Pizza con Pomodori Freschi (Pizza with Fresh Tomatoes)
Pizza con Pomodori Freschi
Equipment
- Equipment Needed
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk or fork
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rolling Pin
- Baking sheet or pizza stone
- Pizza cutter or knife
Ingredients
- Ingredients
- For the Dough:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour or bread flour for a chewier texture
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 packet 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
- 3/4 cup warm water about 110°F
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- For the Topping:
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
- 1 cup fresh mozzarella sliced or cubed
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: crushed red pepper flakes for a bit of heat
Instructions
- Step-by-Step Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine warm water and sugar, then sprinkle in the yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it’s foamy. This indicates that the yeast is active and ready.
- Mix the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the activated yeast mixture and olive oil, stirring until a shaggy dough forms.
- Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic. From my experience, a little patience here ensures a great texture.
- Let the Dough Rise: Place the dough in an oiled bowl, cover with a clean cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
- Step 2: Prepare the Toppings
- Prep the Tomatoes: Toss the halved cherry tomatoes in a small bowl with a tablespoon of olive oil, a pinch of salt, and pepper.
- Slice the Mozzarella: If using fresh mozzarella, slice or cube it so it will spread evenly across the pizza.
- Step 3: Shape and Assemble the Pizza
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 475°F (245°C). If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven while it heats up.
- Shape the Dough: On a floured surface, gently press and stretch the dough into a 12-inch circle. From my experience, using your hands instead of a rolling pin helps keep the dough light and airy. Transfer the dough to a parchment-lined baking sheet or a pizza peel if using a pizza stone.
- Add the Toppings: Brush the dough lightly with olive oil. Spread the cherry tomatoes evenly over the dough, then add the mozzarella pieces. Scatter fresh basil leaves on top.
- Step 4: Bake the Pizza
- Bake: Place the pizza in the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly.
- Cool Slightly: Let the pizza cool for a few minutes before slicing. This allows the cheese to set slightly, making it easier to cut.
- Step 5: Serve
- Slice and Serve: Slice the pizza and garnish with additional basil, a drizzle of olive oil, and crushed red pepper flakes if desired.
- Variations & Substitutions
- Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free pizza flour blend.
- Vegan: Use vegan mozzarella or other plant-based cheese alternatives, and ensure your dough ingredients are vegan-friendly.
- Extra Toppings: For added flavor, try adding thin slices of red onion, fresh arugula after baking, or a sprinkle of Parmesan.
- Herbed Dough: Mix dried oregano or garlic powder into the dough for an extra burst of flavor.
Italian cuisine has a way of transforming simple ingredients into something truly special, and fresh tomato pizza is a great example of this. This Pizza con Pomodori Freschi celebrates the vibrant flavors of ripe tomatoes, fresh basil, and creamy mozzarella on a crisp yet tender crust. From my own personal experience, I’ve found that this recipe is perfect for those who want a quick and straightforward pizza with a taste that’s anything but ordinary. Let me show you how I make this delicious Italian classic at home.
What to Expect
Expect a wonderfully aromatic pizza with a thin, crispy crust and fresh flavors that burst with each bite. The cherry tomatoes provide a juicy sweetness, while the mozzarella adds creaminess, and the basil gives a fragrant, peppery finish.
Recipe Overview
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus 1-2 hours for dough rising)
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Time to Stand: 10 minutes
- Total Time: Approximately 1.5-2 hours
- Ease of Cooking: Easy, beginner-friendly
- Servings: 4
- Calories: ~270 per slice (1/8th of pizza)
- Cost of Ingredients: Moderate
- Cuisine: Italian
- Course: Main Course or Appetizer
Equipment Needed
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk or fork
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rolling pin
- Baking sheet or pizza stone
- Pizza cutter or knife
- > Go here to buy the must-have equipment and ingredients for creating a Savory #Pizza con Pomodori Freschi now.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (or bread flour for a chewier texture)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
- 3/4 cup warm water (about 110°F)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
For the Topping:
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup fresh mozzarella, sliced or cubed
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: crushed red pepper flakes for a bit of heat
- > Go here to buy the must-have equipment and ingredients for creating a Savory #Pizza con Pomodori Freschi now.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine warm water and sugar, then sprinkle in the yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it’s foamy. This indicates that the yeast is active and ready.
- Mix the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the activated yeast mixture and olive oil, stirring until a shaggy dough forms.
- Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic. From my experience, a little patience here ensures a great texture.
- Let the Dough Rise: Place the dough in an oiled bowl, cover with a clean cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
Step 2: Prepare the Toppings
- Prep the Tomatoes: Toss the halved cherry tomatoes in a small bowl with a tablespoon of olive oil, a pinch of salt, and pepper.
- Slice the Mozzarella: If using fresh mozzarella, slice or cube it so it will spread evenly across the pizza.
Step 3: Shape and Assemble the Pizza
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 475°F (245°C). If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven while it heats up.
- Shape the Dough: On a floured surface, gently press and stretch the dough into a 12-inch circle. From my experience, using your hands instead of a rolling pin helps keep the dough light and airy. Transfer the dough to a parchment-lined baking sheet or a pizza peel if using a pizza stone.
- Add the Toppings: Brush the dough lightly with olive oil. Spread the cherry tomatoes evenly over the dough, then add the mozzarella pieces. Scatter fresh basil leaves on top.
Step 4: Bake the Pizza
- Bake: Place the pizza in the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly.
- Cool Slightly: Let the pizza cool for a few minutes before slicing. This allows the cheese to set slightly, making it easier to cut.
Step 5: Serve
- Slice and Serve: Slice the pizza and garnish with additional basil, a drizzle of olive oil, and crushed red pepper flakes if desired.
Variations & Substitutions
- Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free pizza flour blend.
- Vegan: Use vegan mozzarella or other plant-based cheese alternatives, and ensure your dough ingredients are vegan-friendly.
- Extra Toppings: For added flavor, try adding thin slices of red onion, fresh arugula after baking, or a sprinkle of Parmesan.
- Herbed Dough: Mix dried oregano or garlic powder into the dough for an extra burst of flavor.
- > Go here to buy the must-have equipment and ingredients for creating a Savory #Pizza con Pomodori Freschi now.
Tips for Success
- Resting the Dough: Letting the dough rise fully is crucial for a light and airy crust, so don’t rush it.
- High Heat: Baking at a high temperature is key to achieving a crispy crust, so make sure your oven is fully preheated.
- Avoiding Sogginess: Lightly brush the dough with olive oil to prevent the tomatoes from making the crust soggy.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 270
- Protein: 11g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fat: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
I hope this guide has made making Pizza con Pomodori Freschi feel a little less daunting, or maybe you’ve tried it before? Please, be honest, and let me know in the comments below. I love hearing feedback from real people like you, so please leave your honest thoughts!
Hello all,
Zio Leo here!
Cooking and sharing great food brings people together in the most authentic way, in my own personal experience, and with a lifelong passion for Italian cuisine, I’m here to share tips, recipes, and stories that celebrate the rich flavors of Italy. From classic dishes to modern twists, have my guides inspired you to bring a little bit of Italy into your kitchen? Please, be honest with me here. Leave your comments down below. I’d love to hear from real people like you. Read more about me here! =>>