Andy Montoya
Cheese pizza is a classic dish that can be made in a variety of ways. While the traditional recipe calls for a combination of mozzarella and tomato sauce on a chewy crust, there are many variations to this timeless favourite. From the type of cheese used to the thickness of the crust, each recipe is unique and can be tailored to individual tastes and preferences. Preparing a cheese pizza from scratch is a fun and rewarding experience, and with the right tools and techniques, anyone can become a master pizza chef in their own kitchen.
Cheese Pizza Recipe Characteristics and Values
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Dough | Homemade or store-bought |
| Dough preparation | Mix yeast, water, and sugar; stir in flour and salt; knead until soft and elastic |
| Sauce | Tomato-based, with herbs and garlic |
| Cheese | Mozzarella, cheddar, provolone, goat cheese, burrata, parmesan, or a combination |
| Other toppings | Chives, oregano, basil, string cheese, egg yolk |
| Baking temperature | 425°F to 550°F (218°C to 288°C) |
| Baking time | 6 to 15 minutes, depending on temperature |
| Calories | 330 to 356 kcal per serving |
| Storage | Refrigerate for 3-4 days or freeze for up to 3 months |
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What You'll Learn
Pizza dough
To make a pizza dough from scratch, you will need yeast, water, sugar, flour, and salt, and olive oil or vegetable oil spray. Firstly, combine the yeast, water, and sugar in a glass or plastic bowl, ensuring the water is below 100°F. Stir the mixture to dissolve the yeast and let it rest for 15 minutes to allow the yeast to "bloom". Next, stir in one cup of flour and add salt, followed by another cup of flour. Transfer the mixture onto a kneading board and work in the last cup of flour, kneading until the dough is soft and elastic, but not sticky.
If you are using a yeast-based dough, you do not need to brush the exposed edge with olive oil. However, if you are using a no-yeast pizza base, it is recommended to brush or spray the exposed edge with olive oil to achieve a golden brown crust.
If your pizza dough is cold, let it sit at room temperature for 20 to 30 minutes before baking. When you are ready to bake, prepare a pizza peel or pizza pan by dusting it with semolina flour. Then, dust a clean work surface with all-purpose flour and form your pizza dough into a round shape that fits your pizza peel or pan.
For a classic New York-style pizza, a mix of whole milk and part-skim low-moisture mozzarella cheeses is used. However, you can also use shredded mozzarella or parmesan, or a combination of both. In addition, you can experiment with other cheeses such as cheddar, provolone, goat cheese, or burrata cheese.
Baking the pizza dough at the right temperature is crucial. Preheat your oven to between 425°F and 550°F (218°C to 288°C). If you are using a pizza stone or steel, place it in the oven before preheating. Bake the pizza for 6 to 15 minutes, depending on your oven temperature, until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted with golden spots.
With these steps and the right ingredients, you can create a delicious and chewy pizza dough as the foundation for your cheese pizza.
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Pizza sauce
A good pizza sauce is essential to a great cheese pizza. The sauce provides the flavour and essence of the pizza, so it's important to get it right. While you can use a store-bought pizza sauce, making your own is easy and ensures your pizza will be delicious.
The key to a good pizza sauce is balance. It should be bold and flavourful, with a texture that's thin enough to spread but thick enough to keep your pizza from turning soggy. Most pizza sauces start with a base of extra-virgin olive oil, but you can also use butter for a richer, smoother sauce. Then, you'll need tomatoes. Whole peeled tomatoes are the least processed option and will generally give you better results. You can use fresh, blended tomatoes, or canned diced tomatoes that you blend yourself. If you're using canned tomatoes, opt for those packed in juice as they're less processed and more versatile. You'll also need tomato paste to thicken the sauce and prevent a soggy pizza.
From here, you can add your choice of herbs and spices. Oregano and Italian seasoning are common additions, and you can use dried or fresh herbs. If you're using dried oregano, you may want to add some basil as well, as dried oregano can be quite strong. You can also add garlic for a punch of flavour. Simply puree your tomatoes with garlic, olive oil, and Italian seasoning, then reduce it over a low flame for a simple yet tasty sauce. For a sweeter sauce, you can add some onion or sugar. If you're using fresh herbs, add them while the sauce is simmering and remove them before using the sauce.
Finally, don't forget to season your sauce with salt and pepper to taste. You can also add other seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, and garlic salt. Once you've combined all your ingredients, spread a nice, thick, even layer of sauce on top of your pizza dough, leaving a thin edge untouched for the crust. Then, you're ready to add your cheese and bake your pizza!
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Cheese
When it comes to preparing the cheese for your pizza, it's important to consider the texture and consistency. Freshly shredded cheese tends to melt and spread better than pre-shredded cheese, which is often coated with anti-clumping agents. If you're using cups for measuring, be sure to shred the cheese first and then pack it tightly to ensure you have the right amount. You can also cut the cheese into hunks, weigh it, and then grate it.
Mozzarella is a versatile cheese that can be used in a variety of ways on your pizza. For a classic pizza melt, shredded mozzarella is a good option. If you're looking for a more authentic Italian flavour, you can use fresh mozzarella, such as fior di latte or mozzarella di bufala. For a New York-style pizza, a mix of whole milk and part-skim low-moisture mozzarella cheeses can give you that coveted cheese pull.
In addition to mozzarella, there are several other cheeses that can enhance the flavour of your pizza. Parmesan, also known as Parmigiano-Reggiano, adds a nice salty kick to your pizza. Chives, oregano, and garlic can also be mixed with the cheese to add extra flavour. If you're feeling adventurous, you can even try stuffed crust by placing string cheese around the edge of the crust and folding the dough over it.
No matter which type of cheese you choose, the baking process is crucial to getting that perfect, melty texture. Preheating your oven to the right temperature, usually between 425°F and 550°F, is essential. The higher the temperature, the better the results, but be careful not to burn the cheese or dough. Depending on your oven temperature, the pizza should bake for 6 to 15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted with golden spots.
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Oven temperature
For a classic cheese pizza, preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). This temperature is recommended by several sources and is a good middle ground within the ideal temperature range. Preheat your oven for at least 30 minutes before baking to ensure it reaches the desired temperature. If you have a pizza steel or pizza stone, place it in the oven before preheating, as it will help absorb and conduct heat more efficiently.
If you prefer a crispier pizza with a more browned crust, you can increase the temperature to 500°F (260°C) or even 550°F (288°C). At these higher temperatures, your pizza will bake faster, and you'll get a crispier, more bubbly crust. However, be cautious when using such high temperatures, as the hot air escaping from the oven can set off your fire alarm.
On the other hand, if you prefer a softer crust, you can use a lower temperature. For instance, baking your pizza at 425°F (218°C) will result in a less bubbly pizza, but it will take longer to bake. If you're using a no-yeast pizza dough, a temperature of 480°F (249°C) is recommended, and you should rotate the tray halfway through the baking time.
Additionally, consider the type of oven you have. Regular home ovens typically take longer to bake pizzas than specialised pizza ovens. If you're using a regular oven, consider investing in a baking steel or a cast-iron pizza pan, which are designed to absorb and conduct heat more efficiently, resulting in a better bake.
In summary, the oven temperature for baking a cheese pizza can vary depending on your preferences and equipment. Experiment with different temperatures within the ideal range to find the sweet spot that gives you the perfect cheese pizza.
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Baking
To bake the perfect cheese pizza, you'll need to preheat your oven to between 425°F and 550°F (218°C to 288°C). If you're using a pizza stone or steel, place it in the oven before preheating. If you're using a pizza pan, lightly spray it with olive or vegetable oil to prevent sticking. If you're using a yeast-based pizza dough, you don't need to oil the pan. Let your dough warm to room temperature for 20 to 30 minutes if it's been chilled.
Dust a clean work surface with all-purpose flour and roll out your dough into a round shape that fits your pizza peel or pan. Transfer the dough to the pan or a baking sheet. Spread your pizza sauce over the dough, leaving a thin edge for the crust. You can make your own sauce or use a store-bought variety. A simple tomato sauce with garlic and herbs is a classic choice.
Next, scatter your cheese mixture over the sauce. You can use just one type of cheese, such as mozzarella, or a combination of cheeses. Mozzarella, cheddar, provolone, goat cheese, burrata, and parmesan are all excellent choices. Add any additional toppings of your choice.
Bake your pizza for 6 to 15 minutes, depending on your oven temperature. The pizza is done when the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted with golden spots. If you're using a lower oven temperature, your pizza will take longer to bake and won't be as bubbly.
Once your pizza is baked to perfection, remove it from the oven and let it cool before slicing. Enjoy your homemade cheese pizza!
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Frequently asked questions
You will need pizza dough, pizza sauce, and cheese. You can make your own dough and sauce or buy them from a store. For the cheese, mozzarella is a classic choice, but you can also use cheddar, provolone, goat cheese, or burrata cheese.
Combine yeast, water, and sugar in a bowl. Stir to dissolve the yeast and let it "bloom" for 15 minutes. Then, stir in two cups of flour and add salt. Dump the mixture onto a kneading board and work in the remaining cup of flour, kneading until the dough is soft and elastic, but not sticky.
Spread the pizza sauce over the dough, leaving a thin edge for the crust. Sprinkle the cheese over the sauce. If you like, add some herbs such as oregano or chives. Bake the pizza in an oven preheated to between 425°F and 550°F (218°C to 288°C) for 6 to 15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese has melted with golden spots.
Leftover pizza can be stored in the fridge for 3 to 4 days, or in the freezer for up to 3 months. Wrap the pizza in plastic wrap to prevent it from taking on smells in the refrigerator. To reheat, simply place it in the oven or microwave.
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