How to Perfect a Classic Cheese Pizza

Classic cheese pizza is a beloved comfort food that can be enjoyed by all ages. Whether you're hosting a casual dinner party or simply craving for a delicious and satisfying meal, this simple yet versatile dish always delivers the perfect blend of flavors. This article will guide you through creating the best cheese pizza at home with minimal effort.

The key to a delicious cheese pizza lies in the quality of ingredients and careful preparation. Below is an easy-to-follow recipe that guarantees great results every time.

Ingredients

• 1 package of pre-made pizza dough or 2 cups all-purpose flour for homemade
• 2 tablespoons olive oil, plus extra for greasing the pan
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon sugar (optional)
• 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 small tomato, sliced into thin rounds or diced finely
• 1 tablespoon pizza sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano (or to taste)
• Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

Cooking Time and Servings

This recipe serves 4 people and takes approximately 60 minutes in total. The preparation time is around 25 minutes, while the baking process requires about 35 minutes at 450°F.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preparing the Dough: If using a pre-made pizza dough, simply roll it out to your desired thickness and transfer onto a greased pizza pan. For homemade pizza dough, mix all-purpose flour with salt, sugar (optional), and garlic powder (optional). Gradually add water until you get a soft, pliable ball of dough. Let the dough rest for 30 minutes.

2. Mixing Pizza Sauce: In a small bowl, combine your chosen tomato slices or diced tomatoes with pizza sauce and oregano. Stir well to coat all ingredients evenly.

3. Preparing Toppings: Once the dough has rested, preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). Place the prepared dough on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper for easier cleanup.

4. Assembling the Pizza: Spread the pizza sauce evenly over the entire surface of the dough using a spoon or spatula. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese generously and place tomato slices over it if preferred. Once everything is arranged to your liking, you can now transfer the assembled pizza into the preheated oven.

5. Baking: Bake your pizza in the center of the oven for about 20-25 minutes or until the crust turns golden brown and crispy. Keep an eye on it so that it doesn't burn too quickly.

Garnish & Serving

Once baked, remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool slightly before slicing into slices. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for added freshness if desired.

To serve, place individual pieces of the cheese pizza on plates and enjoy immediately while hot. This dish is perfect as an appetizer or main course depending on how much you plan to eat!

Tips & Variations

1. For extra flavor, consider adding pepperoni slices or other favorite toppings during assembly.
2. If you prefer a chewier crust, try not to overbake the pizza.
3. To add some heat, sprinkle red pepper flakes on top of your cheese before baking.

Cheese pizza is more than just another meal; it's about sharing moments with friends and family. Enjoy this simple yet comforting recipe as you gather around a table filled with laughter and good conversation!