Baking pizza at home is best achieved by using a very hot oven (450°F-550°F), a preheated baking surface like a pizza stone or steel, and a simple, high-hydration dough. A typical pizza takes 8-12 minutes to bake in a home oven.
1. The Dough (Make or Buy)
- Ingredients: 2½ cups (300g) flour, 1 tsp yeast, 1 tsp sugar, 1 tsp salt, 1½ tbsp olive oil, 1 cup warm water.
- Method: Combine ingredients, knead for 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic, then let it rise in a greased bowl for 1–2 hours until doubled in size.
- Tip: For better flavor, make the dough the day before and let it rise slowly in the refrigerator.