Grandma Pizza

Introduction

Grandma pizza is a delightful, nostalgic dish that’s perfect for those who love the classic, comforting flavors of a traditional pizza, but with a twist. Originating from the kitchens of Italian-American grandmothers, this pizza is known for its simple ingredients, rectangular shape, and crispy, golden crust. It’s a family favorite in many households, often made with love and passed down through generations. This version of grandma pizza features a savory tomato sauce, melted mozzarella, and a drizzle of olive oil, all nestled on a thick, yet light, crust. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or indulging in a quiet evening at home, this pizza brings warmth and satisfaction to every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why Grandma Pizza will become your new favorite pizza:

• Simple Ingredients: Made with everyday ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry and fridge.
• Crispy, yet Soft Crust: The crust is crispy on the outside but still soft and airy on the inside, making it the perfect base for all the toppings.
• Classic Tomato Sauce: A homemade tomato sauce that’s rich in flavor and complements the cheese perfectly.
• No Fancy Equipment: You don’t need a pizza stone or fancy oven setup—just a simple baking sheet.
• Family Tradition: This recipe carries a sense of tradition, perfect for making memories with loved ones.
• Customizable: While classic, this pizza is easy to customize with your favorite toppings like pepperoni, mushrooms, or olives.
• Comforting: It’s the kind of meal that wraps you in comfort, just like grandma used to make.

Preparation Time and Cook Time

• Total Time: 2 hours (including dough resting time)
• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
• Servings: 8 slices
• Calories per serving: Approximately 300 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 12g, Fat: 14g, Carbohydrates: 32g, Fiber: 3g

Ingredients

For the Pizza Dough:

• 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
• 1 1/2 cups warm water (about 110°F)
• 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons sugar
• 1 tablespoon olive oil, plus extra for drizzling
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt

the Tomato Sauce:

• 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon sugar
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

For the Toppings:

• 1 1/2 cups whole milk mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps to make your Grandma Pizza from scratch:

Make the Dough

1. Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, mix the warm water and sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the top and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes, or until it becomes frothy.
2. Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the activated yeast mixture and olive oil. Stir until a dough begins to form.
3. Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for about 5-7 minutes, until the dough is smooth and elastic.
4. Let It Rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1 1/2 hours, or until it doubles in size.

Make the Tomato Sauce

1. Cook the Garlic: In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant.
2. Add Tomatoes and Season: Add the crushed tomatoes, oregano, salt, sugar, and pepper. Stir to combine. Let the sauce simmer over low heat for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens. Adjust seasoning to taste.

Assemble the Pizza

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C).
2. Shape the Dough: Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Roll it out into a rectangle on a lightly floured surface, about 12×16 inches. Transfer it to a greased baking sheet.
3. Add Sauce and Cheese: Spread a generous amount of tomato sauce over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly over the sauce, then top with grated Parmesan.
4. Drizzle with Olive Oil: Drizzle a little olive oil over the top of the pizza for extra flavor and crispiness.

Bake the Pizza

1. Bake: Place the pizza in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
2. Garnish and Serve: Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for a couple of minutes before slicing. If desired, garnish with fresh basil leaves for a burst of color and flavor.

How to Serve

Grandma Pizza is delicious on its own, but here are some ideas to make your meal even more special:

1. Pair with a Salad: A simple green salad with balsamic vinaigrette or a Caesar salad pairs perfectly with this pizza.
2. Serve with Wine: A light red wine, such as Pinot Noir or Chianti, complements the rich tomato sauce and cheese.
3. Garlic Bread: If you’re craving more carbs (who isn’t?), serve with a side of garlic bread for extra flavor.
4. Make it a Family Feast: Set up a DIY pizza bar with a variety of toppings, so everyone can create their own pizza with their favorite ingredients.

Additional Tips

Here are a few tips to make your Grandma Pizza even better:

1. Use High-Quality Cheese: The mozzarella is the star of this pizza, so choose high-quality, whole milk mozzarella for the best texture and flavor.
2. Let the Dough Rest: If you have the time, letting the dough rest for longer than an hour will give it a richer, more developed flavor.
3. Don’t Overload the Toppings: Grandma pizza is all about the balance between the crust, sauce, and cheese. Keep the toppings simple and let the flavor shine.
4. Use Fresh Basil: Fresh basil leaves on top of the hot pizza bring a burst of freshness and a wonderful aroma.

Recipe Variations

Customize your Grandma Pizza with these variations:

• Meat Lovers: Add pepperoni, sausage, or bacon for a meaty twist.
• Veggie Delight: Top with sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, or olives.
• Spicy: Add crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce or top with spicy sausage for an extra kick.
• White Pizza: Skip the tomato sauce and use ricotta cheese mixed with garlic and olive oil as the base.

Freezing and Storage

If you have any leftovers, you can store or freeze your pizza for later:

• Refrigerate: Store leftover pizza in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to maintain the crispy crust.
• Freeze: If you want to freeze the pizza, let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat, bake it directly from the freezer at 375°F for 15-20 minutes.

Special Equipment

While Grandma Pizza doesn’t require fancy equipment, here’s what you’ll need:

• Baking Sheet: A large baking sheet (or two smaller ones) to bake the pizza.
• Rolling Pin: For rolling out the dough evenly.
• Saucepan: To make the tomato sauce.
• Oven Thermometer: For the most accurate cooking results, an oven thermometer ensures your oven reaches the ideal temperature, especially if it tends to run hot or cold.
• Parchment Paper: For easy clean-up and preventing the pizza from sticking to the pan or stone, parchment paper is a great tool. It’s especially helpful when transferring dough to a hot pizza stone.
• Dough Scraper: If you’re making your dough by hand, a dough scraper is an incredibly helpful tool for dividing and shaping the dough while keeping everything clean and tidy.
• Large Spatula or Pizza Peel: A pizza peel helps you slide your pizza into the oven with ease, especially if you’re using a pizza stone. If you don’t have one, a large spatula will do the trick.
• Basting Brush: Use a basting brush to apply a flavorful drizzle of olive oil or garlic butter to the crust for an added layer of richness and flavor.

FAQ Section

Wondering more about Grandma Pizza? Here are some frequently asked questions to help you out, along with answers to clear up any doubts:

• Can I make this pizza gluten-free?
  Yes! Simply use gluten-free pizza dough instead of regular flour.
• Can I make the dough in advance?
  Yes! You can make the dough a day ahead and refrigerate it. Let it come to room temperature before using it.
• What other cheeses can I use?
  Try using a mix of mozzarella, provolone, and fontina for extra richness.
• Can I use store-bought dough?
• While homemade dough is the best for flavor and texture, you can absolutely use store-bought dough if you’re short on time. Just be sure to follow the package instructions for the best results.
• What’s the best way to serve Grandma Pizza?
• Grandma Pizza pairs well with a simple salad, garlic bread, or a light pasta. For drinks, try a light red wine like Pinot Noir or Chianti, or even a refreshing sparkling water.
• How can I make the crust extra crispy?
  To get a super crispy crust, drizzle a little olive oil over the dough before adding the sauce and cheese. You can also preheat the baking sheet in the oven for a few minutes before placing the dough on it.

Print

Conclusion

Grandma Pizza is the epitome of comfort food, with its crispy crust, rich tomato sauce, and melted cheese. It’s simple, yet packed with flavor, and is perfect for a family dinner, a party, or a cozy evening. Whether you stick with the classic recipe or add your own spin, this pizza is bound to become a beloved staple in your kitchen.

Don’t forget to snap a photo and tag me on social media—I love seeing your delicious creations!