Description
This Homemade Pan Pizza recipe delivers a crispy, golden crust topped with a rich tomato sauce, melted mozzarella cheese, and your choice of fresh toppings. Perfect for a cozy night in, this easy-to-make pizza brings out classic Italian flavors with a satisfying pan-baked texture.
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 2 ¼ teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
- 1 ½ cups warm water (110°F / 43°C)
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
Tomato Sauce Ingredients
- 1 cup canned crushed tomatoes
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Toppings
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup sliced pepperoni (optional)
- 1/2 cup sliced bell peppers (optional)
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, dissolve 2 teaspoons of sugar in warm water. Sprinkle the active dry yeast over the surface and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Prepare the dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Make a well in the center and add the activated yeast mixture along with 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Stir until a sticky dough forms.
- Knead the dough: Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Add flour as necessary to prevent sticking but avoid adding too much to keep the dough soft.
- Let dough rise: Lightly oil a clean bowl, place the dough inside, and cover it with a damp cloth or plastic wrap. Let it rise in a warm place for about 1 to 1.5 hours or until it doubles in size.
- Make the tomato sauce: While the dough is rising, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a small pan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add crushed tomatoes, oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer gently for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven to heat. Otherwise, prepare your pan.
- Shape the dough: Once risen, punch down the dough and transfer it to a well-oiled 12-inch deep-dish or cast iron skillet. Use your fingers to stretch and press the dough evenly to cover the bottom and sides of the pan.
- Add toppings: Spread the prepared tomato sauce evenly over the dough. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese generously on top. Add your choice of toppings such as pepperoni and bell peppers.
- Bake the pizza: Place the pan on the oven’s middle rack and bake for 15-20 minutes until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
- Finish and serve: Remove the pizza from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired. Slice and serve warm.
Notes
- For a crispier crust, bake the dough alone for 5 minutes before adding toppings.
- You can substitute mozzarella with other cheeses like provolone or cheddar for variation.
- Feel free to customize your toppings with vegetables, meats, or fresh herbs.
- If you don’t have a deep-dish pan, a regular round cake pan or cast iron skillet works well.
- Letting the dough rise longer at a cooler temperature can improve flavor and texture.
