🍕 Ultra-Mellow Homemade Pizza
🧂 Flavor Profile:
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Smooth, mellow, and comforting
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Low-acid sauce, creamy cheese, minimal sharpness
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Ideal for all ages and sensitive palates
🌾 Ingredients
For the dough (makes 1 large or 2 medium pizzas):
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3 cups all-purpose flour (or bread flour for a chewier crust)
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1 cup warm water (100–110°F)
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2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
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1 tbsp olive oil
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1 tsp sugar
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1 tsp salt
For the mellow pizza sauce:
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1 cup canned crushed tomatoes (low-acid variety or San Marzano)
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1 tbsp olive oil
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1 tsp garlic powder (optional for subtle flavor)
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1 tsp dried basil
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1/2 tsp sugar (to mellow acidity)
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Salt to taste
For the toppings:
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2 cups mozzarella (low-moisture, whole milk for smooth melt)
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Optional: Mild toppings like sliced mushrooms, thin zucchini, cooked chicken, or fresh basil
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Light drizzle of olive oil (for extra softness)
🍽️ Instructions
1. Make the dough:
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In a bowl, mix warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit 5–10 minutes until foamy.
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Add flour, salt, and olive oil. Mix and knead for 8–10 minutes until soft and elastic.
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Place in an oiled bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot for 1 hour or until doubled.
2. Prepare the sauce:
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In a small saucepan over low heat, warm the crushed tomatoes, olive oil, basil, garlic powder, and sugar.
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Simmer for 10–15 minutes to mellow the flavor.
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Taste and adjust salt. Set aside to cool.
3. Assemble the pizza:
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Preheat oven to 475°F (or as hot as your oven goes). Place a pizza stone or baking sheet inside to heat.
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Roll out dough to desired thickness on parchment paper or floured surface.
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Spread a light layer of sauce (don’t overdo it for mellow flavor).
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Sprinkle mozzarella evenly, then add your chosen toppings.
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Optional: Drizzle a bit of olive oil over the top before baking.
4. Bake:
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Transfer pizza (on parchment if needed) to the hot stone or pan.
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Bake for 10–13 minutes until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly and lightly browned.
🌿 Tips for Extra Mellow Vibes:
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Use part-skim ricotta dolloped on top for creaminess.
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Try a white pizza variation (no red sauce) with garlic-infused olive oil and mozzarella + ricotta.
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Pair with a light salad and chamomile tea or lemonade for a super chill meal.
Would you like a gluten-free or vegan version of this mellow pizza?