Step 1: Make the dough
In a large bowl, combine the warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let it sit for about 5 minutes.
Add the flour, salt, and olive oil. Mix until a dough forms.
Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for approximately 5–8 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
Step 2: Let the dough rise
Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl and cover it.
Let it rise in a warm place for approximately 1 hour, or until it has roughly doubled in size.
Step 3: Prepare the pizza sauce
Mix the crushed tomatoes, olive oil, oregano, garlic powder, basil, salt, and black pepper in a bowl.
Taste and adjust the seasoning if desired.
Step 4: Shape the pizza
Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If you have a pizza stone or steel, allow it to heat thoroughly.
Place the risen dough on a lightly floured surface and stretch or roll it into a round pizza base.
Transfer it to a pizza pan or baking sheet.
Step 5: Add the sauce
Spread a thin, even layer of tomato sauce over the dough, leaving a small border around the edge.
Don’t use too much sauce, as excess moisture can prevent the crust from becoming crisp.
Step 6: Add the cheese
Sprinkle mozzarella evenly over the sauce.
Add Parmesan or provolone for extra flavor.
For a pizza like level 1 or 2, use a lighter layer of cheese.
For levels 5–9, add progressively more mozzarella. For an ultra-cheesy pizza, use enough cheese to create a thick, bubbling layer while still leaving some sauce visible.
Step 7: Bake
Place the pizza in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 10–15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is completely melted and bubbling.
For more browning on top, place the pizza under the broiler for 30–60 seconds, watching it carefully.
Step 8: Rest and slice
Remove the pizza from the oven and let it rest for about 3–5 minutes.
Sprinkle with dried oregano or fresh basil if desired, then slice and serve while hot.
Cheese-Level Guide
1: Sauce with herbs, almost no cheese
2: Light sprinkle of cheese
3: Light but noticeable cheese layer
4: Moderate cheese
5: Classic cheesy pizza
6: Extra cheese with a thick melted layer
7: Very cheesy with melted cheese around the edges
8: Super gooey and stretchy
9: Maximum cheese—thick, bubbling, and wonderfully messy!
Tip: For the best cheese pull, use low-moisture mozzarella and shred it yourself just before baking.
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