Welcome to the ultimate guide for pizza lovers! Pizza is a beloved dish that has become a staple in many households and restaurants around the world. Today, we are sharing our favorite tomato pizza recipe that will have your taste buds singing.
Whether it’s a casual meal or a special occasion, this recipe is sure to impress everyone at the dinner table. So grab your apron and get ready to create the perfect combination of tangy tomatoes, gooey cheese, and crispy crust – let’s dive into this mouth-watering recipe!
What You Need For Tomato Pizza Recipe?
Tomato pizza, with its rich and tangy sauce, sits at the heart of what makes classic Italian cuisine so loved worldwide. The vibrant flavors of freshly picked tomatoes, blended with aromatic herbs and the creaminess of melted cheese, create a symphony of taste that is both comforting and exhilarating.
Each bite offers a blend of textures and flavors, from the crispiness of the golden crust to the juicy sweetness of the tomato, making it a timeless favorite for all ages.
This simple, yet delicious dish captures the essence of traditional pizza while allowing the natural flavors of its core ingredients to shine through. The first step is to gather the ingredients needed to create an unforgettable tomato pizza. Here’s what you need for this recipe:
1. Pizza Dough: You can use store-bought dough or make your own from scratch. Making the dough at home may take a bit of time, but it’s worth the effort.
2. Tomato: Select ripe and juicy tomatoes for a fresher taste. Slice some for topping and crush others for the sauce.
3. Pizza Sauce: Use your favorite pizza sauce to add depth and flavor to the pizza.
4. Pizza Seasoning: For a classic flavor in every bite, sprinkle a generous amount of oregano, basil, and garlic powder over the pizza.
5. Cherry Tomato: Halve cherry tomatoes to scatter over your pizza. They add a burst of flavor and vibrant color.
6. Fresh Basil: Tear fresh basil leaves to sprinkle over your pizza after baking. This gives a refreshing aroma and taste.
7. Mozzarella Cheese: Shred around mozzarella cheese. For the best melt, opt for fresh mozzarella.
8. Yellow Cornmeal: Use a sprinkle of yellow cornmeal on your pizza peel to prevent the dough from sticking and to add crunch.
9. Extra-Virgin Olive Oil: Drizzle olive oil over the pizza before baking to enhance the flavor and help in browning.
10. Salt: A pinch of salt is crucial in a pizza to highlight all the flavors.
With all these ingredients in hand, your delicious tomato pizza is just a few steps away from being on your dinner table.
How To Make Tomato Pizza?
Now that you’ve got all your ingredients ready, it’s time to put together this delicious tomato pizza. Follow these steps carefully, and you’ll end up with a homemade tomato pizza recipe that’s sure to become a new favorite in your household. Here’s how to do it:
Step 1: Prepare The Dough
Using store-bought dough, allow it to come to room temperature for about 1 hour before starting cooking. You also can use your homemade dough if you have the time.
Step 2: Preheat The oven
Preheat your oven to 450 – 500°F. If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven while preheating.
Step 3: Roll Out The Dough
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough into your desired shape, about 12 inches in diameter for a standard pizza. Use a little flour if the dough is sticky.
Step 4: Prepare The Pizza Peel
Sprinkle the yellow cornmeal on your pizza peel (or the back of a baking sheet if you don’t have one). Place the rolled-out dough on top. This prevents sticking and adds a nice texture to the bottom of your crust.
Step 5: Add The Sauce and Toppings
Spread a thin layer of pizza sauce over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges. Scatter the sliced and crushed tomatoes evenly over the sauce. Then, add the mozzarella cheese, spreading it out evenly.
Step 6: Season Your Pizza
Sprinkle the pizza seasoning over the top. Add the halved cherry tomatoes and drizzle the entire pizza with a bit of extra-virgin olive oil.
Step 7: Bake Your Pizza
Gently move your pizza into the oven that’s already been heated. Let it bake for roughly 15 minutes, or until the crust turns a golden color and the cheese becomes bubbly and begins to brown.
Step 8: Finishing Touches
Once out of the oven, immediately sprinkle the fresh basil leaves and a little bit of salt over the top. Allow the pizza to cool for a few minutes before slicing.
This step-by-step guide will help you create a tomato pizza that’s crispy on the outside, and tender on the inside, with a perfect balance of tangy tomato flavor and aromatic herbs.
Tips For Delicious Tomato Pizza
To elevate your easy tomato pizza recipe to restaurant quality, consider these expert tips that can make all the difference. From choosing the right ingredients to baking techniques, a few tweaks can transform a good pizza into a great one. Here are some tips to keep in mind:
1. Use High-Quality Tomatoes: The quality of tomatoes can significantly impact the flavor of your pizza. Look for ripe, in-season tomatoes for the sauce and toppings. If fresh tomatoes aren’t available, opt for high-quality canned tomatoes for the sauce.
2. Preheat Your Baking Surface: Whether you’re using a pizza stone or a baking sheet, preheating it in the oven can help achieve a crispy bottom crust.
3. Do Not Overload with Toppings: While it might be tempting to add a lot of toppings, too many can make the pizza soggy. Keep the toppings balanced for the best texture and flavor.
4. Experiment with Cheeses: Mozzarella is classic, but adding a sprinkle of Parmesan, pecorino, or even dollops of ricotta can add depth to your pizza.
5. Broil for the Last Minute: If you want extra color and char on your toppings, consider switching your oven to broil for the last minute or two of baking. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.
By incorporating these tips, you’re not just making a pizza; you’re crafting an experience. Enjoy the process as much as the delicious outcome!
What To Serve With Tomato Pizza?
Tomato pizza is a versatile dish that goes well with various sides and beverages. Here are some ideas to create a complete meal with your homemade tomato pizza:
1. Salad: A fresh, crisp salad complements the tanginess of the pizza perfectly. Try a simple arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette.
2. Garlic Bread: Serve some garlic bread alongside your pizza for an extra dose of carbs and flavor.
3. Wine: A glass of red wine pairs beautifully with the robust flavors of a tomato pizza. Opt for a Chianti or Sangiovese for a perfect match.
4. Beer: For those who prefer beer, opt for a light lager or pale ale to balance out the acidity of the tomatoes.
5. Fruit: Serve some fresh fruit, such as sliced watermelon or cantaloupe, for a refreshing contrast to the savory pizza.
With these accompaniments, you’ll have a well-rounded meal that’s sure to satisfy all taste buds.
Conclusion
Tomato pizza is a classic dish that’s loved by many for its simplicity and deliciousness. By using high-quality ingredients and following our steps, you can easily make a restaurant-worthy tomato pizza at home.
Experiment with different toppings, cheeses, and seasonings to create your perfect version of this beloved dish. With the right techniques and tips, you’ll be impressing friends and family with your homemade tomato pizza recipe in no time.
So, gather your loved ones, put on some music, and make a night of creating and savoring a delicious tomato pizza together.
Happy cooking!
Tomato Pizza
Ingredients
- 16 oz of pizza dough
- 1 tbsp of yellow cornmeal
- 1/4 cup of pizza sauce
- 2 large ripe tomatoes, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup of cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 and 1/3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 tsp of pizza seasoning (oregano, basil, garlic powder)
- 6 tsp of extra-virgin olive oil
- Fresh basil leaves
- A pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 450 - 500°F. Place your pizza stone in the oven while preheating, if using one.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pizza dough into a 12-inch circle.
- Sprinkle the yellow cornmeal on a pizza peel or baking sheet, then place the rolled-out dough on top.
- Spread a thin layer of pizza sauce over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Arrange the sliced and crushed tomatoes evenly on top of the sauce. Then, add the shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Sprinkle pizza seasoning over the top and add halved cherry tomatoes. Drizzle with extra-virgin olive oil.
- Gently move your pizza into the oven that's already been heated. Let it bake for roughly 12 to 15 minutes, or until the crust turns a golden color and the cheese becomes bubbly and begins to brown.
- Once out of the oven, sprinkle fresh basil leaves and a pinch of salt over the top. Allow it to cool for a few minutes before slicing.
- Serve with your choice of sides and beverages. Enjoy your delicious homemade tomato pizza!