Italian Pizza at Home – A Simple Step-by-Step Guide (3)

1. Italian Pizza at Home – A Simple Step-by-Step Guide Making authentic Italian pizza at home is easier than you think! No need for a wood-fired oven — just a regular kitchen oven, fresh ingredients, and a bit of patience. The result? A light, crispy, and delicious crust that rivals your favorite pizzeria. There’s something incredibly satisfying about crafting a pizza from scratch. From mixing the dough to that first hot, cheesy slice, it’s not just cooking — it’s an experience. Whether you’re preparing for a cozy movie night, feeding a crowd, or simply treating yourself, this homemade Italian pizza will never disappoint. Let’s roll up our sleeves and get started! Ingredients (Makes 3 Medium Pizzas) For the dough: ● 500 grams of 00 flour (or all-purpose flour as a substitute)

2. ● 300ml warm water ● 7g instant dry yeast ● 2 tsp salt ● 1 tsp sugar ● 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil ● A little semolina or regular flour for dusting Instructions 1. Mix the Dough In a large bowl, whisk the flour and salt together. Meanwhile, combine the yeast and sugar in warm water and let it sit for about 5–10 minutes. When you see bubbles on top, it means the yeast is alive and working. Pour the yeast mixture slowly into the flour, stirring as you go. The dough will start sticky and messy, but don’t worry — that’s exactly how it should be. 2. Knead Until Smooth Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead it by hand for about 10 minutes. It should transform into a smooth, elastic ball that feels slightly tacky but no longer sticks to your hands. Kneading is more than just a mechanical process — it’s oddly meditative. You might find your mind slowing down as you settle into the rhythm. If you have a stand mixer, it’ll save you time, but there’s something deeply satisfying about doing it the old-fashioned way. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm place for 30 to 60 minutes, or until it doubles in size. 3. Divide & Rest the Dough Once risen, divide the dough into three equal parts. Lightly coat each with a touch of olive oil, cover, and let them rest at room temperature for at least two hours. If you’ve got more time or want to prep in advance, place them in the fridge overnight. Just make sure they’re well wrapped.

3. This long rest lets the gluten relax, making the dough easier to stretch and giving your crust a beautiful, chewy bite. 4. Preheat the Oven Place a pizza stone or heavy baking sheet in the oven and crank it to the highest setting — usually around 250°C (475°F). Let it preheat for at least 30 minutes. That blast of heat is what gives you that perfect pizzeria-style crust. 5. Shape and Add Toppings Dust your countertop with semolina or flour. Take one dough ball and, using your fingers, gently stretch it into a round base. Avoid using a rolling pin — you want to keep those beautiful air bubbles in the dough. Add a few spoonfuls of your favorite tomato sauce, some fresh mozzarella, and your choice of toppings. Don’t overload it — simplicity is key to that classic Italian flavor. A drizzle of olive oil on the crust adds a touch of richness and encourages crisping. 6. Bake Carefully transfer the pizza to the hot stone or tray. Bake for 10–12 minutes on the lowest rack of your oven. Watch as the crust puffs up, the cheese bubbles, and your kitchen fills with the unmistakable smell of real pizza. 7. Serve Hot Remove from the oven, sprinkle with torn fresh basil, slice, and enjoy while it’s piping hot. There’s nothing quite like that first bite of homemade pizza — crispy edges, chewy base, melted cheese, and tangy sauce. It hits every note. Tips for the Best Homemade Pizza ● Dough Rest Time: The longer you let your dough rest (up to 48 hours in the fridge), the more flavor and stretchiness you’ll get. ● Sauce Simplicity: For a quick and tasty tomato sauce, blend canned San Marzano tomatoes with a pinch of salt, garlic, and olive oil. No cooking needed. ● Cheese Choices: Fresh mozzarella is a classic, but feel free to experiment with fontina, gorgonzola, or even a sprinkle of parmesan.

4. ● Get Creative: Try prosciutto and arugula, mushrooms and truffle oil, or go vegetarian with grilled veggies and pesto. ● Family Fun: Let kids shape and top their mini pizzas — it’s messy, fun, and gives them a sense of pride. Nutrition Facts (Per Base) ● Calories: 656 kcal ● Carbs: 128g ● Protein: 18g ● Fat: 6g ● Sodium: 1560mg ● Iron: 8mg Final Thoughts Homemade pizza isn’t just about getting dinner on the table — it’s about slowing down, savoring the process, and creating something with love. It’s about that quiet sense of accomplishment when your crust turns out just right. It’s the laughter in the kitchen, the smell of dough rising, the joy of tearing basil leaves straight from the plant on your windowsill. Once you’ve made pizza from scratch, it becomes more than a meal. It becomes a memory. So light some candles, pour yourself a glass of wine, and enjoy your homemade Italian masterpiece — straight from your oven, straight from the heart. If you’d like to try this kind of delicious pizza in real life, visit Retro Bistro — our best multi-cuisine restaurant. We’d love to serve you fresh, hot, and made with love, just like homemade..