Homemade Cheese Pizza

Homemade Cheese Pizza

Pairs with 2022 Theopolis Vineyards Cortada Alta Vineyard, Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir

Photo Courtesy @_drazzari

Homemade Cheese Pizza

Servings: 2-4
Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
Prep Time: 30-40 minutes (plus dough rising time)

Ingredients

For the Dough (makes 2 pizzas):

  • 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)

  • 1 ½ cups warm water (110°F)

  • 1 tsp sugar

  • 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour

  • 1 ½ tsp salt

  • 2 tbsp olive oil

  • 1 tsp olive oil (for greasing the bowl)

For the Pizza:

  • 1 cup pizza sauce (store-bought or homemade)

  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (preferably whole milk mozzarella for extra meltiness)

  • 1 tbsp olive oil (for drizzling)

  • 1 tsp dried oregano

  • 1 tsp garlic powder (optional)

  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

Make the Dough:

  1. Activate the Yeast:

    • In a small bowl, dissolve sugar in warm water.

    • Sprinkle the yeast over the water and let it sit for 5-10 minutes, until it becomes frothy.

  2. Make the Dough:

    • In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt.

    • Add the yeast mixture and olive oil into the flour mixture. Stir until the dough begins to come together.

    • Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 7-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.

  3. Let the Dough Rise:

    • Lightly grease a large bowl with olive oil, and place the dough inside.

    • Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.

Assemble the Pizza:

  1. Preheat the Oven:

    • Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven while it's preheating to get it nice and hot.

  2. Shape the Dough:

    • Punch down the dough to release air bubbles.

    • Divide the dough in half (for two pizzas) and roll out one portion into a round shape about 10-12 inches in diameter, depending on how thick or thin you like your crust.

  3. Add Sauce and Cheese:

    • Place the rolled-out dough onto a pizza stone or baking sheet.

    • Spread a thin layer of pizza sauce over the dough, leaving about a ½-inch border around the edges.

    • Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the sauce, ensuring it’s covered generously but not overly packed.

  4. Season and Drizzle:

    • Drizzle olive oil lightly over the cheese.

    • Sprinkle with dried oregano, and garlic powder (optional), and season with salt and pepper.

  5. Bake the Pizza:

    • Place the pizza in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is melted and bubbly with a slightly golden color.

  6. Serve:

    • Once the pizza is out of the oven, let it cool for a minute or two before slicing. Serve hot!

 

main courses & sidesSharie Lawless