Craving that crispy, slightly sweet, and undeniably addictive Shakey's pizza? Forget takeout! This recipe brings the iconic Shakey's flavor right to your kitchen. It's easier than you think to recreate this delicious pizza at home, offering a fun and rewarding cooking experience for both seasoned chefs and kitchen novices. Get ready to make some seriously delicious pizza! This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun weekend project. Let's get started!
Ingredients:
For the Dough:
- 1 cup warm water (105-115°F)
- 2 ¼ teaspoons 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
- ½ teaspoon sugar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
For the Toppings:
- 8 ounces mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 4 ounces Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
- 1 cup pepperoni slices
- ½ cup sliced mushrooms (optional)
- ½ cup sliced onions (optional)
Instructions:
Making the Dough:
- In a large bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let stand for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
- Stir in olive oil, then gradually add flour and salt, mixing until a dough forms.
- 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 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 saucepan over medium heat.
- Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened.
Assembling and Baking the Pizza:
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Lightly grease a large baking sheet or pizza stone.
- Punch down the risen dough and roll it out to your desired thickness and size. Transfer to the prepared baking sheet.
- Spread the sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border.
- Sprinkle with mozzarella and Monterey Jack cheese.
- Add your desired toppings (pepperoni, mushrooms, onions).
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Tips for the Best Shakey's Pizza:
- For extra crispy crust, pre-bake the dough for 5 minutes before adding toppings.
- Don't overload the pizza with toppings; this can make the crust soggy.
- For a sweeter sauce, add a little more sugar.
- If you don't have a pizza stone, a baking sheet works just fine.
Variations:
- Vegetarian Shakey's: Omit the pepperoni and add your favorite vegetables like bell peppers, olives, or spinach.
- Spicy Shakey's: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a kick.
- Hawaiian Shakey's: Add cooked ham and pineapple chunks for a tropical twist.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on the size of your pizza and the toppings used. A general estimate for a slice of this pizza is around 300-400 calories. This includes carbohydrates, protein, and fat. For a more precise nutritional analysis, use an online nutritional calculator and input the specific ingredients and quantities you used.
Making your own Shakey's pizza at home is a delicious adventure! Enjoy the process and the incredible taste of this homemade masterpiece. It's a fantastic recipe to share with friends and family, creating memories around a table filled with delicious food and laughter.