How to Make Homemade Pizza

Making homemade pizza from scratch is a fun and rewarding experience. You can customize it with your favorite toppings, and it’s a great way to enjoy a fresh, hot pizza in the comfort of your own home. In this recipe, we’ll guide you through making a simple and delicious Cheese and Ham Pizza. With a crispy base, gooey mozzarella, and savory ham, this pizza is sure to be a family favorite. Let’s dive into the step-by-step process!

Ingredients for Homemade Pizza

For the Dough:

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour (wheat flour)
1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon sugar
½ cup water
1 tablespoon olive oil

For the Filling:

Mozzarella cheese, shredded (to taste)
Ham, sliced (to taste)
Tomato sauce (to taste)

1 tomato, sliced (for topping)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Combine dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the flour, salt, and sugar. Stir them together to evenly distribute the dry ingredients.
Add the wet ingredients: Pour in the olive oil and gradually add the water, stirring with a spoon as you go.

Knead the dough: Once the mixture starts to come together, use your hands to knead the dough. Continue kneading until the dough is smooth, elastic, and doesn’t stick to your hands. If the dough feels too sticky, add a small amount of flour; if it’s too dry, add a tiny splash of water.

Step 2: Cook the Pizza Base

Shape the dough: Lightly flour your work surface and roll out the dough into a round shape, roughly the size of your skillet.
Cook the dough: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Place the dough in the skillet, pressing it down to evenly cover the bottom. Cook the dough for about 5 minutes until the bottom is golden brown and slightly crispy.
Flip the dough: Flip the dough over to cook the other side for about 1-2 minutes, then reduce the heat to low.

Step 3: Add the Toppings

Spread the tomato sauce: Spread a thin layer of tomato sauce over the top of the pizza base. Be sure to cover it evenly, leaving a small border around the edges for the crust.
Add the ham and cheese: Top the sauce with slices of ham and sprinkle a generous amount of mozzarella cheese. Add tomato slices on top of the cheese for added flavor and freshness.
Cover and cook: Cover the skillet with a lid and cook for an additional 5 minutes on low heat. This will allow the cheese to melt and the toppings to heat through while the crust remains golden.

Step 4: Serve

Check the pizza: After 5 minutes, check to ensure that the cheese has melted and the base is golden. If the cheese hasn’t melted completely, you can let it cook for a couple of extra minutes.
Remove from the skillet: Once the pizza is ready, remove it from the skillet and let it cool slightly before slicing.
Slice and serve: Cut the pizza into wedges and serve hot.

Tips for Making the Perfect Homemade Pizza

Use high-quality mozzarella: For the best flavor and texture, opt for fresh mozzarella cheese. It melts beautifully and gives a rich, creamy finish to your pizza.
Customize your toppings: While ham and mozzarella are delicious, feel free to experiment with other toppings like pepperoni, mushrooms, olives, or bell peppers.
Crispy crust: For an extra-crispy crust, try preheating the skillet before adding the dough. This will help the base cook faster and get a nice golden color.
Control the sauce: If you prefer a saucy pizza, be generous with the tomato sauce; otherwise, use a lighter hand.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the dough ahead of time! Simply cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to use it, let the dough come to room temperature before rolling it out.

2. Can I use a different type of flour for the dough?

Absolutely! You can experiment with other types of flour, such as whole wheat flour or gluten-free flour, for a different texture and flavor. However, you may need to adjust the water content based on the flour’s absorbency.

3. Can I bake the pizza in the oven instead of cooking it in the skillet?

Yes, you can! Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). After preparing the dough and adding the toppings, bake the pizza on a baking sheet for 10-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly.

4. How do I make the pizza spicier?

If you like a little heat, try adding red pepper flakes, jalapeño slices, or a drizzle of hot sauce on top of the pizza before cooking. These additions will give your pizza a spicy kick!

5. Can I freeze the pizza dough?

Yes! After kneading the dough, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to use it, let it thaw in the fridge overnight and bring it to room temperature before rolling it out.

Homemade pizza is a delicious and versatile dish that you can easily customize to suit your tastes. This simple Cheese and Ham Pizza is quick to prepare and packed with flavor. Whether you’re making it for a casual weeknight dinner or a fun weekend activity, this recipe is sure to be a hit with everyone at the table!