Antonis Achilleos
The next time you need aquick dinner ideaor a fun party theme, turn to homemade pizza!
We asked pizza experts for their top tips for making delicious homemade pizza.
Store-Bought
The pizza police will not come after you for using store-bought dough.
Photo:Antonis Achilleos
It’s the most direct route between you and homemade pizza.
Your favorite pizzeria may also sell dough, just ask!
DIY Dough
Making your own pizza dough may be easier than you think.
Stretching Pizza Dough
Whatever kind of dough you use, give it some time to relax.
This gives the gluten time to relax before you stretch the dough into shape.
Ideally, pizza dough should be a little sticky, but it shouldn’t stick to your working surface.
Adding a bit of flour often solves the problem unless you overdo it.
Consider par-baking (short for “partially baking”) your crust.
If the tomatoes are a no-salt-added variety, stir in a teaspoon of salt," Mark advises.
Here are the most common cheeses to try.
Mozzarella
While it’s the classic pizza companion, not all mozzarella is created equal.
Blogger Deb Perelman prefers the low-moisture variety as opposed to fresh.
Why add more moisture to a pie Im trying to keep from getting soggy?
The Bellos recommend a whole-milk (not part-skim) version of low-moisture mozzarella.
It melts better at home-oven temperatures without browning too much and getting tough, Jenny says.
If you opt for fresh mozzarella, ensure it isnt brand-spanking-new.
When the Bellos get theirs fresh, they have a routine for making it work.
Try Gruyere with mushrooms and leeks, or Monterey Jack with spicy shredded pork or BBQ chicken.
Try combining a mild, great melter with a more flavorful cheese like Gruyere, Parmesan, or asiago.
Great pizza is all about restraint and balance.
It helps keep the crust from being soggy or gummy, Mark says.
Hearty leafy greenslike kale and broccoli rabeare also best precooked.
Some of Philips favorite post-cook toppings are arugula, oil-packed tuna, and large shavings of hard cheese.
The crust may be a bit soft in the middle, but your pie will be solid.
Even a cast-iron skillet can join the pizza game.
Here’s what else might help elevate your homemade pizza.
Either way, sprinkle the peel with semolina flour or cornmeal for easier transfer of pizza to stone.
At $10, its an inexpensive upgrade from a baking sheet, Jenny says.
“The open heat and air flow from below make for a crispy crust.
Dress your pizza and place it directly on the oven rack.”
Here are some tips for home-cooking pizza, indoors and out.
In an oven preheated to that temperature, your pizza should cook in less than 15 minutes.
Youll quickly intuit the thermodynamics of your oven.
Outdoor Pizza Oven
Many aficionados are taking their pizza-cooking outside.
Grill
For another outdoor pizza-cooking option, look no further than your grill!
Task your grates with double duty by grilling your pizza toppings, too.
