Jul 14 2026
Restaurants440 MainSerious Cheese Pizza Recipe

Serious Cheese Pizza Recipe

Inspired by 440 Main
Time1h 30m
Serves4

Loaded edge to edge with smoked provolone cheese.

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Ingredients

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Dough

Method

Dough Preparation

  1. 1

    Activate Yeast

    In a small bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and active dry yeast. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until frothy.

  2. 2

    Mix Dough

    In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Create a well in the center and add the yeast mixture and olive oil. Mix until a dough forms.

  3. 3

    Knead Dough

    Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.

  4. 4

    Rise Dough

    Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.

Pizza Assembly

  1. 5

    Preheat Oven

    Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C).

  2. 6

    Prepare Dough

    Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out on a floured surface to your desired shape and thickness, typically about 12 inches in diameter.

  3. 7

    Add Sauce

    Transfer the rolled-out dough to a pizza stone or baking sheet. Spread the pizza sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.

  4. 8

    Add Cheese

    Sprinkle the smoked provolone cheese generously over the sauce, ensuring that it covers the pizza edge to edge.

  5. 9

    Season Pizza

    Sprinkle dried oregano and crushed red pepper flakes on top of the cheese. Add fresh basil leaves if desired.

  6. 10

    Bake Pizza

    Bake in the preheated oven for about 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbling.

  7. 11

    Cool and Serve

    Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing. Serve hot.

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