Dive into the tantalizing world of cheese pizza with our comprehensive guide that explores the art of crafting the perfect cheesy slice. From selecting the finest cheeses to mastering the dough and achieving the ideal melt, this blog post takes you on a flavorful journey through every aspect of cheese pizza creation. Discover insider tips, mouthwatering recipes, and expert techniques that will elevate your pizza-making game to new heights. Whether you’re a seasoned pizza enthusiast or a cheese-loving novice, prepare to unlock the secrets to irresistible cheese pizza bliss.
Ingredients:
For the Pizza Dough:
- 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1 1/2 cups warm water (110°F or 45°C)
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp salt
For the Pizza Sauce:
- 1 cup canned tomato sauce
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Preparing the Topping:
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil (optional, for garnish)
- Olive oil for brushing
Instructions:
- Make the Dough:
- In a bowl, dissolve the yeast and sugar in warm water. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Make a well in the center, pour in the yeast mixture and olive oil. Mix until the dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in an oiled bowl, cover, and let it rise for 1-1.5 hours or until doubled in size.
- Prepare the Sauce:
- In a small bowl, mix the tomato sauce with oregano, basil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Set aside.
- Assemble the Pizza:
- Preheat the oven to 475°F (245°C). Place a pizza stone or an inverted baking sheet inside to heat up.
- Punch down the risen dough and divide it into two portions for two pizzas.
- Roll out one portion of the dough on a floured surface to your desired thickness.
- Transfer the rolled-out dough onto a piece of parchment paper for easy transfer.
- Spread a thin layer of pizza sauce on top of the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Generously sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese over the sauce.
- Bake the Pizza:
- Carefully slide the pizza (with the parchment paper) onto the preheated stone or baking sheet.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
- Serve:
- Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil leaves, if desired.
- Slice and enjoy your delicious homemade cheese pizza!
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