Saturday Night Pizza Recipe

Saturday Night Pizza Recipe

Pizza night is a beloved tradition in many households, offering a delicious way to gather with family or friends and enjoy a meal that’s both customizable and comforting. Here’s a simple, delicious recipe for making pizza from scratch that will have everyone excited for Saturday nights.

Ingredients:

For the Dough:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup warm water (110°F)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Sauce:

• 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
• 1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Toppings:

• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup sliced pepperoni or other preferred meats
• 1 cup sliced bell peppers
• 1 cup sliced mushrooms
• 1 cup black olives, sliced
• 1 cup fresh spinach or arugula
• Optional: red pepper flakes, fresh basil leaves

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Dough:
   1. In a small bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir and let sit for about 5 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy.
   2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Create a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture and olive oil.
   3. Mix until the dough starts to come together, then transfer to a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
   4. Lightly oil a clean bowl and place the dough in it, turning the dough around so it gets coated with oil. Cover with a damp cloth or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
2. Prepare the Sauce:
   1. In a medium saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add tomato sauce and tomato paste, stirring to combine.
   2. Add oregano, basil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Adjust seasoning as needed.
3. Assemble the Pizza:
   1. Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven while it heats.
   2. Punch down the risen dough and divide it into two equal portions for two medium pizzas or one large pizza. Roll out each portion on a floured surface to your desired thickness.
   3. Transfer the rolled-out dough onto a pizza peel or a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
   4. Spread a thin layer of the prepared pizza sauce over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
   5. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese evenly over the sauce. Add Parmesan cheese, then arrange your chosen toppings over the cheese.
4. Bake the Pizza:
   1. Slide the pizza (with parchment paper if using) onto the preheated pizza stone or place the baking sheet in the oven.
   2. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
   3. Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes. Add fresh basil or red pepper flakes if desired.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
   1. Slice the pizza and serve hot. Enjoy your homemade Saturday night pizza with a side salad or your favorite beverage.

This recipe provides a foundation for making pizza at home, allowing you to experiment with various toppings and sauces to suit your tastes. Enjoy your pizza night!