Are you craving a restaurant-quality pizza night but don't want the hassle of ordering takeout or spending hours in the kitchen? Then look no further! This recipe for Black Stone Pizza delivers crispy, flavorful pizza in a fraction of the time, using a simple technique that's perfect for busy weeknights or a fun weekend family activity. Get ready to experience the joy of homemade pizza, elevated to delicious new heights! This easy recipe is perfect for beginners and offers plenty of room for customization, making it one of the best recipes for pizza lovers of all skill levels.
Ingredients:
-
For the Dough:
- 1 cup warm water (105-115°F)
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
-
For the Sauce:
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
-
For the Toppings: (Use your favorites!)
- 8 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup pepperoni slices
- ½ cup sliced mushrooms
- ½ cup sliced bell peppers
Instructions:
Making the Pizza Dough:
- Activate the yeast: In a large bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let stand for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour and salt.
- Mix wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the yeast mixture, mixing with a wooden spoon or your hands until a shaggy dough forms.
- Knead the dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes, until smooth and elastic. Add a little more flour if the dough is too sticky.
- First rise: 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 Pizza Sauce:
- Sauté garlic: Heat a small saucepan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
- Simmer sauce: Add crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened.
Assembling and Baking the Pizza:
- Preheat your cooking surface: Preheat a black stone pizza stone or baking steel to 500°F (260°C) for at least 30 minutes. For best results use a pizza oven or a grill if possible.
- Prepare the crust: Punch down the dough and divide it in half. On a lightly floured surface, roll out each half into a 12-inch circle.
- Add toppings: Transfer the dough to the preheated stone. Spread a thin layer of pizza sauce over the crust, leaving a ½-inch border. Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese and your favorite toppings.
- Bake: Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Cool and serve: Let the pizza cool slightly before slicing and serving.
Tips for the Best Black Stone Pizza:
- Use high-quality ingredients: The better your ingredients, the better your pizza will taste.
- Don't overload with toppings: Too many toppings can make the crust soggy.
- Pre-cook toppings: Mushrooms or other watery vegetables can benefit from a quick sauté before adding to the pizza.
- Experiment with different cheeses: Try using a blend of mozzarella, provolone, and parmesan for a richer flavor.
Variations:
- Vegetarian Pizza: Load up on your favorite vegetables like bell peppers, onions, zucchini, and spinach.
- Spicy Pizza: Add some chili flakes to the sauce or use spicy sausage as a topping.
- White Pizza: Skip the tomato sauce and use a garlic cream sauce or pesto instead.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
Calories: 350-450 (depending on toppings) Fat: 15-20g Protein: 15-20g Carbohydrates: 40-50g
Enjoy your delicious homemade Black Stone Pizza! This recipe is a simple yet satisfying healthy meal, perfect for a quick dinner idea or a special occasion. Remember to experiment with different toppings and find your perfect pizza combination! Happy cooking!