About this
The most important part of making a pizza is the base or the dough. Back in the day when bread-making machines were all the rage, I discovered that I could make really good pizza dough in one of those machines. Sometime later, inspired by chef Mario, I started to use his pizza dough recipe and it stuck with me of years.
In case you missed it, a few days ago was the first day of summer. It could not have arrived at a better time, a Friday and on the heel of for me what was a less than a spectacular week. The type that when rated on a scale of 1 to 10, it was a stretch to even give it a 4.
Fortunately, this past Friday happened to be one of my favorite days of the year and I knew we were going to one of my favorite places to spend the weekend. What I did not know was that by the evening’s end I would be making one of my favorite foods. The coalescence of this trifecta effectively transformed the day and indeed the long week into an entry for a nice summer weekend and with a dash of good luck, a beautiful summer season.
Once 5:00 rolled around and the Pilot was packed with Ellie, our golf clubs, and a cooler of odds and ends from our freezer and fridge, we hit the road to pick up our “center sons”, Joe and Ike, and to our little cottage, we drove.
The place was quiet when we arrived, there was no one fishing or swimming, indeed no one on the lake at all. Before I knew it, Scott had Cooking with Lidia on, a glass of wine in his hand and the boys were quietly occupied with their English bulldog sister.
The opening day of summer, the huge plant of oregano by our garage, Lidia, the glass of wine being savored by Scott – I think they all got to me because before I knew it, the oven was on and I was surveying the inventory of our kitchen cabinets.
Instinct told me I was going to put a pizza together. It is probably my favorite thing to create and it had been months since one came out of my oven. I just didn’t know what “kind” I was going to make. Eventually, the man engrossed with Lidia called out from the living room, “What are you doing?”
Almost surprised, I thought to myself, ‘He must know what I’m dong.’ Lydia, wine, oregano, oven. ‘Do I really need to say?’ I decided no. I think he just wanted to hear it from me, because just a few minutes later he asked again, “What are you doing?”
Finally, I had it. If he wasn’t able to put it together then I was just going to make it easy for my partner and let it out. “I’m making a pizza!”
I’ve always known Scott to be a pretty smart guy, so there was no surprise by his lack of protest. Similarly, when Ike’s ears perked up at my confession/revelation, it did not come as a surprise that I soon found him by my side, watching every move I made.
As I explained to him the characteristics of a good dough – pliability, how it should spring back when gently pulled, and of course taste – he looked on with interest and then asked if I had ever caught a firefly.
Boy, that one make me stop and think. I felt certain I had but as I told my 9-year-old, probably not since I was his age.
Soon our dough was rising and before I knew it, Ike had me washing out an old pickle jar and he and I were out the door, in hot pursuit of little flashes by the lake.
It was only minutes before his quest was successful and once we were back inside, with a sharpie in hand my son was labeling the pickle jar lid with the name of his new prize, “Flash.”
The pizza, like most I make, was a new creation. Like many pizzas I make, this one turned out pretty darn good, the kind that make me want to make another, today. On a side note, Flash slept soundly next to Isaiah, and according to my entomologist-in training, flashed throughout the night.
I have to confess that deep within myself, aside from everything else I am – father, partner, anesthetist, photo enthusiast – among my deepest desires would be to be a maker of pizza.
This post is really about making your own pizza crust from scratch. The choices for pizza toppings are as limitless as your imagination. Please give this recipe a try. It’s fun to make with kids, with family, and with friends. Perhaps just as important, most of us can honestly say, “Who doesn’t love pizza?!”
If you’re looking for a fast and easy flatbread pizza recipe, My Aldi Kitchen has just the ticket! Looking for a good low-carb pizza? Be sure and take a look at our easy Keto Pizza Dough Recipe. And for the King/Queen of pizza creations, gawk and drool over our Pizza Rustica!
See all of our homemade pizza recipes here.
If you’ve tried this homemade pizza recipe or any other recipe on Platter Talk please let us know your thoughts in the comments below, we love hearing from you! You can also FOLLOW US on FACEBOOK, INSTAGRAM and PINTEREST to see more delicious food and what we have cooking.
Homemade Pizza Dough
Ingredients
For the Crust
For the Topping
- ½ cup fresh oregano leaves coarsely chopped.
- 5 garlic cloves thinly sliced
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
For the Crust
- In a large metal or glass mixing bowl add flour, salt, wine, olive oil, and honey. In a small cup, add yeast and ½ tablespoons warm water, just enough to dissolve yeast upon stirring and add to flour mixture. Stir thoroughly. After ingredients are well mixed, knead with hands for 10 to 15 minutes. Add additional wine or water, a little at a time if necessary so that dough is slightly moist and easily pliable. You want your dough to spring back when gently pulled. After adequately kneaded, place back in a large bowl, cover with a kitchen towel, and place in a warm spot. Allow t the dough o rise for at least an hour. If you want, you can let it sit for a half hour, punch it down and knead again for a couple of minutes and then allow it continue to rise.
- While dough is rising, prepare your pizza baking surface with a light, even coat of olive oil. My preferred method of baking a pizza is with a stone. If you have a stone, preheat your oven to it's highest sitting, preferably at least 500 degrees F. If you are using a metal baking sheet, preheat oven to 425 degrees F.
- Bake your pizza between 12 and 18 minutes, depending on the oven temperature and basking surface you are using. Don't be afraid to check your pizza at 10 to 12 minutes, take a peak at the undercrust. When it's medium-dark brown in color, it's probably ready
For the Topping
- Place oregano and garlic on crust 5 minutes before taking it out of the oven. Evenly distribute cheese over other ingredients either at this time or immediately upon removing from oven upon completion of baking.
Sarah says
What a delicious and simple dish! Nothing beats the oregano and garlic combo. Can’t wait to try this!
jane @ littlesugarsnaps says
Oh gosh, transport me back to summer – sounds like an ideal place and time. Love the sound of your pizza and thanks for the helpful guidance on making it successful.
Kavey at Kavey Eats says
Perfect comfort food for me – love the simple flavours of oregano and garlic, so good.
Jovita @ Yummy Addiction says
I am always trying different pizza dough recipes so I am surely bookmarking and trying yours. Thanks!
Luci's Morsels says
This looks so delicious! I can almost taste the garlic!
Lexie Lane says
Ooh! This looks so good! I love oregano anything! Plus it’s good for you. So I know this would be quite tasty!
Debi@The Spring Mount 6 Pack says
Oh my. I would have been in heaven
Maddi'sMommy says
Wow, this looks absolutely delicious. I’m pinning! I have yet to find a homemade recipe I really like but I can almost taste this just looking at the photos, can’t wait to give it a try.
Aunt Bee says
There isn’t much better than homemade pizza and this looks absolutely divine!!!!!
Becky @ The Cookie Rookie says
oh my GOODNESS!!! This looks totally divine. I’ve never made pizza dough…I’ll have to give this a try for sure!
JT and Amanda says
I really want to try this right now! Unfortunately I can’t eat very many carbs until after our baby comes in about 7 weeks 🙁
Liz Mays says
Is it possible to fall in love with pizza? That looks beyond delicious!
Debra Hawkins says
There are few things in this world that I love more than pizza! So delicious! This looks great.
Joanna Sormunen says
I know that some people love these simple pizzas but I love mine with a LOT of things on them, lol
Janelle Shank says
you had me at pizza! what a great and simple recipe. thanks for sharing!
Kung Phoo says
Looks great! the recipe is easy to follow with the pictures..
Emily Ploch says
Looks delicious!!! I love making pizza from scratch. It’s the best!
Masshole Mommy says
If there is one thing in my house that everyone can agree on, it’s pizza! This sounds amazing.
Lydia Filgueras says
I’ve learned to prefer this type of pizza to the more elaborate one’s we’re used to in the US. Agree with the other reader who recommended a bottle of wine! Provecho!
Paula Parker says
Looks so good. Homemade is Home Love. Great job.
The Cooking Actress says
Mmmm I love homemade pizza and garlic and oregano, this looks sooo incredible!
Dan from Platter Talk says
Thank you for the comments! This one is a keeper!!
Tieghan says
This is an amazing pizza! YUM!
Dan from Platter Talk says
I agree, and pizza happens to be one of my closest friends! Thanks for the comment!
Phô mai que says
This weekend I am going to try this for my kids. Thank you for the recipe!
Dan from Platter Talk says
Thank you for the comment! Our kids could not get enough of this pizza. I hope yours feel the same!
Island Vittles says
Love the simplicity of this! I can taste it from here…Theresa
Dan from Platter Talk says
Theresa, Thanks for the comment. Simple is always good for flavor, in my book 🙂
Tina @ Tinas Chic Corner says
Love, love, love pizza! I’m having a “make your own pizza” party tomorrow night and I love your topping ideas. Need to add that to my list of suggests for my guests. Gorgeous pics. 🙂
Dan from Platter Talk says
Tina,
Thanks for stopping by. I would LOVE to be a guest at your pizza party. What a fun idea; I just may have to borrow it sometime! Have a nice weekend!
ashley - baker by nature says
You know how much I LOVE pizza, and this one looks like a total knock out!!! Mmmm… I need a slice 🙂
Dan from Platter Talk says
Ashley –
I’ll gladly trade you – for some of that rhubarb-buckle!!
Kiran @ KiranTarun.com says
What a delicious and simple pizza! I’m intrigued about the wine in the crust. Need to try this method, soon. Thanks for sharing 🙂
Dan from Platter Talk says
Kiran,
Thanks for stopping by and for the nice comments. Give this crust a shot, I think you will like!
Amy says
What a great way to welcome Summer! 🙂 Your Garlic and Oregano Pizza looks delicious. I agree, it’s actually quite simple to make the pizza crust at home. I usually make with water….I’ve gotta give it a try with wine. sounds totally lovely and delicious.
Dan from Platter Talk says
Amy,
It is a great tasting crust and doesn’t take that long from start finish. I hope you’re enjoying your summer and thanks for taking the time to leave a comment.
Ashley @ Wishes and Dishes says
I love making pizza at home. This looks awesome…I love all the flavors!
Dan from Platter Talk says
Ashley,
I agree, I love making pizza at home too. What can’t you put on one?! Thanks for stopping by and happy summer to you!
easyfoodsmith says
How can i not love this pizza!!! I has my favourite ingredients – oregano and garlic. So delicious!
Dan from Platter Talk says
Thanks for stopping by and the nice comment. It’s always amazing how sometimes the simplest things in life can shine the brightest and taste the best!
Stacy | Wicked Good Kitchen says
Oh, Dan…I just adore pizza and your crust looks like the perfect combination of chewy-crisp! I hope your week rates much, much higher than 4 out of 10 from last week! Thanks so much for sharing! xo
Dan from Platter Talk says
Stacy –
So nice of you to comment. The pizza was delicious and I think it helped to tilt this week in a better direction!
Katrina @ Warm Vanilla Sugar says
Mmm what a fabulous recipe! Love this 🙂
Dan from Platter Talk says
Katrina,
Thanks for taking the time to make a comment and for reading my post. Happy Summer to you!
Pamela @ Brooklyn Farm Girl says
I love making homemade pizza. This is such a great switch for our usual pizza, I really love the amount of garlic happening here! Thanks!
Dan from Platter Talk says
Pamela,
Thanks for the visit and nice comments. There are no vampires to be found in our kitchen!
Helene Dsouza says
Hi Dan!
That is one interesting Pizza! It might sound simple but I am very intrigued by your crust ingredients choice. Instead of water, wine. I wonder how it tastes. Can’t wait to try it out for myself. Oh and the topping is of course perfect and easy. I have often fresh basil at home and garlic anyway. Thank you for sharing!
Dan from Platter Talk says
Helene, I’ve been making my crust this way for several years now – I’m finally at that “happy spot” with my pizza dough! Thanks for stopping by and for the nice comments!
Savory Simple says
I’ve never met a pizza I didn’t like. I know I’d love this one.
Dan from Platter Talk says
Jen,
I wish you had been around so I could have introduced the two of you 🙂 Thanks for the comment and have a great week.
Dan from Platter Talk says
Jen,
I wish you had been around so I could have introduced the two of you 🙂 Thanks for the comment and have a great week.
Joanne says
this pizza sounds amazing! So simple and full of great flavor.
Dan from Platter Talk says
Joanne.
Thanks for the comment and stopping by. I’ve learned the less is more rule often applies when making my pizzas. This one was delish!
Dan from Platter Talk says
Georgia – I do admire your way of thinking. And how you cook! Thanks for the comment and a great week to you as well!
Georgia | The Comfort of Cooking says
There’s nothing better to combat a bad week than a beautiful, simple pizza like this with a bottle of wine! Oh, er… did I say bottle? I meant glass! A couple glasses, hehe. Thanks for sharing this great recipe, Dan! Hope you have a nice week ahead.