The Ultimate Guide to Crafting the Perfect Homemade Pizza

A Brief History of Pizza

From its humble beginnings in Naples, Italy to its current global popularity, pizza has come a long way. This beloved dish wasn’t always associated with Italy, though – people in other parts of the Mediterranean, like Egypt and Greece, were also enjoying flatbreads in ancient times. However, it was in Naples that pizza as we know it today truly took off. The city’s rapid growth in the 18th century led to a demand for quick, affordable, and portable food, and pizza fit the bill. Street vendors would sell cooked dough topped with lard, salt, garlic, cheese, and fish – a far cry from the gourmet toppings we know today!

Classic Types of Pizza

When it comes to pizza, the crust is everything. Different regions have their own unique styles, each built upon a distinct foundation of dough. Chicago-style pizza boasts an extremely thick base with raised edges, while New York-style pies feature a thinner crust and large, wide slices. Detroit-style pizza was allegedly first baked in a pan intended for auto parts, resulting in a high, square crust. And then there’s St. Louis-style pizza, with its cracker-like crust.

Assembling the Perfect Homemade Pizza

Now that we’ve covered the basics, it’s time to get creative! The key to a great homemade pizza is using high-quality ingredients and experimenting with unique toppings.

Choosing the Right Crust

Your crust is the foundation of your pizza, so choose wisely. You can opt for a pre-made, store-bought crust or go the DIY route. If you’re short on time, try using individual naans, flatbreads, or pre-baked pizza crusts as a base. For a more authentic experience, make your own dough from scratch.

Basic Pizza Crust Recipe

Ingredients:

* 2-2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, divided
* 1 packet instant yeast
* 1 teaspoon sugar
* 3/4 teaspoon salt
* 2 tablespoons olive oil, plus more for brushing
* 3/4 cup warm water

Instructions:

1. Combine flour, yeast, sugar, and salt in a large bowl.
2. Add olive oil and warm water, and stir well.
3. Gradually add additional flour, stirring as you go.
4. Knead the dough for 5 minutes.
5. Cover and let rise for 30 minutes.
6. Stretch the dough to cover a 12-inch pizza pan.
7. Add toppings of your choice and bake at 425°F (218°C) for 13-15 minutes.

Getting Saucy

Move beyond traditional marinara with these unique sauce options:

• Pesto made with basil, nuts, artichokes, or peppers
• Ranch dressing
• Garlic- or herb-infused olive oil
• Barbecue sauce
• Olive tapenade
• Hummus
• Bechamel, Alfredo, or other white sauces
• Black bean puree
• Fruit jam

Topping It Off

The toppings are where you can really get creative. Try adding:

• Roasted or grilled veggies like Broccolini, red peppers, zucchini, and corn
• Unexpected proteins like chorizo, plant-based beef crumbles, turkey bacon, or smoked salmon
• Greens like arugula, spinach, or red leaf lettuce
• Fresh or dried fruits like figs, cranberries, and pears
• Fresh or dried herbs
• Unique cheeses like feta, manchego, Gorgonzola, brie, ricotta, and Gouda
• Dairy-free cheese or nutritional yeast for dairy-free eaters

Cooking Methods

Whether you’re baking, grilling, or microwaving, cooking pizza doesn’t have to be complicated.

Tips and Tricks

Use these tips to take your pizza game to the next level:

1. Use high heat (up to 550°F or 288°C) for a crispy crust.
2. Let your dough rest for up to an hour to reach room temperature.
3. Stretch, don’t roll, your dough for a more even crust.
4. Pre-cook sturdy veggies like bell peppers, broccoli, and squash.
5. Use full-fat cheese for the best flavor and texture.
6. Add delicate greens and herbs after pulling your pizza from the oven.

Inspired Pizzas to Please Every Palate

Get creative with these unique pizza recipes:

• Grilled pizza with figs, balsamic onions, and Gorgonzola
• Best homemade vegan pizza
• Mexican pizza
• Whole-wheat white broccoli pizza
• Almond crust margherita pizza
• Cast iron deep-dish pizza