The Easiest Pizza Ever (3 Ways)

Introduction

In this tutorial, we will explore how to make pizza using three easy methods, inspired by Joshua Weissman's video "The Easiest Pizza Ever." Whether you're a pizza novice or looking to refine your technique, this guide will provide clear, step-by-step instructions to create delicious homemade pizzas.

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

To start, you need a simple pizza dough recipe, which can be found on Joshua Weissman's website. Here’s how to prepare it:

1. Gather Ingredients:

   • 4 cups of all-purpose flour
   • 1 ½ cups of warm water (about 110°F)
   • 2 teaspoons of salt
   • 2 teaspoons of sugar
   • 2 teaspoons of instant yeast
   • 2 tablespoons of olive oil

2. Mix Ingredients:

   • In a large bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until foamy.
   • Add flour, salt, and olive oil to the mixture.

3. Knead the Dough:

   • Mix until a rough dough forms, then turn it out onto a floured surface.
   • Knead for about 10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.

4. Let It Rise:

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

Step 2: Shape the Dough

Once your dough has risen, it’s time to shape it into pizza bases.

1. Preheat the Oven:

   • Preheat your oven to its highest setting (usually around 475°F to 500°F) and place a pizza stone or baking sheet inside to heat up.

2. Divide the Dough:

   • Punch down the risen dough and divide it into 2-4 equal portions, depending on how large you want your pizzas.

3. Shape Each Base:

   • On a floured surface, take one portion of dough and flatten it with your hands.
   • Use a rolling pin or your hands to stretch it out into a circle, about 10-12 inches in diameter. Aim for a slightly thicker edge for the crust.

Step 3: Add Toppings

Now that you have your pizza base ready, it’s time to add toppings.

1. Choose Your Sauce:

   • You can use store-bought pizza sauce, marinara, or make your own with crushed tomatoes, garlic, and herbs.

2. Add Cheese:

   • Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded cheese over the sauce. Mozzarella is a classic choice, but feel free to mix in others like cheddar or parmesan.

3. Include Additional Toppings:

   • Add your favorite toppings, such as pepperoni, vegetables, or olives. Be creative, but avoid overloading the pizza to ensure it cooks evenly.

Step 4: Bake the Pizza

With your pizza assembled, it's time to bake it.

1. Transfer to Oven:

   • Carefully slide the pizza onto the preheated pizza stone or baking sheet.

2. Bake:

   • Bake for 10-15 minutes until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.

3. Cool and Slice:

   • Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for a couple of minutes before slicing.

Conclusion

Congratulations on making your own pizza! You’ve learned how to prepare dough, shape it, add toppings, and bake it to perfection. Feel free to experiment with different toppings and sauces to create your perfect pizza. Enjoy your homemade creation, and consider trying the other methods mentioned in the video for even more delicious options!