Extra-Cheesy Pizza

  • 12–16 min bake
  • 20 min prep + rising
  • makes 2 medium pizzas
Extra-cheesy homemade pizza

We all need a good pizza recipe, whether it’s for lunch or an easy, yummy supper. Pizza is always a win, and this one is simple, cheesy and reliable.

Michal

Michal

From recipes she’s saved to ideas she’s tried, she shares her favourites here.

INGREDIENTS

For the dough

  • 500 g plain (all-purpose) flour
  • 7 g fast-action dried yeast
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 300 ml warm water

For the topping

  • 200 g passata (smooth, sieved tomato purée)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
  • 250–300 g grated mozzarella
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

Optional toppings: sliced olives, mushrooms, red onions or peppers. For something a little different, try pesto and cherry tomato, mushroom and red onion, or feta and olives.

METHOD

  1. Mix the flour, yeast, sugar and salt in a large bowl. Add the olive oil and warm water. Stir until the dough comes together, then knead for about 8 minutes, until smooth and springy. If it feels sticky, lightly flour your hands and work surface, but don’t add too much extra flour, so the base stays soft.
  2. Cover the bowl and leave the dough somewhere warm until doubled in size. This may take about an hour, or a little longer if your kitchen is cool.
  3. While the dough rises, mix the passata with the olive oil, oregano, salt and pepper. Grate the cheese and prepare any toppings.
  4. Heat the oven to 220°C / 425°F. Divide the dough in two. Place each piece on baking paper and stretch or roll it into a round. The paper makes the dough easier to handle and helps stop it sticking.
  5. Spread a thin layer of sauce over each base, then add the mozzarella and any toppings. Don’t overload the pizzas.
  6. Keeping the pizzas on the baking paper, place them on baking trays. Bake for 12–16 minutes, until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbling.

Big sister tip

The secret to a crisp base is a very hot oven and not too much sauce. If you’re using a regular baking tray, heat it in the oven first, then carefully slide the pizza onto it.

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