caramelized flavour, bake it closer to the higher temperature range for a shorter time. Let the pizza cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the cheese to firm up, ensuring that the slices hold together better.
Stovetop Pizza:
If you don't have an oven or prefer a quicker method, you can cook your cheese pizza on a stovetop. Use a large, heavy-bottomed pan, preferably non-stick, and heat it over medium-high heat. Stretch and shape your dough to fit the pan, then add your sauce and toppings as described above. Cover the pan to create a steaming effect, which will help cook the dough and melt the cheese evenly. Cook for 5-7 minutes, keeping an eye on it to ensure it doesn't burn. Remove the lid and continue cooking for another minute or two to brown the crust. Use a spatula to slide the pizza onto a cutting board, let it cool slightly, then slice and serve.
Grilled Pizza:
For an outdoor cooking option, you can use a grill to make your cheese pizza. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, ensuring it reaches a temperature of around 450°F to 500°F. Prepare your dough and toppings as described in the oven-baked method. Place the dough directly on the grill grates and grill for 2-3 minutes until the bottom is browned and grill marks appear. Carefully flip the dough using spatulas, then quickly add your sauce and toppings. Close the grill lid to help melt the cheese and cook the toppings. Grill for another 3-5 minutes, keeping a close eye on it to avoid burning. Remove the pizza from the grill, let it cool slightly, then slice and serve.
Tips for Success:
- Allow your dough to rest and come to room temperature before shaping it. This makes it easier to work with and helps it cook more evenly.
- Experiment with different types of cheese to find your favourite combination.
- Preheat your cooking surface to ensure even cooking and a crispy crust.
- Let the pizza cool slightly before slicing to prevent the cheese from melting back into the cuts.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need pizza dough, tomato sauce, and cheese. You can make your own dough and sauce or use store-bought ones. For the cheese, mozzarella is a classic choice, but you can also use cheddar, provolone, goat cheese, or burrata cheese.
There are a few different methods you can use to cook a cheese pizza. One option is to cook it in a very hot oven on a pizza stone, baking steel, or a sturdy, upside-down baking sheet. You can also cook the pizza in two steps: first on a stovetop to create a crisp bottom, and then on an oven-safe wire rack under the broiler for a charred finish.
The ideal temperature for cooking a cheese pizza depends on your oven and the type of crust you prefer. Most home ovens can reach temperatures of up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit, which may result in a longer baking time. For a crispier crust, you can increase the temperature to 550 degrees Fahrenheit.
The cooking time for a cheese pizza can vary depending on the oven temperature, but it typically ranges from 12 to 15 minutes. Cook until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbling.
To make the dough, combine warm water (around 90 to 100 degrees Fahrenheit), sugar, flour, oil, and salt. The dough may appear wet, but that is normal. Let it rest, and then stretch it into a circle on a floured surface before adding the sauce and cheese.
