Gourmet Pizza Making at Home: Elevate Your Pizza Game

There’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of creating a gourmet pizza in your own kitchen. 

While takeaway pizza has its place, crafting a homemade gourmet pizza gives you the pleasure of  experimenting with unique flavours, high-quality ingredients, and a personal touch. 

Here’s how you can boost your pizza game and make a truly exceptional gourmet pizza at home.

The Perfect Dough: The Foundation of Gourmet Pizza

The base of any great pizza is the dough. For a gourmet pizza, the dough needs to be flavourful and have the right texture. Here’s a simple recipe for a perfect pizza dough:

Ingredients:

500g strong white bread flour

325ml lukewarm water

1 tsp salt

1 tsp sugar

2 tsp instant yeast

2 tbsp olive oil

Instructions:

Mixing the Dough: In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. In a separate bowl, dissolve the yeast and sugar in the lukewarm water. Let it sit for a several minutes until it develops nicely and becomes frothy. Add the yeast mixture and olive oil to the flour mixture at this stage.

Kneading: Mix until a dough forms, then turn it out onto a floured surface. Knead for about 10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.

Rising: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours or until it has doubled in size.

Shaping: Once risen, punch down the dough and divide it into desired portions. Shape each portion into a ball and let rest for 10 minutes before rolling out.

If for some reason you are unable to make your own dough you can buy high quality pizza bases from high end supermarkets and delicatessens. 

Sauce: The Soul of Your Pizza

A gourmet pizza deserves a rich, flavourful sauce. You can opt for a traditional tomato base or experiment with alternatives like pesto or white sauce. Here’s a recipe for a classic tomato sauce:

Ingredients:

400g tin of Mutti San Marzano Peeled Tomatoes

2 cloves garlic, minced

2 tbsp olive oil

1 tsp salt

1 tsp sugar

Fresh basil leaves, chopped

Black pepper to taste

Instructions:

Sautéing: In a saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the garlic and sauté until fragrant.

Simmering: Add the tomatoes, salt, and sugar. Crush the tomatoes with a spoon or use an immersion blender for a smoother texture. Let the sauce simmer for 15-20 minutes.

Finishing: Stir in the chopped basil and season with black pepper. Let the sauce cool before spreading it on your pizza dough.

Toppings: Where Creativity Shines

The beauty of making gourmet pizza at home is the freedom to use the finest and most creative toppings. Here are some ideas to inspire you:

Classic Margherita:

Fresh mozzarella

Fresh basil leaves

Extra virgin olive oil

Prosciutto & Rocket:

Thinly sliced prosciutto

Fresh rocket (arugula)

Shaved Parmesan

Balsamic glaze

Truffle & Mushroom:

Mixed wild mushrooms, sautéed

Truffle oil

Fresh thyme

Taleggio cheese

Fig & Goat Cheese:

Fresh figs, sliced

Goat cheese

Caramelised onions

Honey drizzle

Fresh rosemary

Baking: Achieving the Perfect Crust

For a truly gourmet pizza, baking is crucial. If possible, use a pizza stone or a steel in your oven to mimic the high heat of a pizza oven.

Preheating: Place your pizza stone or steel in the oven and preheat to the highest temperature (usually 250°C or higher) for at least 30 minutes.

Assembling: Roll out your dough on a floured surface, transfer it to a pizza peel or a baking sheet, and add your sauce and toppings.

Baking: Slide the pizza onto the preheated stone or steel. Bake for 8-12 minutes or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.

Serving: The Final Touch

Once your pizza is baked to perfection, let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. This helps the toppings settle and makes slicing easier. Serve your gourmet pizza with a fresh salad and a glass of wine to complete the experience.

Creating a gourmet pizza at home is not just about following a recipe; it’s about enjoying the process and experimenting with flavours. With high-quality ingredients and a bit of creativity, you can transform a simple pizza night into a culinary adventure. Happy pizza crafting!