Get ready to elevate your pizza night with the Daring Bakers Challenge Pizza! This mouthwatering Italian delight is not just any pizza; it's a culinary adventure that will have your taste buds dancing with joy. With a perfectly chewy crust, gooey mozzarella, and your choice of tantalizing toppings, this recipe promises to impress family and friends alike. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a kitchen novice, this 35-minute recipe is your ticket to homemade pizza perfection. So, roll up your sleeves and prepare to create a masterpiece that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 1 large pizza
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp yeast
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 3/4 cup warm water
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- Various toppings (pepperoni, bell peppers, etc.)
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour, yeast, sugar, and salt. Mix dry ingredients thoroughly.
- Gradually add warm water to the dry ingredients, stirring until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let rise in a warm place for approximately 1 hour or until the dough doubles in size.
- Once risen, punch down the dough and transfer to a lightly floured surface. Roll out the dough into a large circular shape, approximately 12-14 inches in diameter.
- Transfer the rolled dough to a pizza stone or baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Spread pizza sauce evenly across the dough, leaving a small border around the edges for the crust.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce, covering the surface evenly.
- Add desired toppings such as sliced pepperoni, chopped bell peppers, or other preferred ingredients.
- Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C). Bake the pizza for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from oven, let cool for 2-3 minutes, slice, and serve hot.
Tips
- Perfect Your Dough: Make sure to knead the dough until it is smooth and elastic. This is key to achieving that perfect pizza crust texture!
- Warm Water Matters: Use water that is warm but not hot, as too high a temperature can kill the yeast, preventing your dough from rising properly.
- Let It Rise: Don’t rush the rising process! Allow the dough to double in size for the best flavor and texture. A warm, draft-free area is ideal for this step.
- Preheat Your Oven: Ensure your oven is fully preheated to 450°F (230°C) before baking. This helps to achieve a crispy crust while keeping the toppings perfectly cooked.
- Experiment with Toppings: Get creative with your toppings! Try different cheeses, vegetables, or meats to customize your pizza to your liking.
- Don’t Forget the Crust: For an extra touch, brush the edges of your crust with olive oil or garlic butter before baking for a golden, flavorful finish.
- Slice and Serve: Let the pizza cool for a couple of minutes before slicing to avoid burning your mouth and to make cleaner cuts.With these tips, you're all set to create a pizza that rivals your favorite pizzeria. Enjoy every delicious bite!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 30mg
