Hand tossed pizza is a delightful culinary adventure that brings the joy of homemade goodness right to your kitchen! Imagine a perfectly golden crust, lovingly stretched by hand, topped with a vibrant medley of fresh vegetables, gooey mozzarella, and a zesty tomato sauce that dances on your taste buds. With each bite, you’ll savor the warmth and comfort of this classic dish, made just the way you like it. So roll up your sleeves, gather your favorite toppings, and let’s create a pizza masterpiece that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Experience the joy of tossing your own dough—it’s a fun and rewarding process!
- Customize your toppings to match your cravings—go wild with veggies, cheeses, and sauces!
- Enjoy a crispy, chewy crust that’s simply irresistible—perfect for any pizza lover!
- Impress your friends and family with your homemade pizza skills—everyone will be asking for your secret!
- Make it healthier by using whole wheat flour and fresh ingredients—guilt-free indulgence!
hand tossed pizza
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Collect all the essentials: 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 packet of instant yeast, 1 teaspoon of sugar, 1 teaspoon of salt, Âľ cup of warm water, and 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
- In a large bowl, combine the flour, yeast, sugar, and salt. Give it a good stir to mix everything together.
- Pour in the warm water and olive oil. Mix until a dough starts to form. It’s okay if it’s a little sticky!
- Transfer the dough to a floured surface. Knead it for about 5-7 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. Think of it as a mini workout!
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a cloth, and let it rise for about 1 hour. It should double in size—like magic!
- While the dough rises, preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). Get it nice and hot for that perfect crust!
- Once risen, punch down the dough and transfer it to a floured surface. Roll it out or toss it in the air to shape it into your desired pizza size.
- Spread your favorite sauce, sprinkle cheese, and add toppings like veggies or cooked chicken. Be creative!
- Carefully place your pizza on a baking sheet or pizza stone. Bake for 12-15 minutes until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly.
- Once baked, let it cool for a minute, slice it up, and dig in! You’ve made a delicious hand tossed pizza!
Notes
Recipe Snapshot
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Category: | Main Dish |
| Cuisine: | Italian |
| Prep Time: | 20 minutes |
| Cook Time: | 15 minutes |
| Total Time: | 35 minutes |
| Dietary: | Vegetarian |
| Serves: | 4 |
| Best Served: | Hot with fresh toppings |
Ingredients
- All-purpose flour – a versatile base for your pizza dough.
- Warm water – activates the yeast for a perfect rise.
- Active dry yeast – helps the dough become light and fluffy.
- Olive oil – adds flavor and moisture to the dough.
- Salt – enhances the overall taste of the pizza.
- Sugar – feeds the yeast and adds a hint of sweetness.
- Tomato sauce – the essential topping for a classic pizza base.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese – melts beautifully for that gooey texture.
- Fresh basil – adds a burst of flavor and freshness.
- Vegetable toppings – customize your pizza with your favorites!
Ingredients with measurements will be right under the article in the recipe card.
How to Make the Recipe
Get ready to create your very own hand tossed pizza! Follow these fun and easy steps to impress your friends and family.
Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients
Collect all the essentials: 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 packet of instant yeast, 1 teaspoon of sugar, 1 teaspoon of salt, Âľ cup of warm water, and 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the flour, yeast, sugar, and salt. Give it a good stir to mix everything together.
Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients
Pour in the warm water and olive oil. Mix until a dough starts to form. It’s okay if it’s a little sticky!
Step 4: Knead the Dough
Transfer the dough to a floured surface. Knead it for about 5-7 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. Think of it as a mini workout!
Step 5: Let It Rise
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a cloth, and let it rise for about 1 hour. It should double in size—like magic!
Step 6: Preheat the Oven
While the dough rises, preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). Get it nice and hot for that perfect crust!
Step 7: Shape the Dough
Once risen, punch down the dough and transfer it to a floured surface. Roll it out or toss it in the air to shape it into your desired pizza size.
Step 8: Add Your Toppings
Spread your favorite sauce, sprinkle cheese, and add toppings like veggies or cooked chicken. Be creative!
Step 9: Bake the Pizza
Carefully place your pizza on a baking sheet or pizza stone. Bake for 12-15 minutes until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly.
Step 10: Enjoy Your Creation!
Once baked, let it cool for a minute, slice it up, and dig in! You’ve made a delicious hand tossed pizza!
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
• Use room temperature dough for easier stretching.
• Preheat your oven to the highest setting for a crispy crust.
• Dust your work surface with flour or cornmeal to prevent sticking.
• Experiment with different toppings to find your perfect combination.
• Let the pizza rest for a few minutes before slicing for cleaner cuts.
How to Serve
- Slice your hand tossed pizza into generous wedges for easy sharing.
- Top with fresh basil or arugula for a burst of color and flavor.
- Serve with a side of marinara or garlic dipping sauce for extra zest.
- Pair with a refreshing salad, like a classic Caesar or a vibrant Greek salad.
- Offer a variety of toppings on the side for a fun DIY pizza experience.
- Complement with a sparkling lemonade or a fruity mocktail for a festive touch.
- For a cozy night in, enjoy with a side of cheesy breadsticks or stuffed crust bites.
- Set up a pizza bar with different cheeses, veggies, and sauces for a fun gathering.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing leftovers properly ensures you can enjoy your hand tossed pizza later without losing flavor.
Storing Leftovers
- Allow pizza to cool to room temperature.
- Wrap each slice in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
- Place wrapped slices in an airtight container.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing
- Cool pizza completely before freezing.
- Wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap.
- Place wrapped slices in a freezer-safe bag or container.
- Label with the date and freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheating
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Place pizza slices on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 10-15 minutes until heated through.
- For a crispy crust, use a pizza stone if available.
FAQs
What is hand tossed pizza?
Hand tossed pizza is a style of pizza where the dough is stretched and shaped by hand, giving it a unique texture and flavor. This method allows for a thicker crust with a delightful chewiness, making it a favorite among pizza lovers.
Can I use store-bought dough for hand tossed pizza?
Absolutely! Store-bought dough can save you time and still yield delicious results. Just make sure to let it rest and come to room temperature before shaping it by hand for the best texture.
What toppings work best on hand tossed pizza?
The beauty of hand tossed pizza is its versatility! Classic toppings like mozzarella, pepperoni, and bell peppers are always a hit, but feel free to get creative with veggies, cheeses, and even non-pork proteins like chicken or turkey.
How do I achieve a crispy crust?
To get that perfect crispy crust, preheat your oven to a high temperature, ideally around 475°F (245°C). Using a pizza stone can also help achieve that desired crunch, so consider investing in one for your homemade pizzas!
Final Thoughts
There you have it—your very own hand tossed pizza masterpiece! Remember, it’s all about the joy of creating something delicious from scratch. So gather your loved ones, toss that dough, and let the laughter and flavors fill your kitchen. Enjoy every cheesy, saucy bite, and don’t forget to share your delicious creation! Happy cooking, and may your pizza nights be filled with warmth and joy!
Hungry for more delicious creations? Browse our site for more recipes and endless inspiration to spark your next culinary adventure!