Pizza is one of the most beloved foods around the world, and for good reason! It’s versatile, delicious, and easy to customize to your liking. But if you’re a home cook looking to make restaurant-quality pizza in your own kitchen, you might have some questions about how to get started. In this blog post, we’ve compiled a list of the most frequently asked questions about making pizza at home. From choosing the right oven to selecting the perfect toppings, we’ve got you covered. Let’s dive in!
General Questions
Can I freeze leftover pizza dough?
Yes, pizza dough can be frozen for up to three months. Let the dough thaw in the refrigerator before using it.
Can I cook pizza on a grill?
Yes, grilling pizza can be a delicious and fun way to cook pizza. Use a pizza stone or grill pan to ensure even cooking, and preheat the grill to high heat before cooking.
Ingredient Questions
What kind of flour should I use for making pizza dough?
A high-protein flour like bread flour or Tipo 00 flour is recommended for making pizza dough because it produces a chewy, elastic crust. All-purpose flour can also be used, but the crust may be less crispy.
What kind of dough is best for making pizza at home?
A basic pizza dough recipe using all-purpose flour, yeast, water, and salt is a good place to start. Experiment with different flours, hydration levels, and fermentation times to find your preferred dough.
What kind of sauce should I use for homemade pizza?
Tomato sauce is the most common pizza sauce, but you can also use pesto, white sauce, or even barbecue sauce depending on your taste.
What are some good pizza toppings to try at home?
The possibilities for pizza toppings are endless, but some classic choices include mozzarella cheese, pepperoni, mushrooms, onions, bell peppers, and olives.
Should I put burrata on pizza before or after cooking it?
It’s generally best to add burrata to pizza after it has been cooked. Burrata is a fresh cheese that melts easily, so adding it before cooking can cause it to overcook or become too runny. Instead, add the burrata to the pizza immediately after it comes out of the oven, allowing the residual heat to melt the cheese slightly. This will help preserve the creamy texture and flavor of the burrata.
Do I need to use a specific type of cheese for pizza?
Mozzarella cheese is the most commonly used cheese for pizza, but other types like Parmesan, Asiago, and fontina can also be used. Use a cheese that melts well and complements the other toppings on your pizza.
Pizza Baking Questions
How long should I preheat my pizza oven before using it?
Preheat times vary depending on the type of oven, but a general rule of thumb is to preheat for at least 45 minutes to ensure that the oven reaches the desired temperature.
How can I tell when my pizza is done cooking?
The crust should be golden brown and crisp, and the cheese should be melted and bubbly. Use a pizza peel or spatula to lift up the edge of the pizza and check the bottom for doneness.
What’s the best way to stretch and shape pizza dough?
To stretch and shape pizza dough, start by using your hands to press the dough into a flat disc. Then, use your fingertips to press and stretch the dough outward from the center, rotating the dough as you go.
Home Oven and Tools Questions
What kind of oven do I need to make pizza at home?
Home pizza ovens come in many varieties, but the most common types are electric, gas, and wood-fired. Choose an oven that suits your budget, space, and preferences.
Can I use a pizza stone in a regular oven?
Yes, a pizza stone can help create a crisp crust and even heat distribution in a regular oven. Place the stone in the oven and preheat it along with the oven.
How can I prevent my pizza from sticking to the peel?
Use flour or semolina flour on the peel before placing the dough on it to make transferring the pizza to the oven easier.
How can I make pizza dough without a stand mixer or food processor?
You can make pizza dough by hand using a large mixing bowl and a wooden spoon or your hands. Mix the ingredients together until a dough forms, then knead the dough for several minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
