Big Frank’s Pizzeria

Introduction

In this tutorial, we will guide you through the process of making a delicious pizza inspired by Big Frank’s Pizzeria. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced cook, these step-by-step instructions will help you create a mouth-watering pizza at home. You'll learn about the ingredients, the dough preparation, and the baking process, ensuring you achieve that perfect pizzeria taste.

Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients

Start by collecting all the necessary ingredients for your pizza. Here’s what you’ll need:

• For the dough:

  • 4 cups of all-purpose flour
  • 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) of active dry yeast
  • 1 ½ cups of warm water
  • 1 tablespoon of sugar
  • 1 tablespoon of salt
  • 2 tablespoons of olive oil

• For the sauce:

  • 1 can (15 ounces) of crushed tomatoes
  • 1 clove of garlic (minced)
  • 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper to taste

• Toppings (choose your favorites):

  • Mozzarella cheese
  • Pepperoni
  • Bell peppers
  • Onions
  • Mushrooms

Step 2: Prepare the Dough

Follow these steps to make the pizza dough:

1. Activate the yeast:

   • In a bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until frothy.

2. Mix the ingredients:

   • In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture along with olive oil.

3. Knead the dough:

   • Mix until the dough begins to form. Transfer to a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.

4. Let the dough rise:

   • Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

Creating a flavorful sauce is essential for a great pizza. Here’s how:

1. Combine ingredients:

   • In a saucepan over medium heat, add crushed tomatoes, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper.

2. Simmer the sauce:

   • Cook for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly. Adjust seasoning to taste.

Step 4: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to the highest setting (usually around 475°F or 245°C). This ensures a crispy crust.

Step 5: Shape the Dough

Once your dough has risen:

1. Punch down the dough:

   • Gently punch down the dough to release air bubbles.

2. Divide and shape:

   • Divide the dough into two equal portions for two pizzas. Roll out each portion on a floured surface to your desired thickness.

Step 6: Assemble the Pizza

Now it's time to build your pizza:

1. Spread the sauce:

   • Evenly spread a layer of the prepared sauce over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.

2. Add cheese and toppings:

   • Sprinkle mozzarella cheese generously, then add your chosen toppings.

Step 7: Bake the Pizza

1. Transfer to the oven:

   • Place the assembled pizza on a pizza stone or a baking sheet.

2. Bake:

   • Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.

3. Cool and slice:

   • Once done, let the pizza cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

Conclusion

Congratulations, you've made a delicious pizza inspired by Big Frank’s Pizzeria! Remember to experiment with different toppings and sauces to customize your pizza. Enjoy your creation with family and friends, and don’t hesitate to try making more variations in the future! Happy cooking!