It can be a challenge to find a great pizza place that is tasty, affordable, conveniently located, and that guarantees quality ingredients. Even if you do find such a culinary gem in your neighborhood, it’s probably so crowded that you’re ready to eat the menu by the time you get your pizza! Not to worry, I’m here to offer a simple solution to your pizza predicament. Make it at home!
I’ve refined my pizza-making technique over the last year or so, and I encourage you to do the same! Test a few recipes, mix up the toppings, and see what you like. And for starters, try out this winning recipe:
Pizza from (Semi) Scratch
Ingredients
- Store-bought pizza dough*
- One 8 oz bag of shredded Italian or Mozzarella cheese
- One 8 oz. can regular tomato sauce
- Basil or Sun-dried Tomato Pesto
- Toppings** As many or few as you like, here are my favorites:
- Pepperoni
- White onion
- Bell Pepper
- Mushrooms
- Steamed broccoli
- Spinach
- Olives
- Zucchini
*Some grocery stores and restaurants will sell you fresh dough; but in a pinch, Pillsbury will do just fine!
** No time to chop vegetables? HIT THE SALAD BAR! All the veggies are pre-chopped and ready to use.
Directions
- Pre-heat your oven according to your dough instructions. 400 degrees is the norm.
- Prep your pizza pan by sprinkling with corn meal. Gently press the dough to your desired thinness, keeping it consistent to ensure even cooking.
If instructions require, pre-bake dough for 5 minutes. - Use the back of a small spoon to spread a thin layer of pesto on your crust. Then top with another thin layer of sauce.
- Sprinkle 2/3 of your cheese on top of the sauce, followed by your toppings! Finish your pizza with the rest of the cheese, and stick it in the oven. Keep an eye on your pizza! You want the cheese completely melted, without burning the bottom of the crust. It should take 8-10 mins.
Immediately remove from the hot pan onto a cutting board, cut, and enjoy! But beware of the dreaded molten cheese burn. Safety precautions include cold water, soda, or beer. Yes, sometimes beer is there for your safety.
Comment below with your favorite pizza toppings! Here are a few more ideas to inspire you:
- Substitute tomato sauce for BBQ Sauce, top with cheese, leftover grilled chicken and red onion. Before serving, sprinkle with fresh cilantro.
- Use leftovers from the grill-out or BBQ to make a meat-lovers’ pizza.
- Get your kids to eat their vegetables by letting them pick their own toppings! Kids love to eat anything they helped create, especially if they make designs or faces with their toppings.
