Homemade Pizza with a Crispy Bottom

Crisp and cheesy pizza is always a hit at family gatherings or weekend get-togethers. Making homemade pizza can be incredibly rewarding; it gives you the freedom to customize the crust, toppings, and sauces according to your preference.

Ingredients:

• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for the dough)
• 1 cup warm water
• 1 can of pizza sauce
• 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, plus extra for topping
• Toppings: pepperoni, mushrooms, green bell peppers, and onions as desired

Cooking Time: 30 minutes; Servings: 6-8 servings.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

To start, mix the flour and salt in a large bowl. Add the yeast to warm water and let it dissolve for about five minutes until frothy. Gradually add this mixture into the flour and stir with your hands or a wooden spoon. Once all the ingredients are combined well, knead them on a lightly floured surface until they form a smooth dough ball.

After kneading, place the dough back in an oiled bowl, cover it with a clean cloth, and let it rise for about 30 minutes. During this time, your kitchen will start smelling of yeast and flour as the bread ferments.

Step 2: Preparing the Pizza

Once the dough has risen, lightly punch down to deflate it. Roll out the dough into a circle on a floured surface using a rolling pin or your hands. You can make it thinner for a crisper crust, but be careful not to roll too thin as that might lead to cracking.

Transfer the rolled-out dough onto a pizza pan or a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. If you are using a pan, you may need to spray some olive oil on top to ensure easy removal from the pan once it's done cooking.

Step 3: Assembling the Pizza

Pour your preferred amount of pizza sauce over the dough. Spread it evenly with a spoon or spatula. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese all over the pizza base, followed by your favorite toppings like pepperoni, mushrooms, bell peppers, and onions.

Step 4: Baking

Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). Place the prepared pizza in the preheated oven. Bake for about 10-15 minutes or until the crust turns golden brown and crispy at the edges.

If you want an extra-crispy bottom, try this trick: After removing it from the oven, turn the pizza upside down on a cutting board. Let it sit like that for around two to three minutes before slicing. The heat will continue to cook the bottom of the crust while it cools slightly.

Step 5: Serving

Your homemade pizza is now ready to be served! Slice into slices and enjoy with a side salad or simply serve as is. Serve immediately for best flavor, especially if you are serving this dish hot out of the oven!

Enjoy Your Meal!

Tips & Tricks

1. If you prefer a thinner crust, roll your dough with a rolling pin instead of your hands.
2. To avoid overcooking and making the pizza soggy, keep an eye on it during baking. If you notice that the cheese is browning too quickly but the crust isn't ready yet, cover the top of your pizza with foil to prevent further browning without affecting the temperature inside the oven.

Cheers and happy cooking!