Hearty Pizza
A hearty pizza featuring a tender homemade dough topped with melted mozzarella and a flavorful tomato sauce, perfect for satisfying family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Prepare hot roll mix as directed and place in a greased bowl to rise.
- Meanwhile, make Italian sauce; sauté the onion in 1 tablespoon oil until golden.
- Add the tomato sauce, tomato paste, salt, oregano, garlic salt, and pepper to the sauce.
- Heat the sauce thoroughly.
- Spread the dough on a large pizza pan (15 x 10-inch or equivalent circle).
- Lay the mozzarella cheese on the dough and cover with the sauce.
- Bake at 425°F for 13 to 18 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a fluffier crust, allow the dough to rise in a warm place until doubled in size. If you don't have mozzarella, try using provolone or a mix of cheeses for different flavors. To enhance the sauce, add fresh basil or a pinch of red pepper flakes. You can also use store-bought pizza dough if you're short on time.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty pizza with a side of Italian Garlic Toast for a complete meal. A simple garden salad or Cheesy Italian Tomato And Olive Salad pairs nicely to balance the richness of the cheese. For a special touch, consider offering Spumoni(Italian Ice Cream) as a dessert to round off the meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place slices on a baking sheet and warm in a 375°F oven for about 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly. This helps maintain the crust's crispiness better than microwaving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Hearty Pizza contains roughly 78 calories, with 4g protein, 14g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (16% of the Daily Value), potassium (12% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (11% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 976mg per serving (42% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Just allow it to come to room temperature before spreading it out on the pizza pan. This method can enhance the flavor of the crust.
What can I substitute for tomato sauce?
If you prefer a different base, you can use pesto or a white sauce instead. For a spicier kick, try a spicy marinara. These alternatives can give your pizza a unique twist, perfect for experimenting with different flavors.
How can I make this pizza vegetarian?
This recipe is already vegetarian, but you can add vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or olives for extra flavor and nutrition. Incorporating fresh veggies not only enhances the taste but also makes the pizza more colorful and appealing.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).