How to make pizza: A simple guide even for non-cooks

Petr Novák

Published on 12.1.2023

Pizza is one of the most beloved foods in the world, and for good reason. Whether you’re a fan of classic Margherita or a more adventurous topping combination, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Making pizza at home can be a fun and rewarding experience, and with the right ingredients and techniques, you can create a delicious and authentic pizza that rivals anything you’ll find at a restaurant. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process of making a pizza from start to finish, including tips for different types of pizzas, interesting facts about pizza, and step-by-step instructions.

Making the Dough

The foundation of any great pizza is the dough. While you can buy pre-made dough at the grocery store, making your own dough is much more satisfying and allows you to control the texture and flavor of your pizza. Here’s a basic recipe for pizza dough:

Ingredients

• 3 cups of all-purpose flour
• 1 package of active dry yeast
• 1 teaspoon of sugar
• 1 teaspoon of salt
• 1 cup of warm water
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil

Instructions

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, yeast, sugar, and salt.
2. Slowly add in the warm water and olive oil and mix until a dough forms.
3. Knead the dough for about 8-10 minutes on a floured surface.
4. Place the dough in a greased bowl and cover with a clean towel.
5. Let the dough rise in a warm place for about an hour.
6. Once the dough has doubled in size, punch it down and shape it into a ball.
7. Let the dough rest for another 10 minutes.

Tips for Making the Dough

• Use high-quality ingredients for the best results.
• If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour.
• If the dough is too dry, add a little more water.
• The dough can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Assembling the Pizza

Now that you have your dough, it’s time to assemble your pizza. The key to a delicious pizza is a well-balanced combination of toppings and a perfectly cooked crust. Here’s a basic recipe for a Margherita pizza:

Ingredients:

• 1 ball of pizza dough
• 1 cup of crushed tomatoes
• 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese
• Fresh basil leaves
• Salt and pepper
• Olive oil

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 425 degrees F.
2. Roll out the dough on a floured surface to your desired thickness.
3. Spread the crushed tomatoes over the dough, leaving a little room around the edges.
4. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the tomatoes.
5. Add a pinch of salt and pepper.
6. Drizzle a little olive oil over the pizza.
7. Place the pizza on a baking sheet and bake for about 12-15 minutes.
8. Remove the pizza from the oven and top with fresh basil leaves.

Tips for Assembling the Pizza

• Experiment with different toppings and flavor combinations.
• Use a pizza stone or baking steel for a crispy crust.
• Preheat the oven and baking surface for at least 30 minutes before baking.

Interesting Facts About Pizza

• Pizza originated in Italy in the late 18th century.
• The Margherita pizza,with its classic combination of tomato, mozzarella, and basil, is said to have been created in 1889 by Raffaele Esposito to honor Queen Margherita of Savoy.
• Pizza Margherita is considered the “Queen of Pizzas” and it was the first Pizza to ever be made in a pizza oven.
• Pizza Margherita is also the most traditional pizza and it’s the pizza that is used to judge the quality of a pizzeria.
• The most popular pizza toppings in the United States are pepperoni, mushroom, and bacon.
• In Italy, Pizza Margherita is the most popular pizza and it’s the pizza that is used to judge the quality of a pizzeria.
• Pizza is the most popular food in the world and it is enjoyed by people of all ages and cultures.

Conclusion

Making pizza at home can be a fun and rewarding experience. With the right ingredients and techniques, you can create a delicious and authentic pizza that rivals anything you’ll find at a restaurant. We hope this guide has provided you with the knowledge and inspiration you need to make your own delicious pizza at home. Remember to experiment with different toppings, and have fun in the process. Happy pizza-making!