Pizza is undoubtedly one of the most popular and beloved dishes around the world. Whether it's a classic margherita or extravagant variants with exotic ingredients - everyone will find something for themselves. Nothing can compare to the taste of crispy, just-baked dough, aromatic sauce and your favorite additions. That's why it's worth knowing a proven recipe for the perfect pizza dough, which we can prepare ourselves at home.
A brief history of pizza
Although the first mentions of pizza delicacies date back to ancient Greece, it was undoubtedly the Italians who perfected this culinary discipline. The pizza dough recipe that we are about to learn is the result of centuries of tradition and experience of our southern neighbors. Italians are always proud of their national dish, and we have the opportunity to enjoy its incomparable taste.
Ingredients for the perfect pizza dough
To prepare the perfect pizza dough , we only need a few basic ingredients. Here they are:
- Fresh yeast - 25 g or 7 g of instant yeast,
- Warm water - 150 ml,
- Sugar - 1/2 teaspoon,
- Wheat flour - 250 g,
- Salt - 1 teaspoon,
- Olive oil - 1 tbsp.
All these ingredients are widely available and can certainly be found in every well-stocked kitchen. It is worth making sure that they are of the highest quality, because they will mainly determine the taste and consistency of our cake.
Preparing pizza dough step by step
Time for the most important part - preparing the dough itself. Here's what to do:
Step 1. Dilution
The first step is to prepare the solution. If using fresh yeast, it should first be brought to room temperature. Then dissolve them in warm water, add 2 tablespoons of flour and sugar. Mix everything thoroughly and set aside for about 10 minutes to allow the mixture to rise. If we use instant yeast, the solution may only become slightly foamy.
Step 2. Kneading the dough
Sift the flour into a bowl, add salt and mix. Then we do in 
center and pour the previously prepared solution into it. Gradually add the flour, stirring for 2-3 minutes. Finally, add olive oil.
Transfer the dough prepared in this way to a lightly floured board and knead by hand for about 15 minutes until it becomes elastic and smooth. You can also do it with a planetary mixer.
Step 3. Proofing the dough
Place the finished dough in a large bowl, cover with a cloth and set aside for about 1 hour to let it rise.
Step 4. Forming the cakes
After rising, take the dough out onto the board and knead it lightly. We divide them into 2 equal parts and form balls. Set them aside for 7 minutes, covering them with a cloth.
Step 5. Spreading the dough
Grease baking trays or cake tins with olive oil. We take one ball of dough, place it in the center and gently spread it with our fingers, starting from the center and leaving a small roll on the edge. Be careful not to make the dough too thin - it should be about 5 mm thick.
Step 6. Adding ingredients and baking
Place a thin layer of tomato sauce, cheese (e.g. half fresh mozzarella and half grated) and your favorite additions onto the unfolded dough. We wait about 15 minutes until the dough rises a bit, and then bake it in a fully heated oven (minimum 250°C) for about 10 minutes.
And here we have a ready, aromatic pizza straight from the home kitchen! Now we can enjoy its taste and experiment with different compositions of ingredients.
How long should you store pizza dough ?
Baking one pizza usually does not use up all the dough prepared. Therefore, it is worth knowing how to properly store the surplus so that you can use it in the future.
The unused part of the dough can be stored in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days. Just wrap them tightly in food foil or place them in a closed container. Before using again, remove the cake from the refrigerator and wait until 
until it reaches room temperature. You can then roll them out and use them to make another pizza.
Alternatively, the pizza dough can also be frozen. To do this, divide them into portions, wrap them in foil or place them in resealable bags and put them in the freezer. In this form, the cake will stay fresh for up to 2-3 months. Before using, just place it in the refrigerator for about 12 hours to gradually thaw.
Types of pizza - from classic to exotic
Pizza is a dish that gives you unlimited possibilities for creatively composing flavors. Although the Italian tradition indicates several iconic variants, nowadays more and more new, bold combinations are being created all over the world.
Classic types of pizza
The most popular traditional pizzas include:
- Margherita - with tomato sauce, mozzarella and basil
- Pepperoni - with spicy salami and peppers
- Hawaiian - with ham and pineapple
- Quattro formaggi - with four types of cheese
These classic pizzas remain extremely popular and are loved by lovers of Italian cuisine all over the world.
Pizzas with exotic toppings
Modern pizza cuisine is not afraid of experiments. More and more often we come across pizzas with non-obvious and even surprising ingredients:
- Pizza with shrimp and avocado
- Pizza with chicken and curry
- Pizza with goat cheese and figs
- Pizza with salmon and spinach
These types of compositions allow for an interesting play of flavors and the discovery of new, intriguing culinary experiences.
Vegetarian and vegan pizzas
Let's also not forget about pizzas prepared for people who prefer a plant-based diet. These include:
- Pizza with mushrooms and onion,
- Pizza with baked vegetables,
- Pizza with tofu and spinach,
- Pizza with lentils and olives.
These types of pizzas are not only delicious, but also healthy and easily digestible. They are an excellent alternative to traditional versions.
Regardless of the type you choose, pizza is always a great choice for a delicious, home-cooked meal. All you need is a bit of creativity to create a real culinary masterpiece.
Why is it worth preparing pizza at home?
Although pizza is a widely available dish, preparing it yourself at home has many benefits. Here are the most important ones:
Freshness and quality of ingredients
When we make pizza at home, we have full control over the quality of the ingredients used. We can choose the freshest products, tailored to our taste preferences. This way, we avoid unhealthy preservatives and artificial additives that are often found in fast food pizzas.
Lower costs
Preparing a pizza yourself is definitely cheaper than ordering it for takeaway or in a restaurant. The cost of ingredients is low, and the end result is comparable, and often even better.
Taste personalization
When we make pizza at home, we can fully adjust its taste to our preferences. We can experiment with different combinations of ingredients, add favorite spices or change proportions. This is a great opportunity to create a truly unique pizza.
A pleasure to prepare
Preparing pizza at home can be extremely satisfying and relaxing. Kneading dough, spreading sauces and arranging ingredients is great fun, especially with family or friends.
Fresh from the oven
Nothing can compare to the taste of pizza straight from the oven. Warm, crispy dough, melting cheese and aromatic additions - it's a real feast for the palate. This taste cannot be replicated in any restaurant.
Therefore, it is worth spending some time and energy to prepare pizza at home. The effect will surely surprise and delight you!