Jul 14 2026
RestaurantsDe La NonnaCheese Recipe

Cheese Recipe

Inspired by De La Nonna
Time35m
Serves4

TOMATO, PARMESAN & MOZZARELLA (GREAT FOR KIDS!)

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Ingredients

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Dough & Assembly

Method

Dough & Assembly

  1. 1

    Preheat and prepare

    Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If using a pizza stone, place it in the oven before preheating. Lightly dust a pizza peel or baking sheet with the 2 tbs flour to prevent sticking.

  2. 2

    Shape the dough

    On a lightly floured surface, gently stretch or roll the pizza dough into a 12-inch round (or desired size), leaving a slightly thicker rim for the crust. Transfer the stretched dough to the prepared peel or baking sheet.

  3. 3

    Brush crust

    Lightly brush the outer 1/2 inch of the dough with 1 tbs olive oil to help the crust brown and add flavor.

Sauce & Topping

  1. 4

    Season the sauce

    In a small bowl, stir the 1 cup tomato sauce with 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1 tsp dried basil, and 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes. Taste and adjust seasoning for kids (omit crushed red pepper if desired).

  2. 5

    Spread the sauce

    Using the back of a spoon, spread the seasoned tomato sauce evenly over the dough, leaving the oiled rim exposed (about 1/2 inch). Aim for a thin, even layer so the pizza doesn't get soggy.

  3. 6

    Add cheeses

    Distribute the fresh mozzarella pieces evenly over the sauced dough, leaving small gaps so the cheese melts evenly. Sprinkle the 1 cup grated Parmesan evenly over the top. For extra cheesiness and browning, lightly dot a few more small pieces of mozzarella around the edge.

  4. 7

    Final seasoning

    If using, sprinkle a pinch more dried oregano and a little black pepper over the assembled pizza. For children, keep seasonings mild and omit crushed red pepper.

Finishing (bake & serve)

  1. 8

    Bake

    Slide the pizza onto the preheated stone or place the baking sheet in the oven. Bake at 475°F (245°C) for 10–12 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheeses are bubbling and lightly browned. If baking on a sheet, check at 9 minutes to prevent overbrowning.

  2. 9

    Rest and finish

    Remove the pizza from the oven and let rest 2–3 minutes. Drizzle 1 tsp extra virgin olive oil over the top if desired and scatter the 6 fresh basil leaves (torn) over the pizza.

  3. 10

    Slice and serve

    Slice into 6–8 slices and serve warm. This mild, cheesy tomato, Parmesan & mozzarella pizza is great for kids and family-friendly.

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