How to Make a Classic Italian Pizza: A Recipe for Pizza Lovers

Pizza is a favorite food all over the world, and for good reason! A crispy crust, flavorful sauce, and delicious toppings make for a meal that is hard to resist. This recipe is a classic take on Italian pizza that is easy to make and will transport you to the streets of Naples with every bite.

Ingredients:

For the dough:

• 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/4 cups warm water
• 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the sauce:

• 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes

For the toppings:

• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
• Your choice of additional toppings, such as sliced pepperoni, cooked sausage, or sliced vegetables

Instructions:

1. Make the dough: In a large bowl, combine the flour, water, yeast, salt, and olive oil. Stir until a shaggy dough forms, then turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes, until the dough is smooth and elastic.
2. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl and cover with a damp towel. Let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size.
3. Make the sauce: In a small saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
4. Add the crushed tomatoes, salt, sugar, oregano, and red pepper flakes to the pan. Stir to combine, then let the sauce simmer for 15-20 minutes, until it has thickened and the flavors have melded together.
5. Preheat your oven to 500°F (260°C). If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven to preheat as well.
6. Punch down the dough and turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Roll or stretch the dough into a circle, about 12 inches (30 cm) in diameter.
7. Transfer the dough to a lightly floured pizza peel or baking sheet.
8. Spread a generous amount of the tomato sauce over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
9. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce, followed by any additional toppings of your choice.
10. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the top of the pizza.
11. Transfer the pizza to the preheated oven, either by sliding it off the peel onto the pizza stone or placing the baking sheet in the oven.
12. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
13. Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving. Top with fresh basil leaves before serving.

Tips:

• Use high-quality ingredients for the best flavor.
• If you don’t have a pizza stone, you can use a baking sheet instead.
• If you prefer a crispier crust, bake the pizza for an additional 1-2 minutes.
• Customize your pizza with your favorite toppings, but don’t overload it with too many ingredients.