DIY Pizza Night: From Dough to Toppings, Make It Like an Italian

Pizza night is a universal favorite, but making pizza from scratch takes the experience to a whole new level. With a few simple steps, you can craft an authentic Italian-style pizza right in your own kitchen. From kneading the dough to selecting traditional toppings, here’s how to bring the flavors of Italy to your table.

Step 1: Crafting the Perfect Dough

A good pizza starts with a great dough. The key to an Italian-style crust is simplicity and patience.

Ingredients:

• 3 1/2 cups all-purpose or 00 flour

• 1 tsp salt

• 1 tsp sugar

• 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast

• 1 1/4 cups warm water

• 2 tbsp olive oil

Method:

1. In a small bowl, mix warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.

2. In a large bowl, combine flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture and olive oil, mixing until a dough forms.

3. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.

4. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise for 1-2 hours until doubled in size.

Step 2: Preparing the Sauce

Italian pizza sauce is fresh, simple, and packed with flavor.

Ingredients:

• 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 1 garlic clove, minced

• 1 tsp dried oregano

• Salt and pepper to taste

Method:

1. Heat olive oil in a pan and sauté the garlic until fragrant.

2. Add crushed tomatoes, oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10-15 minutes. Let cool before spreading on the dough.

Step 3: Choosing Authentic Toppings

Italian pizzas are known for their simplicity and use of high-quality ingredients. Here are some classic combinations:

Margherita

• Fresh mozzarella

• Basil leaves

• Olive oil drizzle

Prosciutto e Arugula

• Thinly sliced prosciutto

• Fresh arugula

• Shaved Parmesan

Quattro Formaggi

• Mozzarella, Gorgonzola, Fontina, Parmesan

Vegetariana

• Grilled zucchini, roasted red peppers, olives, artichokes

Step 4: Assembling and Baking

1. Preheat Your Oven: Heat to the highest temperature possible (450-500°F or 230-260°C). Place a pizza stone or inverted baking sheet inside to preheat.

2. Roll Out the Dough: Divide the dough into portions and roll out to your desired thickness. For thin crust, roll it very thin; for a thicker crust, leave it slightly thicker.

3. Add Sauce and Toppings: Spread a thin layer of sauce, leaving a border for the crust. Add your toppings sparingly.

4. Bake: Transfer the pizza to the hot stone or sheet and bake for 8-12 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbling.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Once your pizza is out of the oven, add finishing touches like fresh basil, a drizzle of olive oil, or a sprinkle of chili flakes. Serve immediately and savor the flavors of Italy.

Tips for Success

1. Use Fresh Ingredients: High-quality cheese, fresh tomatoes, and good olive oil make all the difference.

2. Don’t Overload: Keep toppings light to avoid a soggy crust.

3. Experiment: Try different flour types, like 00 flour, or add semolina for extra texture.

DIY pizza night isn’t just about the food; it’s about the joy of creating something special with loved ones. With these steps, you’ll be crafting pizzas that rival those of your favorite pizzeria. Buon appetito!