Are you craving a delicious pizza but don't want the hassle of takeout or frozen options? Then you're in the right place! This recipe for olive oil pizza is incredibly easy to make, even for beginner cooks, and delivers a fantastically flavorful pizza experience. It's a quick dinner idea, a perfect healthy meal, and showcases the magic of homemade cooking. Get ready to elevate your pizza night with this simple yet satisfying recipe!
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 Topping:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 cup pizza sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Your favorite pizza toppings (e.g., mushrooms, peppers, onions, pepperoni)
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 1 cup of flour. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
- Gradually add the remaining flour, mixing until a soft dough comes together.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes, until 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.
Assembling and Baking the Pizza:
- Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). If using a pizza stone, preheat it in the oven as well.
- Lightly dust a clean surface with flour and roll out the dough to your desired thickness and shape.
- Transfer the dough to a pizza pan or pizza stone.
- Drizzle the dough with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, then sprinkle with oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Spread the pizza 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 Pizza Perfection:
- For a crispier crust, bake the pizza on a pizza stone.
- Don't overload the pizza with toppings; it can make the crust soggy.
- If you prefer a thinner crust, roll out the dough more thinly.
- Feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices to customize your pizza.
Variations:
- Vegetarian Pizza: Load up on your favorite vegetables like bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, spinach, and olives.
- White Pizza: Omit the pizza sauce and use a creamy white sauce instead, topped with garlic, herbs, and cheese.
- Spicy Pizza: Add some chili flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the pizza sauce for a kick.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 350-450 (depending on toppings)
- Protein: 15-20g
- Fat: 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: 40-50g
This easy pizza recipe using olive oil is a fantastic addition to your repertoire of quick dinner ideas and healthy meals. Enjoy the delicious results of your homemade cooking! It's a simple recipe that delivers big on flavor, making it one of the best recipes for a satisfying and delicious meal.