How do you cook pizza?

Here's a breakdown of how to cook pizza, both in a traditional oven and with a pizza stone:

Ingredients for a Basic Pizza Dough:

* 1 cup warm water (105-115°F)

* 1 teaspoon sugar

* 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast

* 3 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting

* 1 teaspoon salt

* 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions for Homemade Pizza Dough:

1. Activate the yeast: In a large bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let stand for 5-10 minutes, until the yeast is foamy.

2. Add flour and salt: Add the flour and salt to the yeast mixture. Stir with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms.

3. Knead the dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes, until smooth and elastic.

4. Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, turning to coat all sides. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

5. Punch down: Punch down the dough and divide it into two equal portions. Shape each portion into a ball.

6. Rest: Cover the dough balls with plastic wrap and let rest for 15 minutes.

Preparing the Pizza:

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 450-500°F (230-260°C).

2. Prepare the pizza stone (optional): If using a pizza stone, place it in the oven while it preheats.

3. Stretch the dough: On a lightly floured surface, use your fingertips to gently stretch the dough into a 12-inch circle.

4. Add toppings: Spread your desired sauce (like tomato sauce or white garlic sauce) over the dough. Add cheese, vegetables, meats, and any other toppings you like.

5. Bake: Slide the pizza onto a lightly floured pizza peel or a baking sheet. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Cooking Tips for Pizza:

* Using a pizza stone: A pizza stone helps create a crispy crust. If using one, preheat it with the oven.

* High heat: High oven temperatures are key for a crispy crust.

* Don't over-crowd the pizza: Too many toppings can make the crust soggy.

* Watch for doneness: Keep an eye on your pizza as it cooks to avoid burning.

* Let it rest: After removing from the oven, let the pizza rest for a few minutes before cutting and serving. This allows the cheese to set and prevent the crust from becoming soggy.

Variations:

* Frozen pizza: Follow the instructions on the box for best results.

* Deep dish: Use a deep dish pan and cook longer.

* Thin crust: Roll out the dough thinner and bake for a shorter time.

Enjoy!