Craving a delicious slice of pizza? Look no further than this easy-to-follow recipe for homemade pan pizza! You’ll be amazed at how simple it is to make a yummy, golden brown crust with just a few ingredients and some time in the kitchen. With its savory combination of flavors, and its crunchy yet chewy texture, this homemade pizza is sure to please even the pickiest of eaters!
What is Handmade Pan Pizza?
Handmade pan pizza is an Italian-style pizza that’s made by hand in a skillet or baking pan. It’s known for its crunchy yet chewy texture and the savory combination of flavors that it offers. This type of pizza is traditionally made with a simpler base than other pizza styles, which includes basic ingredients such as yeast, flour, tomato sauce, cheese, and spices.
Brief History of Handmade Pan Pizza
The history of handmade pan pizza can be traced back to the early 19th century in Naples, Italy. It was first created by local bakers who used wood-fired ovens and a simple mixture of dough, tomatoes, cheese, and herbs. The resulting pizza was thin and crispy yet still chewy on the inside, with just enough sauce and toppings to make it flavorful.
Ingredients
Flour
Flour is a key ingredient in any pizza dough recipe, and it’s especially important for making a homemade pan pizza. The type of flour you use will have an effect on the texture of your crust. For this recipe, all-purpose flour or bread flour works best. All-purpose flour will give you a slightly lighter crust while bread flour will result in a chewier texture.
Yeast
Yeast is an essential ingredient in making a homemade pan pizza. It helps to create the perfect texture for the crust, as well as providing the dough with a slight rise. There are two types of yeast commonly used in bread-making: active dry yeast and instant yeast. For this recipe, it’s best to use instant yeast because it dissolves faster and requires less proofing time than active dry yeast.
Salt
Salt is an essential ingredient in making homemade pan pizza and helps to bring out the other flavors in the dough. The amount of salt used will vary depending on your preference, but it is usually recommended to use at least a teaspoon of salt for each cup of flour. It’s best to add the salt directly to the dry ingredients before adding in any liquid so that it can be evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Water
Water is an important ingredient in making handmade pan pizza. It helps to hydrate the dough and activate the yeast, allowing it to rise and create a light, airy texture. The amount of water used will vary depending on the type of flour you use, but typically 1 cup of water for every 2 cups of flour is recommended.
Oil
Oil is an important ingredient when making a handmade pan pizza. It helps to give the dough a light, fluffy texture and prevents it from sticking to the pan while baking. The type of oil you use is up to you, but extra-virgin olive oil is usually recommended for its flavor and nutritional benefits. When adding oil to the dough, make sure to coat all of the dry ingredients evenly and mix until it’s fully incorporated.
Tomato Sauce
Tomato sauce is the perfect topping for a homemade pan pizza. It adds a delicious tangy flavor and complements the other ingredients in the pizza. For this recipe, you’ll need to use a high-quality tomato sauce or canned tomatoes. If you’d like to add extra flavor, you can also mix in some Italian herbs such as oregano, basil, and parsley.
Cheese
Cheese is an important ingredient in making a homemade pan pizza. You can use any type of cheese you like, but it’s best to use one with a robust flavor such as mozzarella or cheddar. To ensure that the cheese melts evenly and creates a nice crust on top of the pizza, it’s best to grate it before adding it to the pizza.
Toppings
Toppings are an important part of making a homemade pan pizza. They add flavor and texture, as well as complementing the other ingredients. Common toppings for a handmade pan pizza include fresh vegetables such as bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, and olives, as well as meats like pepperoni or sausage. You can also add herbs such as oregano or basil for an extra kick of flavor.
Making Handmade Pan Pizza
Dough Preparation
In a large bowl, combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour or bread flour with 1 teaspoon of salt. Make a well in the center and add in 1 tablespoon of instant yeast. Pour 1 cup of warm water into the well and mix until the ingredients are fully incorporated. Gradually add in ¼ cup of extra-virgin olive oil, mixing until the dough becomes smooth and elastic.
Shaping the Dough
Shaping the Dough: Once the dough is ready, lightly flour a work surface and transfer the dough onto it. Knead the dough for about 5 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Divide the dough into two equal pieces and shape each piece into a ball. Place each ball of dough on a floured surface and roll it out into a circle about 12 inches in diameter.
Sauce and Toppings
Once the dough is shaped, it’s time to add the sauce and toppings. Start by spreading a thin layer of high-quality tomato sauce or canned tomatoes over the top of each pizza. Then, sprinkle with grated cheese followed by any desired toppings such as vegetables, herbs, meats, etc. After all the toppings are added, place the pizza in a preheated oven at 400°F and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the crust is golden brown.
Baking
Baking is the final step in making a homemade pan pizza. Preheat your oven to 400°F and place the pizza on a baking sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese has melted. If you’d like, you can also brush the crust with some olive oil before baking to give it an extra crunchy texture. When finished, remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Tips for Making the Perfect Handmade Pan Pizza
Choosing the Right Ingredients
Choosing the right ingredients is key when making a homemade pan pizza. You should always use high-quality, fresh ingredients for the best results. The type of flour you use should be all-purpose or bread flour, and extra-virgin olive oil is usually recommended for its flavor and nutritional benefits. When it comes to cheese, look for one with a robust flavor such as mozzarella or cheddar.
Using a Pizza Stone
Using a pizza stone is an excellent way to make a handmade pan pizza with perfectly crisp crust. To use a pizza stone, preheat it in the oven for 20-30 minutes at 400°F before adding the pizza. Place the dough on top of the preheated stone and add your desired sauce and toppings. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the crust is golden brown.
Preheating the Oven
Preheating the oven is an essential step when making a homemade pan pizza. Be sure to preheat your oven to 400°F before adding the pizza. This will ensure that the crust is perfectly crisp and golden brown when finished baking. Allow the oven to preheat for 20-30 minutes before adding the pizza for best results.
Properly Handling the Dough
Handling the dough correctly is an important part of making a handmade pan pizza. When kneading the dough, make sure to use a light touch and take care not to overwork it. Knead for 5 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic, but do not knead any longer than necessary as this can cause it to become too tough. When shaping the dough into circles, it’s best to use a rolling pin and lightly flour the surface to prevent sticking.
Popular Handmade Pan Pizza Recipes
Margherita Pizza
Margherita Pizza is a classic Italian-style pizza that is sure to please the palate. To make this delicious dish, start by preheating your oven to 400°F. Then, shape two balls of dough into 12-inch circles and place them on a lightly floured surface. Spread a thin layer of high-quality tomato sauce or canned tomatoes over each pizza, followed by grated mozzarella cheese and fresh basil leaves. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese has melted.
Pepperoni Pizza
Pepperoni Pizza is a classic favorite that is sure to please the whole family! To make a delicious pepperoni pizza, start by preheating your oven to 400°F. Then, shape two balls of dough into 12-inch circles and place them on a lightly floured surface. Spread a thin layer of high-quality tomato sauce or canned tomatoes over each pizza, followed by grated mozzarella cheese and pepperoni slices. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese has melted.
Vegetarian Pizza
Vegetarian Pizza is a great option for meatless days! To make this delicious dish, start by preheating your oven to 400°F. Then, shape two balls of dough into 12-inch circles and place them on a lightly floured surface. Spread a thin layer of high-quality tomato sauce or canned tomatoes over each pizza, followed by grated mozzarella cheese and your desired choice of vegetables such as mushrooms, peppers, onions, and olives. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese has melted.
Hawaiian Pizza
Hawaiian pizza is a popular favorite that combines sweet, acidic pineapple with salty ham and creamy mozzarella cheese. To make this delicious dish, preheat your oven to 400°F. Then, shape two balls of dough into 12-inch circles and place them on a lightly floured surface. Spread a thin layer of high-quality tomato sauce or canned tomatoes over each pizza, followed by grated mozzarella cheese, cubed ham, pineapple chunks, and a sprinkle of dried oregano. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese has melted.
Meat Lovers Pizza
Meat Lovers Pizza is a classic favorite that is sure to satisfy any meat-lover’s cravings! To make this delicious dish, start by preheating your oven to 400°F. Then, shape two balls of dough into 12-inch circles and place them on a lightly floured surface. Spread a thin layer of high-quality tomato sauce or canned tomatoes over each pizza, followed by grated mozzarella cheese and your favorite meats such as pepperoni, Italian sausage, bacon, ham, and ground beef. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese has melted.
Conclusion
Making a handmade pan pizza is an enjoyable and rewarding experience. The key to success is handling the dough correctly—be sure to knead it lightly for 5 minutes, and use a rolling pin and some flour while shaping it into circles. Once the dough is prepared, you can top it with your favorite ingredients like tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, and whatever meat or vegetables you prefer.
Handmade pan pizza is a delicious and fun treat to make for family and friends. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create an endless array of tasty pizzas that everyone can enjoy. Whether you’re making a classic Margherita, Pepperoni, or Hawaiian pizza, the possibilities are truly endless! So get creative and experiment with different topping combinations to make a delicious, homemade pizza that’s sure to be a hit.
