Craving a warm, gooey pizza but don't want the hassle of takeout or frozen options? Then get ready to embark on a delicious journey into homemade pizza-making bliss! This recipe uses Fleischmann's yeast to create a perfectly risen, flavorful crust, resulting in a pizza that rivals your favorite pizzeria. It's easier than you think, and the satisfaction of creating this delicious dish from scratch is unbeatable. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, making it an ideal addition to your quick dinner ideas arsenal. Let's get started!
Ingredients:
For the Dough:
- 1 cup warm water (105-115°F)
- 2 ¼ teaspoons Fleischmann's active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
- 1 teaspoon salt
For the Sauce:
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Toppings: (Use your favorites!)
- 8 ounces mozzarella cheese, shredded
- Your favorite pizza toppings (pepperoni, mushrooms, onions, peppers, etc.)
Instructions:
Making the Dough:
- Activate the yeast: In a large bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let stand for 5-10 minutes until foamy. This ensures your yeast is alive and ready to work its magic!
- Add wet ingredients: Stir in olive oil.
- Gradually add dry ingredients: Add flour and salt, mixing 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. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, a tablespoon at a time.
- 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 Sauce:
- While the dough is rising, prepare the sauce. Combine crushed tomatoes, minced garlic, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper in a saucepan.
- Simmer over low heat for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened. This slow simmer develops a rich, flavorful sauce.
Assembling and Baking the Pizza:
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Shape the dough: Punch down the risen dough and roll it out to your desired thickness and shape on a lightly floured surface. You can use a pizza stone for a crispier crust, but a baking sheet works perfectly fine too.
- Add sauce and toppings: Spread the tomato sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small 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. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning.
Tips for Pizza Perfection:
- For a crispier crust, pre-bake the dough for 5 minutes before adding toppings.
- Don't overload the pizza with toppings; it can make the crust soggy.
- Use high-quality ingredients for the best flavor.
- Experiment with different cheeses and toppings to find your favorite combinations.
Variations:
- White Pizza: Skip the tomato sauce and use a garlic cream sauce instead. Top with mozzarella, Parmesan, and your favorite vegetables.
- BBQ Chicken Pizza: Use BBQ sauce instead of tomato sauce and top with grilled chicken, red onions, and mozzarella.
- Vegetarian Pizza: Load up on your favorite vegetables like bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, spinach, and olives.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary based on your toppings, but a general estimate for a 1/8th of the pizza with basic toppings is approximately:
- Calories: 300-400
- Fat: 10-15g
- Protein: 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: 40-50g
Enjoy your delicious homemade Fleischmann's Yeast Pizza! This easy recipe is perfect for a family dinner or a casual get-together with friends. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, and a great way to enjoy some delicious homemade cooking. Share your creations with us – we’d love to see your pizza masterpieces!