Friday nights call for something special, and what could be better than creating your own homemade pizza masterpiece? With just a few simple ingredients and a little creativity, you can whip up a delicious pie that's sure to rival your favorite pizzeria. So, roll up your sleeves, preheat that oven, and let's get ready for a Friday night pizza extravaganza!
Ingredients:
For the Dough:
3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus extra for kneading
2 teaspoons active dry yeast
2 teaspoons sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1 1/2 cups warm water
3 tablespoons olive oil
For the Pizza:
1 cup pizza sauce
4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Your favorite pizza toppings (pepperoni, mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, olives, etc.)
Olive oil, for brushing
Italian seasoning, for garnish
Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)
Red pepper flakes, for a spicy kick (optional)
Instructions:
Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and active dry yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy. Add the flour, salt, and olive oil to the bowl, and stir until a dough forms.
Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour as needed.
Let it Rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm, draft-free place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C) and place a pizza stone or baking sheet inside to preheat as well.
Shape the Dough: Once the dough has doubled in size, punch it down to release any air bubbles. Transfer it to a lightly floured surface and shape it into a round pizza crust of your desired thickness.
Top the Pizza: Spread the pizza sauce evenly over the prepared pizza crust, leaving a small border around the edges. Sprinkle with shredded mozzarella cheese and your favorite pizza toppings.
Bake to Perfection: Carefully transfer the pizza to the preheated pizza stone or baking sheet. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and melted.
Garnish and Serve: Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool slightly. Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with Italian seasoning, grated Parmesan cheese, and red pepper flakes, if desired. Slice, serve, and enjoy your handmade dough pizza creation!
XOXO Mizztoree
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