Pizza Recipe
Make Pizza Recipe in just 1h 30m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.
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Ingredients
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Dough
Sauce
Toppings
Method
Dough
- 1
Activate and mix
In a large mixing bowl combine warm water (about 105–115°F / comfortably warm) with the instant yeast and sugar. Stir and let sit 2–3 minutes until slightly foamy.
- 2
Make dough
Add the flour and salt to the bowl. Pour in the olive oil. Mix with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms, then turn out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 6–8 minutes until smooth and slightly springy. If using a stand mixer, knead with the dough hook on medium for 4–5 minutes.
- 3
First rise
Lightly oil the mixing bowl, place the dough inside, cover with plastic wrap or a clean towel, and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 45–60 minutes.
Sauce
- 4
While the dough rises, make the kid-friendly pizza sauce by stirring together the tomato sauce, dried oregano, dried basil, garlic powder, and salt in a small bowl. Taste and adjust salt if needed. Set aside.
Assemble & Bake
- 5
Preheat oven
Preheat the oven to 475°F (245°C). If you have a baking stone, place it on the middle rack while preheating. If not, use a baking sheet turned upside down; dust with the cornmeal or a little flour.
- 6
Shape crust
After the dough has doubled, punch it down and turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Divide into two equal portions for two small pizzas (or keep whole for one large). Roll or stretch each portion into a 9–10 inch round, keeping a slightly thicker rim for the crust. Transfer each round to a piece of parchment or the prepared baking surface dusted with cornmeal/flour.
- 7
Add sauce and toppings
Spread a thin layer (about 1/2 cup for each small pizza) of the prepared tomato sauce over each dough round, leaving the rim exposed. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella evenly over the sauce (about 1 cup per small pizza). Arrange pepperoni slices, bell pepper slices, and olives as desired. Tear and add fresh basil after baking if using.
- 8
Bake
Brush the exposed crust lightly with olive oil. Slide the pizza (with parchment) onto the preheated stone or baking sheet. Bake for 9–12 minutes, until the crust is golden and cheese is bubbly and lightly browned. Larger or thicker pizzas may take 12–14 minutes.
- 9
Finish and serve
Remove pizza from oven and let rest 2–3 minutes. Add fresh basil leaves if using. Slice into kid-friendly pieces and serve warm.