Craving a pizza night but tired of the same old thing? Then get ready to tantalize your taste buds with the unique and delicious flavors of Baltimore-style pizza! This isn't your typical thin-crust or deep-dish; Baltimore pizza boasts a distinctly crispy, cracker-thin crust that's almost like a giant, foldable cracker. Loaded with simple yet flavorful toppings, it’s a quick dinner idea perfect for a weeknight meal or a fun weekend gathering. This easy recipe will guide you through making this iconic Charm City dish from scratch, delivering a homemade culinary experience that's sure to impress.
Ingredients:
This recipe makes one 12-inch Baltimore-style pizza. Feel free to double or triple it depending on your appetite!
For the Dough:
- 1 cup warm water (105-115°F)
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Sauce:
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Toppings:
- 8 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese
- Your favorite toppings! Classic Baltimore-style pizzas usually feature simple toppings like pepperoni, sausage, or mushrooms.
Instructions:
Making the Dough:
- In a large bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let stand for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
- Add flour and salt to the yeast mixture. Stir until a shaggy dough forms.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes, or until smooth and elastic. Add a little more flour if the dough is too sticky.
- Add olive oil to the dough and knead for another minute.
- Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
Making the Sauce:
- While the dough is rising, prepare the sauce. In a small saucepan, combine crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened.
Assembling and Baking the Pizza:
- Preheat oven to 500°F (260°C).
- Punch down the dough and roll it out very thinly (about 1/8 inch thick) on a lightly floured surface. The thinner, the crispier!
- Transfer the dough to a pizza pan or baking sheet.
- Spread the sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border.
- Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese and your desired toppings.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Tips for the Best Baltimore-Style Pizza:
- Thin is in: Don't be afraid to roll the dough out incredibly thin. This is key to achieving that signature crispy crust.
- High heat is essential: The high oven temperature helps create a crispy crust quickly.
- Don't overload with toppings: Too many toppings can make the crust soggy. Keep it simple and delicious.
- Pre-cook sausage: If using sausage, pre-cook it to prevent a soggy bottom.
Variations:
- Vegetarian Baltimore Pizza: Load up on veggies like onions, peppers, mushrooms, and spinach.
- Spicy Baltimore Pizza: Add some chili flakes to the sauce or use spicy sausage.
- White Baltimore Pizza: Skip the tomato sauce and use a garlic cream sauce instead, topped with fresh herbs.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on toppings used. This is an estimate for a pizza with pepperoni and mozzarella:
- Calories: 300-400
- Fat: 15-20g
- Protein: 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: 30-40g
Enjoy your homemade Baltimore-style pizza! This recipe provides a delicious and easy way to experience a true taste of Charm City. It’s a perfect example of how simple ingredients, combined with the right technique, can result in a truly memorable and satisfying meal. Happy cooking!