Pizza 101: How to Build Your Own Pizza
On the surface, pizza is relatively simple: some crust, some cheese, some toppings and you’re done. You’ve got dinner, lunch, or possibly even breakfast. It is this simplicity that makes pizza such a versatile dish. There are thousands, maybe even millions, of possibilities. So when it comes to time to build your own pizza, you have ask yourself one important question: what do you really want?
The Crust
Thin, thick, square or round, the crust is the foundation of your pizza. Do you want a thick and chewy crust, or a thin and crispy one? And if you add a flavored crust, you have even more options. There’s no right or wrong answer; it’s all up to you (no pressure).
The Sauce
Red sauce is the traditional and most common sauce, but you can also go with spicy buffalo or sweet BBQ sauce. Or even ranch sauce, if that’s your pleasure.
The Cheese
Mozzarella is the most common cheese for pizza, and with good reason. It has the perfect qualities for browning, stretching, and blistering – everything you want from cheese on your pizza. However, if you like a little parmesan or cheddar mixed in, you are not alone. Many chefs add a little sharp cheddar or parmesan to the mix, so you can too.
The Toppings
Oh, the toppings. This is where things really begin to get wild. Pepperoni, sausage or even plain cheese are all respectable choices – many people know what they like and stick with it. There’s no shame in that. However, all sorts of combinations are possible, so if you ever want to take a walk on the wild side, there’s ham and pineapple, buffalo chicken, or BBQ chicken to choose from.
Flavored Crust
Now, let’s revisit flavored crust. Butter is a good option for any type of pizza, since butter really does make everything better. But if you want to add a little spice, try Cajun with your BBQ chicken pizza. Or try garlic or onion with your meat lover’s pizza. Sesame can add a little crunch and goes well with veggies, and we all know ranch crust is perfect for buffalo chicken. When you think about all the combinations possible, there really is something for everyone.
Resources:
http://ourbestbites.com/2008/06/cooking-class-pizza-101/
https://poorcouplesfoodguide.com/2015/05/05/food-101-how-to-make-a-pizza/