Ever wonder how to achieve that crispy, golden crust and melty cheese at home? This guide will walk you through the simple steps to making restaurant-quality pizza right in your own kitchen. Get ready to impress at your next pizza night!
Ingredients:
- Pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- Olive oil
- Cornmeal or flour, for dusting
- Tomato sauce (homemade or high-quality store-bought)
- Fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
- Fresh basil leaves
- Toppings of your choice (pepperoni, mushrooms, onions, etc.)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to its highest setting, typically 500°F or higher. If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven to heat as well.
- On a lightly floured surface, stretch or roll out your pizza dough to the desired thickness.
- Lightly dust a pizza peel or the back of a baking sheet with cornmeal or flour.
- Transfer the stretched dough onto the peel or baking sheet.
- Brush the dough lightly with olive oil, then spread a thin layer of tomato sauce over it, leaving a small border for the crust.
- Arrange slices of mozzarella and your chosen toppings evenly on the sauce.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Carefully slide the pizza onto the preheated pizza stone or a baking sheet.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
- Remove from the oven, garnish with fresh basil, and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.
