How to Make a Classic Cheese Pizza from Scratch

I. Introduction

There’s something universally appealing about cheese pizza. Its simplicity and deliciousness make it a favorite among many, whether you are a child or an adult. The golden crust, the bubbling cheese, and the rich tomato sauce come together to create a dish that is loved worldwide. Making cheese pizza from scratch not only allows you to customize your toppings but also gives you an unmatched satisfaction that comes from creating something delicious with your own hands.

In this article, we’ll take you through the entire process of making a classic cheese pizza from scratch. From the dough to the sauce and toppings, you will learn everything you need to create a mouth-watering pizza that will impress your family and friends.

II. Ingredients

A. Essential ingredients for the dough

• All-purpose flour
• Active dry yeast
• Warm water
• Olive oil
• Sugar
• Salt

B. Ingredients for the pizza sauce

• Canned tomatoes (San Marzano recommended)
• Garlic
• Olive oil
• Dried oregano
• Salt and pepper

C. Cheese and toppings

• Mozzarella cheese (fresh vs. shredded)
• Optional toppings (basil, chili flakes)

HTML Table for Ingredients

III. Making the Dough

A. Activating the yeast

The first step in making your pizza dough is to activate the yeast. Start by warming one cup of water to about 110°F (43°C). The water should be warm to the touch but not boiling. If it’s too hot, it can kill the yeast. In a bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast, and stir gently. Allow the mixture to sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy. This indicates that the yeast is alive and ready to work its magic.

B. Mixing the dry ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and salt. Make sure to mix these dry ingredients thoroughly to ensure that the salt is evenly distributed throughout the flour.

C. Combining wet and dry ingredients

Once the yeast mixture is frothy, add it to the bowl of dry ingredients along with the olive oil. Mix the dough using a wooden spoon or your hands until it starts to come together. It should be slightly sticky but manageable.

D. Kneading the dough

Transfer the dough to a floured surface and begin kneading. Kneading helps develop the gluten in the flour, giving the dough its structure. Knead the dough for about 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough feels too sticky, sprinkle a little more flour on the surface as needed.

E. Letting the dough rise

Once kneaded, shape the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly oiled bowl, covering it with a damp cloth or plastic wrap. Let it rise in a warm area for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it doubles in size. The warmth encourages the yeast to ferment and produce carbon dioxide, which causes the dough to rise.

F. Tips for perfect dough consistency

• Be careful not to add too much flour while kneading; the dough should be tacky but not overly sticky.
• Ensure that the yeast is active; if it doesn’t foam, your dough won’t rise.
• Allow enough time for the dough to rise; patience is key to achieving a light, airy crust.

IV. Preparing the Sauce

A. Sautéing garlic in olive oil

While your dough is rising, it’s the perfect time to prepare the pizza sauce. Start by taking a small saucepan and heating two tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add two minced garlic cloves to the pan and sauté them for 1-2 minutes until they become fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it will turn bitter.

B. Combining tomatoes and spices

Next, add one can of San Marzano tomatoes (or your preferred variety) to the saucepan. Crush the tomatoes with a spoon or fork to break them down. Season the sauce with a teaspoon of dried oregano, salt, and pepper to taste. Allow the sauce to simmer for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. This simmering process lets the flavors meld beautifully, resulting in a rich and delicious sauce.

C. Taste and adjust

After simmering, taste the sauce and adjust the seasonings as necessary. If you prefer a little sweetness, consider adding a pinch of sugar. If you like a bit of heat, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes can elevate the flavor.

V. Assembling the Pizza

A. Preheating the oven

Before you start assembling your pizza, preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven to heat as well. A hot oven is essential for achieving that perfect crispy crust.

B. Shaping the dough

Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release any air bubbles. Transfer it to a floured surface and divide it in half for two medium pizzas or keep it whole for one large pizza. Use your hands or a rolling pin to shape the dough into a circle. Aim for about ½ inch thickness for a classic pizza crust.

C. Adding sauce and cheese

Spread a generous amount of your prepared sauce evenly over the dough, leaving about 1 inch of space at the edges for the crust. After the sauce, sprinkle about 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese generously on top. If using fresh mozzarella, tear it into small pieces and distribute it evenly across the pizza.

D. Optional toppings

If you like, you can add optional toppings at this stage. Fresh basil leaves or a sprinkle of chili flakes can enhance the flavor profile of your classic cheese pizza.

VI. Baking the Pizza

A. Transfer to the oven

Carefully transfer the assembled pizza onto the hot pizza stone or a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. If using a pizza peel, sprinkle a little cornmeal on the peel to help slide the pizza off easily.

B. Baking time

Bake the pizza in the preheated oven for about 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned. Keep an eye on the pizza to avoid burning.

C. Cooling and slicing

Once baked, remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing. This waiting period allows the cheese to set slightly, making it easier to cut. Use a sharp pizza cutter or knife to slice it up.

VII. Enjoying Your Pizza

Serve your delicious homemade cheese pizza hot, right from the oven. Pair it with a fresh salad or some garlic bread for a complete meal. You can also serve it with extra toppings like chili flakes or grated Parmesan cheese on the side for added flavor.

VIII. Conclusion

Making a classic cheese pizza from scratch may seem daunting at first, but with the right ingredients and a little patience, you can create an incredible dish that rivals any pizzeria. The satisfaction of kneading your dough, preparing your sauce, and baking your pizza from scratch is unparalleled. So next time you’re in the mood for pizza, skip the takeout and try making your own — you won’t regret it!