My Favorite Italian Pizza
Discover the ultimate recipe for homemade Italian pizza perfection with "My Favorite Italian Pizza." This classic pizza captures the authentic flavors of Italy, featuring a light and airy homemade dough topped with a rich, garlicky tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella, and vibrant basil leaves. The dough is made from scratch, kneaded to perfection, and baked at high heat for a perfectly crisp yet tender crust. Each slice is elevated with a sprinkle of Parmesan and, if you like a little kick, crushed red pepper flakes. Whether you're hosting a pizza night or craving an elevated weeknight dinner, this recipe brings the taste of an Italian pizzeria straight to your kitchen! Perfect for sharing, this recipe serves four and is ready to impress in just over 90 minutes, including prep and baking time.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2.5 cups All-purpose flour
- 1 cup Warm water (about 110°F/43°C)
- 1 packet Active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon Granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil
- 1.5 cups Canned crushed tomatoes
- 2 cloves Garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 teaspoon Dried oregano
- 8 ounces Fresh mozzarella cheese
- 8 leaves Fresh basil leaves
- 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese (grated)
- 0.25 teaspoons Crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
In a small bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and active dry yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt. Make a well in the center and add the yeast mixture and olive oil. Mix until a dough forms.
Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Alternatively, use a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment.
Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
Preheat your oven to 500°F (260°C). Place a pizza stone or inverted baking sheet in the oven to preheat.
Punch down the risen dough and divide it into two equal portions. Roll out one portion into a 12-inch circle on a floured surface.
For the sauce, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute or until fragrant. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and add dried oregano. Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Transfer the rolled-out dough onto a piece of parchment paper. Spread half of the prepared tomato sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges.
Tear the fresh mozzarella into pieces and scatter half of it evenly over the pizza.
Carefully slide the pizza (with parchment paper) onto the preheated pizza stone or baking sheet. Bake for 7-10 minutes or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly.
Remove the pizza from the oven and top with fresh basil leaves, grated Parmesan cheese, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using).
Repeat the rolling, topping, and baking process with the second portion of dough.
Allow the pizza to cool slightly before slicing and serving. Enjoy your homemade Italian pizza!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2125 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 82.8 g | 106% | |
| Saturated Fat | 39.0 g | 195% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 186 mg | 62% | |
| Sodium | 3950 mg | 172% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 247.4 g | 90% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 10.6 g | 38% | |
| Total Sugars | 13.0 g | ||
| Protein | 86.8 g | 174% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 1340 mg | 103% | |
| Iron | 16.8 mg | 93% | |
| Potassium | 693 mg | 15% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
