Introduction
There are very few things that taste more delicious than a hot, cheesy slice of pizza. It's a great meal for everyone, ranging from large families to those who live alone. But going out to your local pizzeria can be expensive. The best way to ensure you get your money's worth is to make pizza at home. But how can you make pizza at home that tastes like it came from a restaurant? Here is some great advice for the next time you choose to make home pizza.
Step 1
Your oven should be very hot. Most foods bake in the home oven at around 350 degrees, but many chefs suggest 425 or 475 degrees for pizza. Why? As you probably know, cheese melts very quickly when placed in a hot environment, but dough takes a while to bake. Many people make the mistake of sticking their pizza in the oven at regular temperatures and the result is soggy crust with burnt toppings. A fully cooked dough with be crisp and golden brown, without any excess moisture. Another way to ensure you have your home pizza baking at the right temperature is to preheat your oven up to an hour before you start cooking.
Step 2
Invest in a pizza stone. You may be tempted to throw your pizza on a cookie sheet, but purchasing a pizza stone can make all the difference in your finished product. The stone is a heavy, flat dish made of ceramic or similar materials that works to evenly distribute the heat and observe moisture form the crust. You can purchase one from many department stores or specialty businesses that sell cooking utensils and gadgets.
Step 3
When it comes to your home pizza dough, homemade is always best. Sure, your local grocery store may sell crust that is already made, and that is fine for when you are in a hurry, but when you make it yourself, you can control what goes into it, and it will taste fresher. Often times, the crust you buy in your store's refrigerator section or deli does not cook as well as a homemade crust, which can leave your home pizza a little on the soggy side. There are many recipes out there if you do not already have one and ingredients will vary. For best results, no matter what recipe you use, refrigerate your dough overnight.
Step 4
Go light on the toppings. The toppings may make the pizza, but there can definitely be too much of a good thing. The thinner your crust, the less toppings your home pizza is going to hold. You may also want to consider calories when adding meat and cheese. Those little slices of pepperoni can really add up. For the average size pizza, a cup of toppings, a cup of cheese and a half a cup of sauce should be more than enough for making a tasty pizza at home. Obviously, you can adjust this to your own tastes.
Step 5
Finally, don't be afraid to experiment with toppings. We have all had cheese pizza at home or in a restaurant. We have probably all had pepperoni. But have you ever added pineapple or shrimp to your pizza? What about substituting Alfredo sauce for tomato sauce? One of the best things about making a pizza at home is that you can cater it to your family's taste-buds. You can even make your pizza healthier by adding different fruits and vegetables.
Tips
If have children or you are having several people into your home for a pizza party, turn the cooking into a fun-filled event. Allow guests to make their own pizzas or let your kids add the cheese and toppings. It's a great time for bonding, laughing and spending time with those you love.
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