Pizza with bacon and ham

Bacon and Ham Pizza: A Delicious Treat Easy to Make at Home

If you're looking for a tasty and satisfying pizza recipe, you've come to the right place! Bacon and ham pizza is not only a perfect choice for a quick dinner but also a great way to enjoy an evening with family or friends. This recipe brings together simple yet flavorful ingredients, resulting in a combination of tastes that will delight any palate.

Preparation Time and Number of Servings
- Preparation time: 20 minutes
- Rising time: 1 hour
- Baking time: 15-20 minutes
- Total: Approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes
- Number of servings: 8 servings (3 pizza trays)

Necessary Ingredients
For the dough:
- 1 kg of flour
- 2 cups of warm water
- 50 g of fresh yeast
- 2 teaspoons of sugar
- 4-5 tablespoons of oil (olive or sunflower)
- 1 teaspoon of salt

For the filling:
- 200 g of fresh mushrooms (sliced)
- 1 red bell pepper (diced)
- 150 g of bacon (diced)
- 150 g of ham (sliced)
- 200 g of cheese (grated)

For the sauce:
- 5 tablespoons of tomato paste
- 2-3 tablespoons of olive oil
- 2 tablespoons of sugar
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1 tablespoon of dried basil
- Pepper to taste

A Brief History of Pizza
Pizza has its origins in an ancient culinary tradition, becoming popular throughout the 20th century. This simple dish has evolved over time, with each culture adding its personal touch. Bacon and ham pizza is a variant that combines classic ingredients with the most savory flavors, making it a favorite choice for many lovers of this dish.

Preparing the Dough
1. Start by placing the flour in a large bowl. Create a well in the center of the flour, where you will add the liquefied ingredients.
2. In a small bowl, dissolve the fresh yeast with the sugar in warm water. Let the mixture sit for 5-10 minutes until it starts to foam. This is a sign that the yeast is active.
3. Pour the water and yeast mixture into the well in the flour. Add the oil and salt. Use a spoon to mix the ingredients, then move on to kneading the dough with your hands.
4. Knead the dough for about 10 minutes until it becomes elastic and smooth. If the dough is too sticky, you can add a little extra flour, but be careful not to overdo it.

Rising the Dough
5. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it doubles in volume.

Preparing the Sauce
6. In the meantime, you can prepare the sauce. In a bowl, combine the tomato paste, olive oil, sugar, salt, basil, and pepper. Mix well to obtain a smooth sauce.

Assembling the Pizza
7. Once the dough has risen, sprinkle flour on the work surface and roll it out with a rolling pin. If you prefer a thinner pizza, you can divide the dough into four parts and roll each part into discs.
8. Grease the tray with a little oil and place the dough in the tray, leaving a little space at the edges to create a crust.
9. Spread the tomato sauce on the dough, then add the grated cheese, followed by the ham, bacon, mushrooms, and bell pepper. You can also add other ingredients, such as olives or onions, according to your preferences.

Baking the Pizza
10. Preheat the oven to 220°C (high heat).
11. Bake the pizza for 15-20 minutes or until the crust turns golden and crispy, and the cheese melts and forms delicious bubbles.

Serving
12. Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes, then cut it into slices and serve it warm. This pizza pairs perfectly with a fresh green salad and a refreshing drink.

Useful Tips:
- If you like your pizza to have a crispier crust, you can bake the pizza on a baking stone, preheated in the oven for 15 minutes before adding the pizza.
- You can experiment with different types of cheese, such as smoked mozzarella or feta cheese, to add a distinct touch.
- If you prefer a vegetarian option, you can skip the meat and add more vegetables.

Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use dry yeast instead of fresh yeast?
Yes, you can replace fresh yeast with dry yeast. Use about 17 g of dry yeast, but remember to activate it according to the instructions on the package.

2. How can I store pizza to consume later?
Leftover pizza can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it in the oven or in a pan to restore its crispy texture.

3. What drinks pair best with pizza?
Bacon and ham pizza pairs excellently with a light red wine or a blonde beer. Additionally, fresh tomato juice or lemonade can be a refreshing choice.

Conclusion
Bacon and ham pizza is a versatile and delicious choice, perfect for any occasion. Whether you're making it for a family dinner or a gathering with friends, this recipe will bring smiles to everyone's faces. I encourage you to experiment and put your personal touch on this recipe. Enjoy your meal!