Mike’s Homemade Pizza

There’s something magical about homemade pizza – the aroma of freshly baked dough, the sizzle of bubbling cheese, and the endless possibilities of toppings. If you’ve ever wanted to recreate the joy of a pizzeria in your own kitchen, then you’re in for a treat. In this recipe, we’ll unveil the secrets to crafting Mike’s Homemade Pizza, a delicious creation that will have you reaching for another slice. With a crispy crust, flavorful sauce, and melty cheese, this pizza is guaranteed to become a family favorite. So roll up your sleeves, preheat your oven, and let’s get cooking!

Ingredients:

Produce:

• 1/4 tsp Dried Basil
• 1/4 tsp Garlic powder
• 3/4 tsp Dried Marjoram
• 1/2 cup Onion, finely chopped

Canned Goods:

• 1 (6 ounce) can Tomato paste

Baking & Spices:

• 1 (.25 ounce) envelope Active dry yeast
• 3 cups All-purpose flour
• 1/8 tsp Ground black pepper
• 1/4 tsp Chili powder
• 1/8 tsp Red pepper flakes
• 1 1/4 tsp Salt
• 2 tbsp Shortening
• 1/2 tsp White sugar

Oils & Vinegars:

• 1 tbsp Vegetable oil

Nuts & Seeds:

• 1/4 tsp Ground cumin

Dairy:

• 1 (12 ounce) package Mozzarella cheese, shredded

Liquids:

• 1 3/4 cups Water

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Dough:
   • In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast and sugar in warm water. Let it sit for about 5 minutes, until frothy.
   • In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, and shortening. Pour in the yeast mixture and mix until a dough forms.
   • Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes, until smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours, until doubled in size.
2. Make the Sauce:
   • In a saucepan, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and cook until translucent.
   • Stir in the tomato paste, garlic powder, basil, marjoram, cumin, black pepper, chili powder, red pepper flakes, and salt. Simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens.
3. Prepare the Pizza:
   • Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven to preheat.
   • Punch down the risen dough and divide it into two equal portions. On a floured surface, roll out each portion into a circle, about 12 inches in diameter.
   • Transfer the dough circles to a lightly greased pizza pan or baking sheet.
   • Spread a generous amount of the prepared sauce over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
   • Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the sauce.
4. Bake the Pizza:
   • Place the pizzas in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and melted.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
   • Remove the pizzas from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before slicing.
   • Serve hot and enjoy the deliciousness of Mike’s Homemade Pizza!

Cook Notes and Variations:

• Toppings Galore: Get creative with your toppings! Add your favorite veggies, meats, or even pineapple for a personalized touch.
• Cheese Swap: Experiment with different types of cheese, such as cheddar, provolone, or goat cheese, for unique flavor combinations.
• Spice it Up: Adjust the amount of chili powder and red pepper flakes to suit your spice preference.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions):

Q: Can I make the dough ahead of time? A: Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Just make sure to let it come to room temperature before rolling it out and baking.

Q: Can I freeze the pizza dough? A: Absolutely! After the dough has risen, you can wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze it for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before using.

Q: Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast? A: Yes, you can substitute instant yeast for active dry yeast in this recipe. However, you may need to adjust the amount slightly, as instant yeast tends to be more potent.

Q: Can I make a gluten-free version of this pizza? A: Yes, you can use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour to make the dough. Just be sure to check that all other ingredients, including the tomato paste and spices, are gluten-free as well.

Keto and Low Carb Versions:

For those following a keto or low-carb lifestyle, you can still enjoy the flavors of pizza with a few modifications:

• Low-Carb Crust: Substitute almond flour or coconut flour for the all-purpose flour to create a keto-friendly crust.
• Sauce Adjustments: Use a sugar-free tomato sauce or homemade marinara sauce with no added sugar to keep the carb count low.
• Cheese Options: Opt for low-moisture mozzarella cheese or a blend of cheeses with a lower carbohydrate content.

With Mike’s Homemade Pizza, you can bring the magic of a pizzeria into your own kitchen. From kneading the dough to layering on your favorite toppings, every step of the process is a labor of love that results in a mouthwatering masterpiece. Whether you’re sharing it with family and friends or savoring it all to yourself, this homemade pizza is sure to bring smiles and satisfaction with every slice. So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and embark on a culinary adventure that’s as delicious as it is rewarding!