Pizza with Mike

 How to Master Homemade Pizza

There’s a common misconception that great pizza requires expensive ingredients or a high-end brick oven. The truth is, the best pizza often comes from a simple, thoughtful approach using everyday ingredients. With a little planning, you can easily create a restaurant-quality pie right in your own kitchen for under $20. By focusing on homemade components and smart ingredient choices, you can turn a humble meal into a fun, interactive, and genuinely delicious experience that will satisfy everyone.

• Dough: The Budget-Friendly Foundation. The most cost-effective way to achieve a fantastic crust is to make your own dough from scratch. The basic ingredients—flour, water, yeast, salt, and a little sugar—are incredibly cheap and create a far superior product than pre-made dough. Kneading the dough is a simple process that builds elasticity, giving your crust that perfect chew. If you are short on time, you can find quality, ready-made dough at most grocery stores for just a few dollars. Either way, preparing the dough ahead of time is key to a low-stress pizza night, as it can be stored in the fridge for a day or two.

• Sauce and Cheese: The Heart of the Pizza. The sauce is another area where a homemade approach pays off. Instead of buying an expensive jar, you can make a rich, flavorful pizza sauce from a can of tomato paste or crushed tomatoes, seasoned with common pantry spices like garlic powder, oregano, and basil. For the cheese, a block of low-moisture mozzarella is your best friend. It melts beautifully and has a classic pizza flavor. Avoid pre-shredded bags of cheese, as they often contain anti-caking agents that can prevent a smooth, melty consistency. You can also mix in small amounts of Parmesan or provolone for a more complex flavor without significantly increasing the cost.

• Smart Toppings for Maximum Flavor. The toppings are where the fun happens, and where a budget can be kept in check. Instead of pricey pepperoni or specialty meats, opt for simple, high-impact toppings that don't cost much. Sautéed mushrooms and onions add a savory, meaty flavor without the expense. A sprinkle of dried red pepper flakes or a drizzle of garlic-infused oil can transform a plain cheese pizza. Other affordable options include bell peppers, black olives, or even a simple can of pineapple. The key is to avoid overcrowding the pizza, which can lead to a soggy crust. A little bit goes a long way, especially when you focus on a few key flavors that you love.

In conclusion, a truly great pizza doesn’t have to come with a high price tag. By taking control of the key components—the dough, the sauce, and the toppings—you can create a homemade masterpiece for under $20. This is a meal that proves that the best food is often the simplest, and that a little effort in the kitchen can lead to a delicious and memorable experience for the whole family.

Homemade Pizza for Under $20: The Recipe

This recipe is designed to make two 12-inch pizzas, perfect for a family of four, all for a total cost of under $20.

Prep Time: 20-30 minutes (not including dough rise time) Cook Time: 10-15 minutes per pizza Servings: 4

Ingredients

For the Pizza Dough:

• 1.5 cups warm water (about 110°F or 43°C)

• 1 teaspoon granulated sugar

• 2 teaspoons active dry yeast

• 3.5 cups all-purpose flour

• 2 teaspoons salt

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Simple Pizza Sauce:

• 1 (8-ounce) can of tomato sauce

• 1 (6-ounce) can of tomato paste

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon dried basil

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

• 1/2 teaspoon sugar (optional, for acidity)

For Toppings:

• 2 cups shredded low-moisture mozzarella cheese

• Assorted budget-friendly toppings (e.g., sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, black olives)

Instructions

1. Make the Dough:

• In a large bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes until it becomes foamy.

• Add the flour, salt, and olive oil to the yeast mixture. Stir until a shaggy dough forms.

• Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-8 minutes, or until it forms a smooth, elastic ball.

• Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for at least 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.

2. Prepare the Sauce and Toppings:

• While the dough is rising, prepare the sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together the tomato sauce, tomato paste, and all of the spices. Set aside.

• Prep your desired toppings by slicing or dicing them and placing them in separate bowls.

3. Assemble and Bake the Pizzas:

• Preheat your oven to its highest setting, preferably 500°F (260°C), with a pizza stone or baking sheet on the lowest rack for at least 30 minutes to get very hot.

• Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into two equal balls.

• On a lightly floured surface, stretch or roll each dough ball into a 12-inch circle.

• Carefully transfer one of the dough rounds to a piece of parchment paper.

• Spread half of the sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border for the crust.

• Sprinkle with half of the shredded mozzarella cheese and your desired toppings.

• Carefully slide the pizza (on the parchment paper) onto the preheated stone or baking sheet.

• Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

• Repeat the process with the second pizza. Let the pizza cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.