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Perfect Italian Pizza Dough Handling and Baking
puccialebanon
17m
Perfect Italian Pizza Dough Handling and Baking
Author:
puccialebanon
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Perfect Italian Pizza Dough Handling and Baking

Learn the essential techniques for handling a prepared pizza dough to achieve a perfect Italian pizza every time. This tutorial focuses on stretching the dough, adding classic toppings, and baking to create a delicious homemade pizza.
#Pizza
#Italian
#Dough
#Baking
#Homemade
#Tutorial
Dough Stretching
Dough Stretching

Recipe Information

10m
Prep Time
7m
Cook Time
17m
Total Time
4
Servings
Medium
Italian
English
Nutrition (per serving)
450
Calories
18g
Protein
50g
Carbs
20g
Fat
Pizza with Toppings
Pizza with Toppings

Ingredients

  • Prepared pizza dough
    (approx. 250-300g)

    1 ball
  • 00 flour or semolina
    (for dusting)

    1 cup
  • San Marzano crushed tomatoes
    (or good quality pizza sauce)

    1 cup
  • Fresh mozzarella
    (torn into small pieces)

    150 g
  • Fresh basil leaves
    (for garnish)

    5 leaves
  • Extra virgin olive oil
    (for drizzling)

    1 tablespoon
  • Salt
    (preferably sea salt)

    to taste
Servings: 4
💡 Tip: Check off ingredients as you add them to keep track of your progress!
Freshly Baked Pizza
Freshly Baked Pizza

Instructions

0/8 completed
0%
  • 1

    Prepare your workspace by dusting a clean surface generously with 00 flour or semolina to prevent the dough from sticking.
    Step 1 visual
    Preview
    1m
    Step 1 visual
    Preview
    Prepare your workspace by dusting a clean surface generously with 00 flour or semolina to prevent the dough from sticking.
    1m

    Ensure even dusting for easy dough handling.
  • 2

    Place the prepared pizza dough ball on the floured surface. Gently stretch the dough from the center outwards using your fingertips, rotating it to form an even, thin crust. Avoid pressing too hard to maintain the air bubbles.
    Step 2 visual
    Preview
    3m
    Step 2 visual
    Preview
    Place the prepared pizza dough ball on the floured surface. Gently stretch the dough from the center outwards using your fingertips, rotating it to form an even, thin crust. Avoid pressing too hard to maintain the air bubbles.
    3m

    If the dough resists, let it rest for 5 minutes before continuing to stretch. Do not use a rolling pin.
  • 3

    Carefully transfer the stretched pizza dough to a lightly floured pizza peel or a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
    Step 3 visual
    Preview
    1m
    Step 3 visual
    Preview
    Carefully transfer the stretched pizza dough to a lightly floured pizza peel or a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
    1m

    Work quickly to prevent the dough from sticking to the peel. Give the peel a gentle shake to ensure the dough slides freely.
  • 4

    Evenly spread the San Marzano crushed tomatoes or pizza sauce over the dough, leaving a small border for the crust.
    Step 4 visual
    Preview
    1m
    Step 4 visual
    Preview
    Evenly spread the San Marzano crushed tomatoes or pizza sauce over the dough, leaving a small border for the crust.
    1m

    Don't overload the pizza with sauce; a thin layer is sufficient for authentic Italian flavor.
  • 5

    Distribute the torn fresh mozzarella pieces over the sauce.
    Step 5 visual
    Preview
    1m
    Step 5 visual
    Preview
    Distribute the torn fresh mozzarella pieces over the sauce.
    1m

    Use fresh, low-moisture mozzarella for the best melt and texture.
  • 6

    Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil and sprinkle with a pinch of salt.
    Step 6 visual
    Preview
    1m
    Step 6 visual
    Preview
    Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil and sprinkle with a pinch of salt.
    1m

    High-quality olive oil enhances the flavor significantly.
  • 7

    Bake in a preheated oven at the highest possible temperature (e.g., 500-550°F / 260-290°C) for 5-8 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly and lightly browned.
    Step 7 visual
    Preview
    7m
    Step 7 visual
    Preview
    Bake in a preheated oven at the highest possible temperature (e.g., 500-550°F / 260-290°C) for 5-8 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly and lightly browned.
    7m

    For best results, use a pizza stone or steel preheated in the oven for at least 30-60 minutes.
  • 8

    Once baked, remove the pizza from the oven. Garnish with fresh basil leaves before slicing and serving immediately.
    Step 8 visual
    Preview
    1m
    Step 8 visual
    Preview
    Once baked, remove the pizza from the oven. Garnish with fresh basil leaves before slicing and serving immediately.
    1m

    Add fresh basil after baking to preserve its vibrant color and delicate flavor.
💡 Tip: Click on any step to mark it as completed and track your cooking progress!

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