Cheese Recipe

Cheese Pizza

1. 1

   Preheat and prepare

   Place a pizza stone or inverted baking sheet in the oven on the middle rack. Preheat oven to 500°F (260°C) for at least 30 minutes so the stone or sheet is thoroughly heated. If using a pizza peel, lightly dust it with cornmeal or semolina.

2. 2

   Shape the dough

   On a lightly floured surface, stretch or roll the pizza dough into a 12–14 inch round about 1/4-inch thick for a classic crust. Leave a slightly thicker rim (about 1/2 inch) for the crust edge. Transfer the shaped dough to the cornmeal-dusted peel or a parchment paper-lined baking sheet if not using a peel.

3. 3

   Brush with oil

   Lightly brush the outer rim/crust with 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil. This promotes browning and a glossy crust.

4. 4

   Sauce the pizza

   Evenly spoon 3 tablespoons of Fresh Brothers pizza sauce onto the center of the dough. Using the back of the spoon, spread the sauce in a thin, even layer leaving the 1/2-inch rim uncovered. Do not overload sauce; a thin layer prevents a soggy pie.

5. 5

   Add cheese and season

   Scatter 2 cups shredded 100% all-natural mozzarella evenly over the sauced dough so the cheese reaches almost to the rim. Sprinkle 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt, 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano (optional) evenly over the cheese.

6. 6

   Bake

   Carefully slide the pizza onto the preheated stone or sheet (use parchment and transfer if preferred). Bake at 500°F (260°C) for 7–10 minutes, rotating once halfway through if your oven has hot spots, until the crust is golden brown and cheese is bubbling with slight golden spots.

7. 7

   Rest and finish

   Remove the pizza from the oven and transfer to a cutting board. Let rest 2–3 minutes to allow the cheese to set slightly. If desired, brush the crust with a tiny additional brush of olive oil or sprinkle a pinch more salt.

8. 8

   Slice and serve

   Slice into 6–8 wedges and serve immediately while hot.