Tomato-Cheese Pizza
A flavorful tomato and cheese pizza with a crispy crust, rich tomato topping, and gooey mozzarella, perfect for casual gatherings or weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Soften yeast in 2 tablespoons warm water and set aside.
- Pour remaining 1 cup warm water into a large bowl.
- Blend in 2 cups all-purpose flour and 1 teaspoon salt.
- Stir in the softened yeast mixture and mix well.
- Add about 1 cup flour to the mixture and beat until very smooth.
- Mix in enough remaining flour to make a soft dough.
- Knead the dough until smooth and elastic, then let it rise.
- Preheat oven to the desired temperature for baking the pizza.
- Roll out the dough on a floured surface to the desired thickness.
- Spread the drained, canned tomatoes over the dough.
- Arrange thin slices of mozzarella cheese over the tomato topping.
- Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Bake until the crust is golden and cheese is bubbly, about 15 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a crispier crust, pre-bake the dough for 5 minutes before adding toppings. You can substitute the canned tomatoes with fresh tomatoes blended into a sauce for a fresher taste. If you prefer a bit more flavor, consider adding herbs like oregano or basil to the dough or topping. For a different cheese experience, try blending in some goat cheese with the mozzarella.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the pizza hot, garnished with fresh basil or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a kick. Pair it with a crisp green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. This dish also pairs beautifully with Italian recipes like Spaghetti Squash Primavera for a delightful vegetarian feast.
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 in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and the crust is crisp. You can also use a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes for a quick reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Tomato-Cheese Pizza contains roughly 583 calories, with 55g protein, 74g carbohydrates, and 18g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (139% of the Daily Value), protein (110% of the Daily Value), and iron (47% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 39g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 ahead of time. After kneading, let it rise, then cover it tightly and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to use, allow the dough to come to room temperature before rolling it out.
What can I do if my dough doesn't rise properly?
If your dough doesn't rise, it could be due to inactive yeast. Ensure your yeast is fresh and properly activated with warm water. If it still doesn’t rise, consider letting it rest in a warmer environment or try again with a new batch of yeast.
Can I freeze the pizza?
Yes, you can freeze the pizza either before or after baking. For unbaked pizza, assemble it, wrap it tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. For baked pizza, cool it completely before wrapping and freezing. Reheat directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
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).