Ingredients
Scale
Dough Ingredients
- 4 cups high-gluten or bread flour
- 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
- 1 2/3 cups warm water (about 110°F / 43°C)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
Toppings
- 1 cup simple, fresh tomato sauce (lightly seasoned)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Optional toppings: herbs, onions, pepperoni, bell peppers, mushrooms, olives, spinach, sausage, bacon
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: Combine warm water and active dry yeast in a large bowl. Let the mixture activate for 5 to 10 minutes until it becomes frothy. Add the high-gluten flour, salt, and olive oil, mixing until a dough forms. Knead gently on a floured surface or with a stand mixer for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Cover with a clean towel and let it rise in a warm area for 1 to 2 hours, until doubled in size.
- Shape and Proof the Dough: Lightly oil a rectangular baking pan. Press the risen dough evenly into the pan’s base, stretching it to the edges but keeping a moderate thickness to maintain fluffiness. Cover again and allow the dough to proof for 30 to 45 minutes until puffy and airy.
- Add Tomato Sauce and Cheese: Spread a generous and even layer of simple, seasoned tomato sauce over the dough. Top with shredded mozzarella cheese, distributing it evenly to create pockets of melted, gooey flavor. Add any optional toppings if desired.
- Bake to Perfection: Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). Place the pizza pan in the oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the crust is golden and crispy on the edges and the cheese is bubbling and lightly browned.
- Cool and Slice: Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes to allow the cheese to set slightly. Slice into squares and serve warm for the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Use high-quality flour, cheese, and fresh tomato sauce to enhance flavor.
- Allow the dough to rise fully for a light and airy crust texture.
- Generously oil the baking pan to prevent sticking and promote crispy edges.
- Distribute tomato sauce and cheese evenly to maintain balanced flavor in each bite.
- Monitor baking closely as oven temperatures may vary to avoid burning the crust.
- The dough can be prepared up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerated for better flavor development.
- Reheat pizza in a hot oven or skillet rather than a microwave to keep the crust crispy.
- Prep Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 of pizza)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: Sicilian pizza, New York style pizza, thick crust pizza, bakery style pizza, mozzarella pizza, tomato sauce pizza, square pizza, homemade pizza