Pizza with Tomato Sauce and Mozzarella

Pizza with Tomato Sauce and Mozzarella is the quintessential American-style pizza that we all know and love. Loaded with delicious toppings and gooey melted cheese, this pizza is a classic crowd-pleaser. The beauty of this recipe is that the cheese helps hold together unwieldy toppings like broccoli, bell peppers, or olives, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor. In addition to the basic recipe, we’ll explore variations and ideas for toppings to customize your pizza experience. This recipe yields one large or multiple small pies and takes approximately 1 1/2 hours to prepare using premade dough.

MAKES: 1 large or 2 or more small pies

TIME: About 11/2 hours with premade dough

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 recipe Pizza Dough, mixed and risen
• All-purpose flour for stretching or rolling the dough
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, or more as needed
• 2 cups Fast Tomato Sauce or any other tomato sauce
• 2 cups grated mozzarella cheese
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Once the pizza dough is ready, lightly knead it, form it into a ball, and divide it into 2 pieces if desired. Roll each piece into a round ball and place them on a lightly floured surface. Sprinkle a little more flour on top and cover with plastic wrap or a towel. Allow the dough balls to rest while you preheat the oven.
2. Preheat the oven to 500°F (260°C) or higher. Roll or lightly press each dough ball into a flat round shape on a lightly floured surface, using flour as necessary to prevent sticking. Let the rounds sit for a few minutes to allow the dough to relax.
3. If you have a pizza peel and baking stone, roll or pat out the dough on the peel, as thinly as you desire. Turn the dough occasionally and sprinkle with flour to prevent sticking. If you’re using baking sheets, oil them and press each dough ball into a flat round directly on the oiled sheets.
4. Drizzle the rounds of dough with olive oil. Spread the tomato sauce evenly over the surface of the dough. Sprinkle the grated mozzarella cheese on top of the sauce. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
5. Place the baking sheet in the oven or slide the pizzas directly onto the baking stone. Bake for 8 to 12 minutes or until the crust is crisp and the cheese is melted.
6. Allow the pizzas to stand for several minutes before slicing to allow the cheese to set up.

VARIATIONS:

• Pizza with Tomato Sauce and Fresh Mozzarella: Instead of grating the mozzarella, slice less than 1/2 pound of fresh mozzarella, which doesn’t melt the same way as commercial varieties. Drain the fresh mozzarella well and arrange the slices on top of the pizza, leaving gaps for the pizza to breathe and crisp up. Proceed with the recipe. After baking, sprinkle with chopped fresh basil or oregano and grated Parmesan for added flavor.
• Pizza with Tomato Sauce, Mozzarella, and Sausage or Pepperoni: Scatter about 4 ounces of crumbled and lightly cooked sausage or thinly sliced pepperoni over the cheese.
• Pizza with Tomato Sauce, Mozzarella, and Broccoli: This variation works best with broccoli rabe. Sauté approximately 1/2 pound of broccoli florets (or broccoli rabe spears) with a little garlic, ensuring you stop cooking them as soon as they become tender. After spreading the cheese on the pizza, distribute the sautéed broccoli evenly on top and press gently into the cheese. Proceed with the recipe.
• Grilled Pizza with Tomato Sauce and Mozzarella: This variation is perfect for grilling, but it requires reducing the amount of sauce and grated mozzarella. Use 1 cup of sauce and 1 cup of grated mozzarella. Follow the directions for cooking, flipping, topping, and finishing grilled pizzas on page 178. Optionally, drizzle a little extra olive oil onto the pizza before grilling for added flavor.

USES:

• Pizza with Tomato Sauce and Mozzarella is an ideal choice for casual family dinners, movie nights, or gatherings with friends. It’s a versatile dish that can be enjoyed as the main course alongside a fresh salad, or it can be served as an appetizer for sharing.
• Prepare one large pizza for a group or make multiple small pies to cater to different tastes. This pizza pairs well with a variety of beverages, such as soda, beer, or a glass of red wine.

Savor the classic flavors of American-style Pizza with Tomato Sauce and Mozzarella. With its delicious combination of tangy tomato sauce, melty mozzarella cheese, and customizable toppings, this pizza is sure to please everyone at the table. Whether you stick to the basic recipe or experiment with the variations provided, you’re in for a delightful culinary experience. Gather your loved ones, slice up the piping hot pies, and enjoy the satisfaction of homemade pizza that tastes just like your favorite pizzeria.