Are you craving that delicious, crispy-crusted pizza you get from your favorite restaurant, but don't want the hassle (or the cost) of ordering takeout? Then you're in the right place! This L&B Pizza recipe is designed to bring that restaurant-quality taste right into your kitchen. It's surprisingly easy, even for beginner cooks, and uses readily available ingredients. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this delicious, homemade pizza! This recipe makes for a fantastic quick dinner idea, perfect for a busy weeknight.
Ingredients:
For the Dough:
- 1 cup warm water (105-115°F)
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 1/2 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
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Toppings: (Feel free to customize!)
- 8 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup pepperoni slices
- 1/2 cup sliced mushrooms
- 1/4 cup sliced onions
Instructions:
Making the Dough:
- In a large bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let stand for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
- Stir in olive oil, salt, and 2 cups of flour. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes, adding the remaining flour as needed, until the dough is smooth and elastic.
- 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 all sauce ingredients in a small saucepan.
- Bring to a simmer over medium heat, then reduce heat and cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened.
Assembling and Baking the Pizza:
- Preheat oven to 450°F (232°C). Lightly grease a large baking sheet or pizza stone.
- Punch down the risen dough and roll it out to your desired thickness and shape. Transfer to the prepared baking sheet.
- Spread the sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border.
- Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese and your favorite toppings.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Tips for the Best L&B Pizza:
- For a crispier crust, pre-bake the dough for 5 minutes before adding toppings.
- Use high-quality ingredients for the best flavor.
- Don't overload the pizza with toppings; this can make the crust soggy.
- If you don't have a pizza stone, you can bake the pizza on a baking sheet. Just be sure to lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
Variations:
- Vegetarian L&B Pizza: Substitute your favorite vegetables for the pepperoni. Roasted red peppers, spinach, and artichoke hearts are all delicious options.
- Spicy L&B Pizza: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce or sprinkle some jalapeños on top.
- White Garlic L&B Pizza: Skip the tomato sauce and use a garlic cream sauce instead.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on the toppings used. A basic cheese pizza will have fewer calories than one loaded with pepperoni and other meats. For a more accurate calculation, use a nutrition calculator and input your specific ingredients and portion size.
This L&B Pizza recipe is a fantastic example of easy recipes and healthy meals. It’s a delicious dish perfect for homemade cooking enthusiasts who are looking for the best recipes. Enjoy!