Homemade cheese pizza

Homemade Cheese Pizza - a classic recipe full of flavor and history

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Rising time: 30-40 minutes
Baking time: 40-45 minutes
Total: Approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes
Servings: 4-6 people

Pizza is a dish loved by millions of people around the world, but few know that its origins are actually much older and more varied than just Italian. Although pizza is often associated with Italy, the concept of baking flat, round bread with various toppings originates from ancient Greece. The Greeks had the habit of adding olive oil, spices, vegetables, and even meat to their baked bread, and if tomatoes had been discovered earlier, they would surely have used them as well.

However, the first modern pizza, as we know it today, was created in Naples, Italy, by baker Raffaele Esposito. In 1889, he prepared a special pizza in honor of Queen Margherita, choosing ingredients that reflected the colors of the Italian flag: red (tomato sauce), white (mozzarella), and green (basil). This creation became known as Margherita pizza, and it is now a symbol of Italian cuisine.

In this recipe, we aim to recreate that delicious homemade cheese pizza, which will bring intense flavors and a perfect texture. Here’s how to prepare it step by step!

Necessary ingredients:

- 250 g flour
- ½ cube of fresh yeast (approximately 20 g)
- ½ teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 100 g butter
- 100 ml warm water (not hot)
- Tomato sauce (approximately 200 g)
- Oregano, thyme, and basil (to taste)
- 200 g homemade cheese (or mozzarella)

Preparing the dough:

1. Activating the yeast: In a small bowl, mix the yeast with the sugar, a little flour (about a tablespoon), and warm water. Let the mixture sit in a warm place for 10 minutes until it becomes frothy. This is an essential step, as the activated yeast will make the dough rise beautifully.

2. Preparing the dough: In a large bowl, sift the flour and make a well in the center. Add the risen yeast mixture, salt, and melted (but slightly cooled) butter to avoid killing the yeast. Start incorporating, gradually adding the warm water. Use a spatula or your hands to combine all the ingredients until you achieve a homogeneous dough.

3. Letting the dough rise: Cover the bowl with a clean towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for 30-40 minutes until it doubles in volume. It’s important that the temperature is constant; ideally around 25-30°C.

Preparing the pizza:

4. Forming the base: Once the dough has risen, sprinkle a little flour on the work surface and roll out the dough with a rolling pin until you reach a thickness of about 1 cm. You can also use your hands to shape it as desired; the pizza doesn’t have to be perfect!

5. Preparing the tray: Grease a pizza tray with a little butter or oil and dust it with flour or baking paper. Place the dough in the tray, making sure to cover the bottom evenly.

6. Adding the sauce and toppings: Evenly spread tomato sauce over the surface of the dough. Sprinkle oregano, thyme, and basil to taste. These herbs not only add flavor but also an irresistible aroma. Finally, add the homemade cheese or mozzarella cut into slices or crumbled.

Baking the pizza:

7. Preheating the oven: Preheat the oven to 220°C. It is essential that the temperature is high to achieve a crispy crust and well-cooked toppings.

8. Baking: Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake the pizza for 40-45 minutes until the edges become golden and the cheese melts and starts to sizzle.

9. Serving: Once the pizza is ready, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing. You can sprinkle some fresh basil leaves on top for added flavor and color.

Useful tips:

- Flour: Use type 00 flour for a finer dough, specific for pizza, or a combination of regular flour and semolina for more texture.
- Yeast: If using dry yeast, use the same amount, but mix it directly with the flour.
- Tomato sauce: You can use store-bought tomato sauce, but a homemade sauce made from ripe tomatoes, olive oil, garlic, and herbs will make your pizza even more special.
- Cheese: If you want a stronger taste, you can combine mozzarella with feta or goat cheese.
- Vegetarian option: Add fresh vegetables like mushrooms, peppers, olives, or zucchini to enhance the flavor.

Frequently asked questions:

- Can I use whole wheat flour? Yes, but the dough will be denser and less fluffy. You can combine whole wheat flour with white flour for a more balanced result.
- What drinks pair well with pizza? A delicious pizza pairs perfectly with a glass of red wine, but also with a cold beer or a refreshing gin and tonic cocktail.
- How can I store pizza? Pizza can be reheated in the oven or in a pan to regain its crispiness. It can be stored in the fridge for 2-3 days.

Homemade cheese pizza is not just a simple recipe, but also a culinary experience that brings family and friends together. Enjoy every step of this gastronomic journey and don't hesitate to experiment with various toppings – creativity in the kitchen knows no bounds!