Homemade Pan Pizza with a Perfectly Crispy Crust
There’s nothing like the joy of making a delicious pan pizza from scratch, where you get to customize every ingredient and enjoy the crispy, golden crust that comes from a perfectly cooked pizza. This homemade pan pizza is not only flavorful but also easy to make with whole wheat flour, fresh vegetables, and mozzarella cheese for that classic, cheesy goodness. Letโs dive into the steps to make this Italian delight, ideal for weekend brunches or a cozy dinner.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Whole Wheat Flour | 2 1/2 cups |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon |
| Sugar | 1 teaspoon |
| Active Dry Yeast | 1 1/4 teaspoons |
| Extra Virgin Olive Oil | 2 teaspoons + extra for kneading |
| Lukewarm Water | As needed to form dough |
| Onion | 2, chopped into rings |
| Mozzarella Cheese | 1 cup, for topping |
| Onion | 1, sliced |
| Green Bell Pepper | 1, sliced |
| Tomato | 1, chopped into chunks |
| Semolina (Sooji/Rava) | For dusting the pan |
| Homemade Pizza Sauce | 1 cup |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 kcal |
| Protein | 12 g |
| Fat | 12 g |
| Carbohydrates | 42 g |
| Fiber | 7 g |
| Calcium | 180 mg |
| Iron | 3 mg |
Note: Nutritional values are approximate and can vary based on the exact quantities and brands of ingredients used.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- Gather Ingredients: Set out all your ingredients to make the dough.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine whole wheat flour, salt, sugar, and active dry yeast.
- Add Water Gradually: Slowly add lukewarm water to the dry ingredients while stirring, until a sticky dough forms (this should take about 5 minutes).
- Knead the Dough: Grease your hands lightly with olive oil. On a flat surface, knead the dough for 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. This process develops the gluten, giving your crust that perfect chewy texture.
- Let the Dough Rise: Once the dough is smooth, shape it into a ball and place it in an oiled bowl. Cover with a damp cloth and allow it to rest in a warm place for 90 minutes, or until it has doubled in size.
Step 2: Prepare the Pan for Cooking
- Prepare the Pan: Generously oil the pizza pan to prevent sticking.
- Dust with Semolina: Add about 1 tablespoon of semolina to the pan, tilting and rotating it so that the base and edges are evenly coated. This creates a nice crispy texture on the bottom of the crust.
Step 3: Prepare the Toppings
- Prepare the Vegetables: In a bowl, mix the sliced onion, green bell pepper, and tomato chunks. Add a drizzle of olive oil and a pinch of salt, mixing until the vegetables are evenly coated.
Step 4: Shape the Dough and Add Toppings
- Punch Down the Dough: After the dough has doubled in size, punch it down to release any air bubbles. Knead for about 30 seconds.
- Divide the Dough: Divide the dough into three equal-sized balls.
- Shape Each Ball: Oil your hands lightly, then take one dough ball and flatten it, using your fingers to shape it into a round. Place it in the center of the prepared pan, and use your fingers to press it outwards towards the edges of the pan.
- Add Toppings: Spread a generous layer of homemade pizza sauce over the base, then sprinkle a layer of mozzarella cheese on top. Arrange the prepared onions, bell peppers, and tomatoes over the cheese, and add another sprinkle of cheese on top for extra cheesiness.
Step 5: Bake the Pan Pizza
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 220ยฐC (425ยฐF). Place the pizza pan on the middle rack and bake for 10-12 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the crust is golden and crispy.
- Serve: Remove from the oven, let it cool slightly, and serve your pan pizza hot. Enjoy this delicious creation with a side of Penne Arrabiata, Garlic Bread, or even a dessert like Apple Crumble Pie.
This homemade pan pizza is sure to be a hit with family and friends!
