18" Cheese Recipe
Fresh pizza sauce and shredded mozzarella
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Ingredients
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Dough
Pizza Sauce
Toppings
Method
Dough Preparation
- 1
Activate Yeast
In a small bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and active dry yeast. Let sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
- 2
Mix Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt. Make a well in the center and add the yeast mixture and olive oil.
- 3
Knead Dough
Mix until a dough forms, then knead on a floured surface for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- 4
Let Dough Rise
Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let rise in a warm area for about 1-1.5 hours or until doubled in size.
Pizza Sauce Preparation
- 5
Prepare Sauce
In a medium saucepan, combine canned crushed tomatoes, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and black pepper.
- 6
Simmer Sauce
Bring the sauce to a simmer over medium heat and cook for about 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Assemble and Bake
- 7
Preheat Oven
Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C) and place a pizza stone or baking sheet inside to heat.
- 8
Shape Dough
Once the dough has risen, punch it down and turn it out onto a floured surface. Roll it out into an 18-inch circle.
- 9
Add Sauce
Transfer the dough to a pizza peel or baking sheet. Spread a layer of the prepared pizza sauce evenly over the dough.
- 10
Add Cheese
Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce, covering it evenly.
- 11
Bake Pizza
Carefully transfer the pizza onto the hot pizza stone or baking sheet. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly.
- 12
Cool and Serve
Remove the pizza from the oven, let it cool for a few minutes, slice, and serve hot.
