Cheese & Tomato Pizza Recipe
Nothing beats the classic combination of cheese and tomato on a crispy, golden pizza crust. This homemade cheese and tomato pizza is simple yet delicious, featuring a flavorful tomato sauce, gooey melted cheese, and a perfectly baked crust. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or a weekend treat, this recipe will satisfy your pizza cravings.
Ingredients:
For the Dough:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast
- 1 tsp sugar
- ¾ cup warm water
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
For the Tomato Sauce:
- 1 cup canned crushed tomatoes
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp dried basil
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
Toppings:
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil leaves (for garnish, optional)
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for brushing the crust)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Dough:
- In a small bowl, mix warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until frothy.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt.
- Add the yeast mixture and olive oil to the flour. Mix until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a kitchen towel, and let it rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
2. Prepare the Tomato Sauce:
- Heat olive oil in a small pan over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.
- Simmer for 10 minutes, then remove from heat and let cool slightly.
3. Assemble the Pizza:
- Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If using a pizza stone, place it in the oven while preheating.
- Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface into your desired pizza shape.
- Transfer the dough to a pizza tray or baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Spread an even layer of tomato sauce over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan evenly over the sauce.
- Brush the crust edges with olive oil for a golden finish.
4. Bake the Pizza:
- Place the pizza in the preheated oven and bake for 10–12 minutes or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes.
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Slice your homemade cheese and tomato pizza and serve hot. Pair it with a fresh green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal!
Tips for the Perfect Pizza:
- For an extra crispy crust, bake the pizza on a preheated pizza stone.
- Experiment with different cheese blends, such as adding provolone or cheddar.
- Use fresh tomatoes for the sauce if you prefer a lighter, fresher flavor.
- If you like a bit of spice, sprinkle some red pepper flakes on top before serving.
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