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Today, we are making homemade pizza. Many people crave pizza; when they do, they often grab their phones and place an order. It’s convenient and easy, but have you ever considered making pizza at home?

There are several reasons to choose homemade pizza. It’s healthier, and you have control over the ingredients, allowing you to customize it according to your family members’ preferences. Most supermarkets sell pizza bases that are generally healthier than those found in restaurants, and you can also make your pizza base at home.

Restaurant pizza often uses excessive cornmeal in the crust, which can lead to issues like acidity, bloating, and lethargy. Additionally, phytic acid in some pizza ingredients can disrupt gut bacteria. If you’ve ever felt drained after eating pizza, your body is signaling that it’s time to make a change. Making pizza at home is easier than you think. And, it tastes better than the store-bought versions!

Ingredients

Pizza bases, Pizza Sauce, Tabasco sauce, Sriracha sauce, Dried Parsley, Dried Basil, Dried Rosemary, Onion Powder, Salt, Sugar, Black Olives, Mozzarella cheese, Cheddar cheese, Chicken breasts, Red bell pepper, Basil leaves, Garlic cloves and Oil.

Choose medium-sized pizza bases. The 20 cm pizza bases, which measure 8 inches in diameter, can fit into a frying pan. They are available in supermarkets, but you can also make them fresh at home. For the pizza sauce, we recommend using Mutti canned tomatoes (finely chopped) for their sweet, tangy flavor. We added hot sauce for a spicy kick, but it is optional and depends on your spice preference.

A good combination of hot sauces is Sriracha and regular hot sauce. Black olives add a slight vinegary note that balances the pizza’s cheesiness. However, feel free to use any olives you have on hand. If you don’t have olives, you can substitute sliced jalapeño chilies soaked in vinegar. Mozzarella and cheddar add sharpness, while parmesan adds creaminess. We used chicken breasts for this pizza, but you can also choose shrimp, salami, or beef. Red bell pepper provides crunch and sweetness, basil leaves add an herbaceous flavor, and garlic cloves.

For delicious pizza toppings, consider using the following ingredients: pesto, spinach, artichokes, sun-dried tomatoes, cherry tomatoes, mushrooms, arugula, jalapeño chilies, figs, and goat cheese.

Instructions

Thinly slice the garlic cloves and add them to a pot. Wash and chop the chicken breasts into little cubes. Add butter to your pan, then add the chicken cubes, and cook on medium-high heat. Chop up the red pepper and add it to the pan with the chicken as soon as the chicken has browned slightly. The chicken will be cooked in about 7 to 8 minutes.

Add the can of tomatoes to the small pot with the caramelized garlic. The brand Mutti offers a rich, robust tomato flavor. Italian tomatoes are best for making pizza sauce. Plenty of companies offer high-quality canned tomatoes.

Look for the ‘Made in Italy’ branding or 100 % Italian. Add the spices, such as dried basil, parsley, rosemary, onion powder, and salt. Sugar helps to balance the pizza sauce’s acidity. The sauce will have to simmer for approximately 20 minutes to reach a thick consistency.

Grate the cheeses or use pre-grated cheese, and slice up the olives and basil leaves. Add the pizza sauce to the pizza base. Add the cooked chicken and red bell peppers. Add the basil and grated mozzarella, then sprinkle with additional Parmesan.

There are two ways to cook homemade pizza: using a pan on the stove with a lid, or baking it in an oven. If you choose to use an oven, simply place the pizza inside until the cheese has melted.

At the supermarket, you can find two types of pizza bases: frozen and fresh (non-frozen). Frozen Pizza Bases have a longer shelf life and can be stored in the freezer for months. They are easy to use: simply defrost the base, add your toppings, and place them in the oven. They are convenient and cost-effective. Fresh Pizza Bases can be found in the fridge section or the bread aisle of the supermarket. They have a shorter shelf life and a softer texture compared to frozen bases.

When cooking with non-frozen pizza bases, it takes approximately five minutes on a stovetop pan, provided the pan is covered with a lid. The pizza is ready when the cheese melts. Be sure to check the bottom of the pizza to ensure it isn’t cooking faster than the cheese is melting.

For non-frozen pizza bases, cooking times range from five to seven minutes in a preheated oven. In contrast, frozen pizza bases typically require ten to fifteen minutes at 425°F (220°C) in the oven. Overall, making pizza is straightforward, and this recipe is healthy and easy to follow.

What can you Serve with Homemade Pizza?

There are many delicious options to serve with homemade pizza, such as Caesar or Caprese salads with fresh tomatoes, balsamic vinegar, and mozzarella. Garlic bread can also be served alongside pizza, especially at a large family gathering. Dipping sauces, such as marinara or garlic yogurt, will add extra flavor. Roasted vegetables can add a healthy touch to the entire meal. Pair with soda or juice to complete the experience.

How to Store Homemade Pizza?

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for two to three days. Pizza can be frozen for three months. Reheat the pizza on the stove or in the oven. Many people pre-cook the chicken and pizza sauce, grate the cheeses, and place them in separate containers in the freezer. Store-bought pizza bases can last for three months in the freezer. Making the pizza will require a short amount of time to assemble and bake it. This is a convenient way to have homemade pizza on busy weeknights and weekends.