Ingredients:
For the Dough:
- 2 ¼ teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
- 1 ½ cups warm water (about 110°F/45°C)
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
For the Sauce:
- 1 can (14-ounce) crushed tomatoes
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Toppings:
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Your choice of toppings (pepperoni, sausage, bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, etc.)
Optional:
- Cornmeal or semolina flour (for dusting)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Dough:
- In a small bowl, combine the warm water and sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the water and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture and olive oil.
- Stir until a dough begins to form, then turn it out onto a lightly floured surface.
- Knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size.
2. Make the Sauce:
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- In a small saucepan, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper.
- Simmer the sauce for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly. Remove from heat and let it cool.
3. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven during preheating.
4. Shape the Dough:
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- Punch down the risen dough and divide it into two equal portions for two 12-inch pizzas.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out each portion of dough into a 12-inch circle. If desired, sprinkle cornmeal or semolina flour on the pizza peel or baking sheet to prevent sticking.
5. Assemble the Pizza:
- Transfer the rolled-out dough to a pizza peel or the back of a baking sheet.
- Spread a generous amount of sauce over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the sauce, then add your desired toppings.
6. Bake the Pizza:
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- If using a pizza stone, carefully transfer the assembled pizza to the preheated stone in the oven. If using a baking sheet, place it directly in the oven.
- Bake the pizza for about 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and melted.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
- Once the pizza is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing.
- Serve hot and enjoy your homemade American pizza!
FAQ’s:
1. What is the difference between New York-style and Chicago-style pizza?
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- New York-style pizza typically has a thin, foldable crust with a slightly crispy exterior and chewy interior. It’s often topped with a generous amount of tomato sauce and mozzarella cheese. Chicago-style pizza, on the other hand, is known for its deep-dish crust, which is more similar to a pie crust, and is filled with cheese, toppings, and sauce, in that order.
2. Can I use store-bought pizza dough instead of making it from scratch?
- Yes, you can certainly use store-bought pizza dough if you’re short on time or prefer the convenience. Just make sure to follow the package instructions for proofing and baking.
3. What are some classic American pizza toppings?
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- Classic American pizza toppings include pepperoni, sausage, mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, olives, and extra cheese. However, the beauty of homemade pizza is that you can customize it with any toppings you like, from BBQ chicken to pineapple and ham.
4. How do I prevent my pizza crust from becoming soggy?
- To prevent a soggy crust, make sure not to overload your pizza with sauce and toppings. Use a pizza stone or preheated baking sheet to help achieve a crispy crust, and avoid adding too much sauce, which can make the dough soggy.
5. Can I make a gluten-free or vegan version of American pizza?
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- Yes, you can make gluten-free or vegan American pizza by using alternative flours for the dough, such as rice flour or almond flour, and by substituting dairy-free cheese and plant-based toppings. There are many recipes available online that cater to various dietary restrictions.