Andy Montoya
There's nothing quite like a classic cheese pizza, and it's even better when it's homemade. The main ingredients in a basic cheese pizza are pizza dough, tomato sauce, and cheese. The dough is typically made from yeast, flour, water, and salt, and the tomato sauce is usually a blend of crushed tomatoes, olive oil, garlic, and seasonings. As for the cheese, mozzarella is a popular choice, but some recipes also call for parmesan, provolone, or a mix of multiple cheeses.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Dough | Flour, yeast, water, salt, olive oil, sugar |
| Sauce | Tomato, garlic, olive oil, oregano, balsamic vinegar, salt, pepper |
| Cheese | Mozzarella, provolone, parmesan |
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What You'll Learn
Pizza dough
Ingredients
The basic ingredients for pizza dough are flour, yeast, water, salt, and olive oil. For the flour, it's recommended to use Italian Tipo '00' flour, which is finely ground and gives the dough a super-smooth texture. Alternatively, you can use strong white bread flour or a combination of bread flour and finely ground semolina flour. The type of flour you choose will impact the texture and strength of your dough.
Yeast is essential for a soft and rich dough. One standard packet (2 and 1/4 teaspoons) is usually enough. For the water, use warm water at about 90 to 110°F (32 to 43°C). Be careful not to use water hotter than 130°F (54°C), as it will kill the yeast. A tablespoon of sugar can also be added to the water to feed the yeast and speed up fermentation.
The olive oil adds flavour and helps keep the dough soft. Lastly, salt is necessary for flavour and can be adjusted to your taste preferences.
Method
To make the dough, start by mixing the yeast and sugar with the warm water and let it sit until bubbles form, which should take about 5 minutes. Then, add the flour, olive oil, and salt to the mixture. You can mix the ingredients by hand or use a hand-held or stand mixer. Mix until the dough comes together and becomes sticky.
Once the dough is mixed, it's time to knead it. Kneading can be done by hand or with a mixer. This step helps develop the gluten in the flour and gives the dough a smoother texture. After kneading, place the dough in a greased mixing bowl, cover it, and let it rise. The rising time will depend on the temperature of your environment, but it usually takes around 2 to 4 hours at room temperature. You can also place the dough in the refrigerator to rise overnight.
When the dough has doubled in size, it's ready to be shaped. Divide the dough into pieces depending on the size of your pizzas. For larger pizzas, divide it into 2 or 4 pieces for smaller, plate-sized pizzas. Shape each piece into a ball and dust them with flour. Let the dough balls rest for about 20-30 minutes while you prepare your toppings.
Finally, it's time to roll out the dough. Use a rolling pin or your hands to stretch the dough into a circle about 0.5 cm thick. If you want air pockets and a lighter, crispier dough, stretch the dough with your hands instead of rolling it. You can also experiment with different shapes, such as rectangles or squares. Once the dough is rolled out, it's ready to be topped with your favourite sauce, cheese, and other toppings!
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Tomato sauce
A simple tomato sauce for pizza can be made by combining crushed tomatoes, olive oil, grated garlic, balsamic vinegar, and seasonings. Fresh herbs like oregano can also be added for extra flavour. The sauce should be bright, tangy, and sweet-savory, complementing the cheese and other toppings without overwhelming them.
Another option is to use fire-roasted tomatoes as the base for the sauce, blended with garlic, olive oil, and oregano. This creates a sauce with a bright, acidic, and sweet-savory flavour.
When spreading the sauce onto the pizza dough, it is important to leave a gap of about one inch around the edge of the crust. This will allow for a crispy, golden crust when baked.
The type of tomatoes used and whether the sauce is cooked or raw can also affect the flavour. In one test, a raw sauce based on Muir Glen Organic Tomato Sauce was found to have the best flavour when compared to cooked, canned, or jarred sauces.
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Mozzarella
When making a cheese pizza, it is essential to use the right type of mozzarella to achieve the desired taste and appearance. Fresh mozzarella is known for its creamy, milky flavour, while the low-moisture variety is favoured for its melting capabilities and stretchy texture. Using hand-grated mozzarella is recommended, as it melts more smoothly and evenly, enhancing the overall flavour of the pizza.
The amount of mozzarella used can vary depending on personal preference and the desired cheesiness of the pizza. A typical recipe for a classic cheese pizza might call for 1 1/2 cups (6 ounces or 168 grams) of shredded mozzarella, but this can be adjusted to suit one's taste.
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Provolone
To use provolone on your pizza, tear or cut slices of the cheese into 2-inch chunks and scatter them over the pizza sauce before topping with shredded mozzarella. You can buy bags of provolone slices from the cheese section in the refrigerator case, or get fresh slices from the deli department.
If you want to make a pizza with provolone, you'll need to start by making the dough. The basic ingredients for pizza dough are flour, yeast, water, salt, and olive oil. You can also add a little sugar to feed the yeast and speed up fermentation. Once you've made the dough, you'll need to let it rise for about 90 minutes or overnight in the refrigerator.
After the dough has risen, you can start assembling your pizza. Spread your favourite pizza sauce over the dough, then add your provolone and any other desired cheeses. Bake the pizza at a high temperature for about 15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
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Oven setup
To make a basic cheese pizza, you'll need to set up your oven for the best results. Here's a step-by-step guide:
First, it's important to preheat your oven. The ideal temperature will depend on your oven and the equipment you're using. If you're using a pizza stone, which can help achieve a crispy crust, preheat your oven between 450°F and 500°F. Place the pizza stone on the center or upper third rack of the oven. Give the stone enough time to preheat thoroughly, about an hour. If you don't have a pizza stone, you can use a sturdy, upside-down baking sheet instead and place it on the upper third rack.
For the best results, use an oven thermometer to ensure your oven reaches the desired temperature. Keep in mind that home ovens typically have a maximum temperature of 500 degrees Fahrenheit, which may result in a longer baking time compared to commercial pizza ovens.
If you're using a baking sheet, it's important to ensure it's at room temperature before placing your pizza on it. Using a room-temperature baking sheet can result in an underbaked bottom crust.
Once your oven and equipment are preheated, you'll be ready to bake your pizza! Place your pizza in the oven using quick, decisive movements. For a golden, crispy crust, refer to the specific instructions in your recipe for baking time and temperature, as this can vary depending on the thickness of your dough and your preferred level of doneness.
Remember, the setup of your oven plays a crucial role in achieving the perfect cheese pizza, so take the time to preheat your equipment and oven to the recommended temperatures.
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Frequently asked questions
The main ingredients in a basic cheese pizza are dough, sauce, and cheese. The dough is typically made from flour, yeast, water, salt, and olive oil. The sauce is usually a tomato-based sauce, and the cheese is typically mozzarella.
A high-gluten flour is typically used for pizza dough, as it gives the crust strength and structure. However, if you have gluten intolerance, you can use a non-gluten equivalent.
The most common cheese used on pizza is mozzarella, specifically the shredded, low-moisture variety, as it melts well and gives the pizza its signature stretch. Fresh mozzarella can also be used, adding a gooey texture and a pristine melted look.
