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Crispy Friday Night Pizza Recipe Easy Homemade Weekend Treat

crispy friday night pizza recipe - featured image

A quick and easy homemade pizza recipe with a crispy crust and chewy interior, perfect for weekend gatherings and casual dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 1/2 cups (440g) all-purpose flour
  • 2 1/4 tsp instant yeast (one packet)
  • 1 1/2 cups (360ml) warm water (around 110°F/43°C)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil (for dough)
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • 1 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 cup (240ml) canned crushed tomatoes
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 tbsp olive oil (for sauce)
  • 8 oz (225g) fresh mozzarella, sliced or torn
  • Handful fresh basil leaves
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan (optional)
  • Your favorite pizza toppings (pepperoni, mushrooms, olives, bell peppers, etc.)

Instructions

  1. Activate the yeast: In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water (110°F/43°C), sugar, and instant yeast. Stir gently and let sit for about 5 minutes until foamy.
  2. Make the dough: Add flour, salt, and olive oil to the yeast mixture. Mix until combined. Knead by hand on a floured surface for about 8 minutes until smooth and elastic. Add more flour if too sticky, but keep slightly tacky.
  3. First rise: Shape dough into a ball and place in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover and let rise in a warm spot for 45-60 minutes until doubled in size.
  4. Prepare the sauce: Combine crushed tomatoes, minced garlic, oregano, salt, pepper, and olive oil in a bowl. Stir and set aside.
  5. Preheat oven: Place pizza stone or baking sheet in oven and preheat to 475°F (245°C) for at least 30 minutes.
  6. Shape the dough: Punch down dough, divide into two balls or keep whole. Stretch or roll into a 12-inch circle on a floured surface.
  7. Assemble pizza: Transfer dough to a pizza peel dusted with cornmeal or parchment paper. Spread a thin layer of sauce, leaving a border. Add mozzarella and toppings. Add fresh basil after baking.
  8. Bake: Slide pizza onto preheated stone or baking sheet. Bake 10-12 minutes until crust is golden and crisp and cheese is melted.
  9. Finish and serve: Remove pizza, sprinkle with Parmesan if desired, let rest for a couple of minutes before slicing.

Notes

Use instant yeast for faster rise. Preheat oven and baking surface thoroughly for crispy crust. Avoid overloading toppings to prevent sogginess. For extra crispiness, bake a minute or two longer or broil for last 30 seconds. Dough can be made ahead and refrigerated overnight. Gluten-free and vegan adaptations available.

Nutrition

Keywords: pizza, homemade pizza, crispy pizza, Friday night pizza, easy pizza recipe, weekend treat, quick pizza, pizza dough, mozzarella pizza