Pizza(Better Than Traditional)
A flavorful homemade pizza with a crispy crust, savory tomato sauce, and melted mozzarella cheese. Bright basil and oregano add aromatic freshness, making it perfect for casual gatherings or weeknight dinners. Customizable with toppings of your choice, it offers a satisfying and delicious alternative to traditional takeout pizzas.
Ingredients
- cornmeal for sprinkling ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. oil ⓘ
- 1/2 c. minced onion ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic, minced ⓘ
- 1 (35 oz.) can whole tomatoes, crushed and drained ⓘ
- 5 1/2 tsp. chopped fresh basil or 1 3/4 tsp. dried basil ⓘ
- 2 tsp. chopped fresh oregano or 1/2 tsp. dried oregano ⓘ
- 1/8 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/8 tsp. pepper ⓘ
- pizza dough for one 12-inch pie ⓘ
- 8 oz. shredded mozzarella cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 450°F.
- Lightly oil a 12-inch pizza pan and sprinkle with cornmeal.
- Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Add minced onion and garlic; cook for 2 minutes.
- Add crushed and drained tomatoes, 4 1/2 teaspoons basil or 1/2 teaspoon dried basil, 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Press the pizza dough into the prepared pan.
- Spread the tomato sauce evenly over the dough.
- Top with shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Sprinkle with remaining basil and oregano.
- Bake until the crust is golden brown, about 20 minutes.
- Let the pizza stand for 5 minutes before slicing.
- Garnish with fresh basil if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For a crispier crust, pre-bake the dough for 5 minutes before adding sauce and toppings. If you prefer a different cheese, try using provolone or a blend of Italian cheeses. Fresh herbs can enhance flavor; consider substituting fresh oregano for dried if available. If you like a bit of heat, adding red pepper flakes to the sauce can elevate the dish.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your pizza with a side salad for a balanced meal, or pair it with a light antipasto platter featuring olives and marinated vegetables. A glass of red wine complements the flavors beautifully, making it perfect for a casual dinner. For an Italian touch, consider serving it alongside Italian Salsa for a fresh, zesty contrast.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, wrap the pizza tightly in aluminum foil or place it in an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to 3 days. To reheat, place slices on a baking sheet and warm in a preheated oven at 375°F for about 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly. This will help maintain the crispiness of the crust.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pizza(Better Than Traditional) contains roughly 391 calories, with 30g protein, 11g carbohydrates, and 26g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (70% of the Daily Value), protein (60% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (33% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1721mg per serving (75% 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 use store-bought pizza dough?
Absolutely! Store-bought pizza dough is a convenient option that saves time. Just follow the package instructions for best results. If you're short on time, look for fresh dough in the refrigerated section of your grocery store for a homemade taste without the effort.
How can I make this pizza vegetarian?
This recipe is already vegetarian-friendly with its tomato sauce and cheese. You can easily add your favorite vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach to the toppings. For a heartier option, try adding Tofu Italian Meatballs for extra protein and flavor.
What can I do if I don’t have fresh herbs?
If fresh herbs aren't available, you can use dried herbs instead. Keep in mind that dried herbs are more concentrated, so use about one-third the amount called for in the recipe. For instance, substitute 1 3/4 teaspoons of dried basil for 5 1/2 teaspoons of fresh basil.
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).