Craving a delicious homemade pizza but short on time? Look no further! With our "Pizza with Store Bought Dough" recipe, you can whip up two mouthwatering pizzas in just 30 minutes—perfect for a busy weeknight or a spontaneous gathering with friends. Imagine sinking your teeth into a perfectly crispy crust topped with gooey mozzarella, savory pepperoni, and vibrant bell peppers, all enhanced by the aromatic touch of fresh basil. This simple yet delectable recipe will have your taste buds dancing and your guests begging for seconds. Ready to become the pizza hero of your kitchen? Let’s dive in!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 2 pizzas
Ingredients
- 1 package store-bought pizza dough
- 1 cup pizza sauce
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup pepperoni slices
- 1/2 cup bell peppers, sliced
- 1/4 cup olives, sliced
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Remove store-bought pizza dough from refrigerator and let it rest at room temperature for 30 minutes to become more pliable and easier to stretch.
- Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C). If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven during preheating to ensure a crispy crust.
- Lightly dust a clean work surface with flour. Gently stretch the pizza dough using your hands, working from the center outwards, until it reaches approximately 12-14 inches in diameter.
- Transfer stretched dough onto a pizza pan or baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Spread pizza sauce evenly across the dough, leaving a small border around the edges for the crust.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the sauce.
- Distribute pepperoni slices, sliced bell peppers, and olives evenly across the pizza.
- Bake in preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until crust is golden brown and cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove pizza from oven and let cool for 2-3 minutes.
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves, slice, and serve hot.
Tips
- Let the Dough Rest: Don’t rush the dough! Allowing it to rest at room temperature for 30 minutes makes it easier to stretch and shape, resulting in a better crust.
- Preheat Your Oven: For that perfect crispy crust, preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C) and use a pizza stone if you have one. This step is crucial for achieving that pizzeria-quality texture.
- Flour Your Surface: Lightly dust your work surface with flour to prevent the dough from sticking. This will make stretching and transferring your pizza a breeze.
- Don’t Overload with Toppings: While it’s tempting to pile on the toppings, be mindful not to overload your pizza. A balanced amount ensures even cooking and prevents a soggy crust.
- Keep an Eye on the Bake: Ovens can vary, so start checking your pizza at the 12-minute mark. Look for a golden brown crust and bubbly cheese to know it’s ready.
- Garnish for Freshness: Fresh basil adds a delightful touch of flavor and color. Add it right after baking to keep it vibrant and aromatic.
- Slice and Serve Immediately: Pizza is best enjoyed hot and fresh. Slice it up and serve right away for the ultimate pizza experience!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 35mg
