SPECIAL CHEESE PIZZA RECIPE

The Ultimate Homemade Cheese Pizza Recipe: Simple and Delicious

Craving a classic cheese pizza? There’s something magical about the gooey, melty cheese on top of a perfectly baked crust with just the right amount of tangy tomato sauce. Making cheese pizza from scratch might sound daunting, but it’s simpler than you think! With this recipe, you can create a mouthwatering pizza at home using basic ingredients. Let’s dive in.

Ingredients:

For the Dough:

• 2 ¼ teaspoons (1 packet) of active dry yeast
• 1 ¼ cups warm water (110°F/45°C)
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Sauce:

• 1 cup canned crushed tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon olive oil
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon sugar
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Toppings:

• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (or a blend of mozzarella and cheddar for added flavor)
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Optional: Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. In a small bowl, mix the warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy. This step activates the yeast.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture and olive oil.
3. Mix the ingredients until a rough dough forms. Transfer it to a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
4. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours or until it doubles in size.

Step 2: Make the Sauce

1. Heat olive oil in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
2. Add the crushed tomatoes, oregano, sugar, salt, and pepper. Stir well and let the sauce simmer for 10-15 minutes. Adjust the seasoning as needed and set it aside to cool.

Step 3: Assemble the Pizza

1. Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven to heat.
2. Punch down the risen dough and divide it into two equal portions for two medium pizzas or keep it whole for one large pizza.
3. Roll out the dough on a floured surface to your desired thickness. Transfer it to a parchment-lined baking sheet or a preheated pizza stone.
4. Spread a thin layer of sauce evenly over the dough, leaving about half an inch around the edges for the crust.
5. Generously sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and Parmesan over the sauce.
6. 

Step 4: Bake and Serve

1. Place the pizza in the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbling and slightly browned.
2. Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for a couple of minutes. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired.
3. Slice and serve your homemade cheese pizza while it’s hot.

Tips for Perfect Cheese Pizza

• Flour Type: If you prefer a chewier crust, substitute some of the all-purpose flour with bread flour.
• Sauce Variation: For a shortcut, use store-bought pizza sauce, but homemade always tastes better.
• Cheese Options: Experiment with different cheese blends like fontina, provolone, or gouda for unique flavors.
• Crispier Crust: Bake the pizza directly on a pizza stone or steel to achieve a restaurant-quality crust.

Making a cheese pizza at home is not only rewarding but also allows you to customize every aspect to your liking. This simple recipe ensures a delicious outcome every time. Gather your ingredients, and let’s get baking!