Classic Pizza
Learn how to make authentic, Italian-style pizza at home, from the perfect dough to traditional toppings like mozzarella and basil.
Equipment
- Pizza stone or baking sheet
- Pizza Peel
- Stand mixer (optional for kneading)
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour (11-12% protein)
- 1 tsp active dry yeast
- ¾ cup warm water (110°F)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup San Marzano tomato sauce
- 1 cup fresh mozzarella
- Fresh basil leaves
- Olive oil (for drizzling)
Instructions
- Prepare Dough: Mix flour, yeast, warm water, and salt. Knead for 10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Let it rest for 1 hour.
- Preheat Oven: Heat to 500°F (or as high as possible). If using a pizza stone, preheat it as well.
- Shape Dough: Stretch the dough into a round shape, avoiding overworking it.
- Add Toppings: Spread San Marzano tomato sauce, mozzarella, and basil leaves. Drizzle with olive oil.
- Bake: Bake in the oven for 10 minutes or until the crust is golden and crispy. Use a broiler for extra char if desired.
Notes
For a true Italian flavor, use San Marzano tomatoes and fresh mozzarella. A wood-fired oven is ideal but a hot home oven with a pizza stone works well too.