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### **How to Make the Pizza Sauce**
While your dough is rising, you can start preparing the pizza sauce. Here’s a simple recipe to get that classic pizza flavor.
#### **Step 1: Sauté Garlic**
In a medium saucepan, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.
#### **Step 2: Add Tomatoes and Seasoning**
Add the canned tomatoes to the pan, and break them down with a spoon or potato masher. Season with salt, sugar, oregano, and basil. Simmer the sauce on low heat for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken.
#### **Step 3: Blend (Optional)**
For a smoother sauce, you can blend the sauce using an immersion blender or regular blender. This step is optional and depends on your preferred sauce texture.
#### **Step 4: Cool the Sauce**
Once the sauce is done, let it cool to room temperature before spreading it on the pizza. Using hot sauce can cause the dough to become soggy.
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### **Assembling and Baking the Cheese Pizza**
Now that your dough and sauce are ready, it’s time to assemble and bake the pizza!
#### **Step 1: Preheat Your Oven**
Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C), or as high as it can go. The key to a crispy crust is baking at a high temperature. If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven while it preheats. The stone will help create a crispy, evenly baked crust.
#### **Step 2: Shape the Dough**
Take your dough and place it on a floured surface. Use your hands to gently stretch and flatten the dough into a round shape. You can also use a rolling pin, but for a more authentic pizzeria look, hand-stretching the dough is ideal. Aim for a thickness of about ¼ inch.
#### **Step 3: Add Sauce and Cheese**
Spread a thin layer of the pizza sauce over the dough, leaving about an inch around the edges for the crust. Be careful not to use too much sauce, as this can make the pizza soggy.
Next, generously sprinkle the mozzarella cheese over the sauce. Be sure to cover the pizza evenly but leave a small border for the crust. If you’re using Parmesan or provolone, sprinkle those on top of the mozzarella.
#### **Step 4: Bake the Pizza**
Transfer the pizza to the preheated oven or pizza stone. Bake for 10-15 minutes or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown. The crust should be crispy and slightly browned at the edges.
#### **Step 5: Finishing Touches**
Once the pizza is out of the oven, drizzle a little olive oil on top for extra flavor. Garnish with fresh basil leaves or dried oregano for an added touch of freshness. Slice and serve immediately.
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### **Tips for the Perfect Pizza**
– **Use a Pizza Stone or Steel**: For the best results, use a pizza stone or pizza steel. These tools distribute heat evenly, resulting in a crispy crust.
– **Don’t Overload the Pizza**: While toppings are great, don’t overload your pizza. A simple cheese pizza with a thin layer of sauce and cheese allows the crust to shine.
– **Rest the Dough**: Don’t rush the dough-making process. Letting the dough rise properly will give you a better texture and flavor.
– **Experiment with Cheese**: Mozzarella is the classic, but you can add different cheeses like cheddar, gouda, or goat cheese for a unique twist.
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### **Conclusion**
Making the perfect **Cheese Pizza** at home doesn’t have to be intimidating. With the right ingredients, techniques, and a little practice, you can create a pizza that rivals your favorite pizzeria. From the dough to the sauce to the cheese, each step in the process is important in ensuring that your pizza comes out perfectly baked, crispy on the outside, soft and chewy on the inside, and loaded with the cheesy goodness we all crave.
So, get your oven preheated, gather your ingredients, and enjoy the process of making your very own **Perfectly Baked Cheese Pizza**. Whether you’re sharing it with friends and family or enjoying a quiet evening alone, there’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of a homemade pizza fresh out of the oven. Happy baking!
