Best Pizza Stones
Every pizza lover knows that the secret to the perfect pie often lies in the tools we use. Enter the world of pizza stones! With their ability to simulate a traditional pizza oven, these flat slabs can help achieve that coveted crisp crust. In this article, we will dive deep into the best pizza stones on the market, share a foolproof recipe, and guide you through the essentials!
Ingredients
- For the dough: 2 cups of all-purpose flour or substitute with whole wheat flour for a healthier option
- 1 packet 2 1/4 teaspoons of active dry yeast
- 3/4 cup of warm water about 110°F
- 1 teaspoon of sugar
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil can be swapped for vegetable oil
- For the toppings:
- 1 cup pizza sauce store-bought or homemade
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Optional toppings: pepperoni bell peppers, mushrooms, onions, olives, etc.
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- In a small bowl, add the warm water and sugar. Stir it up! Then sprinkle the yeast in and let it sit for about 5–10 minutes until it’s bubbly and frothy—this is proof that your yeast is alive and kicking!
- Step 2: Mix Ingredients
- In a larger bowl, combine the flour and salt. Once the yeast has bubbled, add the olive oil to the yeast mixture and pour this into the flour. Mix everything together until a soft dough forms.
- Step 3: Knead Away
- Dump your dough onto a floured surface and knead it for about 5-7 minutes. You want the dough to be smooth and elastic. If it’s sticky, sprinkle in a little more flour as you knead.
- Step 4: Rise and Shine
- Form the dough into a ball, place it in a greased bowl, and cover it with a clean cloth. Let it rise in a warm area for about an hour. You’ll know it’s ready when it has doubled in size!
- Step 5: Preheat your Pizza Stone
- While the dough is rising, place your pizza stone in the oven and preheat it to 475°F (or 245°C). It’s essential to let it preheat for at least 30 minutes—it’s a key step for that crispy crust!
- Step 6: Shape your Pizza
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down, and then roll it out into your desired pizza shape—round, square, whatever floats your pizza boat! Transfer it to a piece of parchment paper for easier handling.
- Step 7: Add Toppings
- Spread some pizza sauce over your dough, sprinkle cheese, and layer on your favorite toppings. Remember not to overload your pizza; we want balance!
- Step 8: Bake Time
- Carefully slide the pizza (with parchment paper) onto the hot pizza stone. Bake for about 10-12 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden, and the crust is crispy.
- Step 9: Serve and Enjoy
- Once it’s out of the oven, let it cool for a moment, and slice it up. Dig in and enjoy your homemade masterpiece!