How to Make Homemade Pizza and Pizza Dough

How to Make Pizza Dough

Ingredients

• 400 grams all-purpose wheat flour
• 1 teaspoon fresh baker’s yeast
• 200 milliliters water
• A pinch of salt
• A pinch of sugar
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

Prepare the Dough

1. Combine the yeast and water in a large bowl. Add the vegetable oil and stir with your fingers.
2. Gradually incorporate the flour, then add the salt and sugar.
3. Continue mixing by hand while adding the flour a little at a time. The dough will initially be very sticky but should become easier to handle as you work it.
4. Transfer the dough to a clean, lightly floured surface. Knead firmly for about 10 minutes, repeatedly stretching and folding it until it becomes smooth, even, and elastic.
5. If the dough remains excessively sticky, add flour in small amounts. Avoid adding too much at once.
6. Return the dough to the bowl, cover it with a clean cloth, and let it rise for 1 hour.
7. Spread the risen dough evenly in a well-greased pizza pan, taking care not to tear it. Let it rest for another 5 minutes while you prepare the toppings and preheat the oven.

Prepare the Homemade Pizza

Ingredients

• Half a can of tomatoes, or 4 large peeled tomatoes
• A pinch of oregano
• A pinch of salt
• 100 grams mozzarella cheese
• Half a medium bell pepper
• Half a medium onion
• 50 grams cooked ham, sausage, or pepperoni

Prepare the Sauce and Toppings

1. Blend or process the tomatoes. For a chunkier sauce, crush them with a fork instead.
2. Season the tomato sauce with salt and oregano.
3. Grate the mozzarella.
4. Cut the ham, onion, and bell pepper into strips. If using sausage or pepperoni, cut it into thin slices.

Assemble and Bake

1. Spread the tomato sauce evenly over the prepared dough.
2. Add the grated mozzarella, followed by the remaining toppings.
3. Bake in an oven preheated to 200°C for 10–15 minutes. Watch it closely because ovens vary.
4. The pizza is ready when the cheese is melted and lightly browned and the underside of the crust is slightly golden. The crust should be firm enough to hold a slice without becoming hard like a cracker.
5. Remove the pizza carefully, cut it into slices, and serve.

Tips for Better Homemade Pizza

• Use fresh, good-quality baker’s yeast. Baking powder is not a substitute. Old yeast may prevent the dough from rising.
• Flours absorb water differently. If the dough is too wet or too firm, adjust it gradually in small amounts.
• Stretch the dough carefully so it does not tear or become extremely thin in places. Small tears can be pressed back together in the pan.
• Grease the entire pan well, including its edges, to prevent sticking.
• Use good-quality tomatoes so the sauce does not taste overly acidic.
• Monitor the pizza throughout baking to keep the crust and toppings from burning.
• Use a flexible spatula to release any areas that stick to the pan.
• Adjust the dough’s thickness and baking time in future batches to achieve your preferred crust texture.

Once you are comfortable with the basic method, vary the cheese, vegetables, meats, and seasonings according to your taste.