Crispy Baking Stone Pizza

There’s something magical about making your own pizza at home, and my go-to for this is the Crispy Baking Stone Pizza. I remember the first time I decided to make pizza from scratch. I gathered my family around, and we transformed the kitchen into our very own pizzeria. The scent of bubbling cheese and freshly baked dough filled the air, creating an atmosphere of excitement and anticipation. Each person customized their own pie, and the laughter and fun we shared while prepping the toppings were priceless. That evening, the Crispy Baking Stone Pizza became a family tradition, and now I want to share that joy with you.

Ingredients to Make Crispy Baking Stone Pizza

The heart of any pizza lies in its ingredients. For the Crispy Baking Stone Pizza, we focus on fresh and simple ingredients that come together beautifully. Each component plays a crucial role in delivering a delicious experience, from the dough to the toppings. Let’s dive into what you’ll need!

• 1 ball pizza dough – store-bought or homemade (let it rise on a counter for 2 to 6 hours for the best fluffy crust)
• 1 tbsp all-purpose flour – for dusting the work surface and preventing sticking
• 1 tsp olive oil – helps achieve a crispy crust; you can substitute with ghee or unsalted butter
• 1.5 cups pizza sauce – you can substitute with pasta sauce, adding salt and pepper for flavor
• 2 cups mozzarella cheese – shredded for easy melting and a gooey texture
• 6 oz pepperoni – sliced, adjust the amount according to your taste
• 1 tsp parsley – freshly chopped, for optional garnish

Preparation Steps for Crispy Baking Stone Pizza

Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s get into the preparation of the Crispy Baking Stone Pizza. This process is all about creating layers of flavor and a beautifully baked crust. Follow these steps closely for pizza perfection!

1. Preheat your oven with the pizza baking stone inside to 475 degrees Fahrenheit. This ensures that the stone is hot enough to produce a crispy crust. While the oven heats, don’t forget to let the dough sit out to reach room temperature. This is key for stretching.
2. Create a clean work area for preparing your pizza. Sprinkle half of the flour on a large cutting board to prevent sticking. Reserve the other half for later use when stretching the dough.
3. When you’re ready, stretch the pizza dough. Start by pressing the dough against the floured surface to coat it lightly with flour. Pinch the outer edge of the dough to begin forming the crust, allowing it to naturally take shape as you stretch.
4. While stretching, be gentle to avoid tearing. You can switch between using your knuckles to lift and stretch the dough and pressing it flat to maintain a round shape. Add a bit of extra flour as needed to keep things from sticking.
5. Once you’ve reached your desired size, it’s time to partially bake the crust. Carefully remove the hot pizza stone from the oven and brush half of the olive oil on top. Quickly place the stretched dough on it, then brush the remaining oil around the outer edge of the crust.
6. Place the stone back into the oven and bake the dough for about 8 minutes until it’s lightly golden and firm. This is known as par-baking and helps create a sturdy base for your toppings.
7. Remove the stone again and let it cool slightly. Now it’s time to add your toppings! Start with dollops of pizza sauce spread evenly across the crust, leaving an inch around the edge for the crust.
8. Add a generous amount of mozzarella cheese, ensuring it covers the sauce. Follow with slices of pepperoni, distributing them evenly according to your preference.
9. Return the pizza to the oven and bake for another 8 to 12 minutes. Watch closely until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and starting to brown, while the crust turns a golden shade.
10. Once done, remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool slightly on a cutting board. For an extra touch, sprinkle some fresh parsley on top before slicing. Serve it while warm and enjoy every bite!

Ways to Adapt This Recipe

If you’re looking for ways to customize your Crispy Baking Stone Pizza, you’re in luck! There’s a multitude of delicious variations you can try that will keep this recipe fresh and exciting.

• Storage: Leftover pizza can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven for best results.
• Freezing: You can freeze unbaked pizza on the stone, wrapping it well with plastic wrap. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
• Pairing: Serve your pizza with a crisp salad for a refreshing contrast to the rich toppings.
• Crust variations: For a healthier twist, try a cauliflower crust or a whole wheat dough instead.
• Vegetarian options: Substitute the pepperoni with veggies like bell peppers, mushrooms, or onions for a delicious vegetarian pizza.
• Cheese swaps: Experiment with different cheeses like goat cheese or feta for a unique flavor.

Serving This Crispy Baking Stone Pizza

Serving your Crispy Baking Stone Pizza is just as important as making it. Here are some ideas to elevate your pizza night!

• Slice and share: Once your pizza is cooled, slice it into wedges and serve it hot out of the oven, making it perfect for sharing.
• Perfect pairings: A simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette complements the richness of the cheese.
• Occasions: This recipe is great for casual dinners, family gatherings, and even themed parties. Everyone loves pizza!
• Garnish wisely: Fresh herbs like basil or oregano can be sprinkled on top before serving, enhancing flavor while adding a pop of color.
• Serving style: Serve slices on wooden boards or large platters for a rustic, inviting presentation.
• Leftover magic: Reheat slices in an oven for a crispy finish, ensuring you enjoy every last bite!

FAQ

Conclusion

The Crispy Baking Stone Pizza is a wonderful way to bring the joy of homemade pizza into your home. With a perfectly baked crust, gooey cheese, and endless topping possibilities, this dish is bound to impress your family and friends. I encourage you to try it out; you’ll be surprised at how easy it is to create such a delicious meal. Gather your loved ones, get creative with your toppings, and enjoy the experience together!

Crispy Baking Stone Pizza

The ultimate comfort food, Crispy Baking Stone Pizza combines a crispy crust with melted cheese and your choice of toppings. This easy weeknight dinner is perfect for the whole family. Why not bring the pizzeria home tonight?

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: Italian

Calories: 320

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 ball Pizza Dough Store bought or homemade (rise on a counter for best results)
• 1 tbsp All-Purpose Flour For dusting
• 1 tsp Olive Oil Substitute ghee or unsalted butter
• 1.5 cups Pizza Sauce Substitute with pasta sauce if desired
• 2 cups Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
• 6 oz Pepperoni More or less as desired
• 1 tsp Fresh Parsley Optional garnish

Equipment

• Emile Henry 14” Pizza Stone

Method

 

1. Preheat your oven with the pizza baking stone inside to 475 degrees Fahrenheit. This ensures that the stone is hot enough to produce a crispy crust. While the oven heats, don’t forget to let the dough sit out to reach room temperature. This is key for stretching.
2. Create a clean work area for preparing your pizza. Sprinkle half of the flour on a large cutting board to prevent sticking. Reserve the other half for later use when stretching the dough.
3. When you're ready, stretch the pizza dough. Start by pressing the dough against the floured surface to coat it lightly with flour. Pinch the outer edge of the dough to begin forming the crust, allowing it to naturally take shape as you stretch.
4. While stretching, be gentle to avoid tearing. You can switch between using your knuckles to lift and stretch the dough and pressing it flat to maintain a round shape. Add a bit of extra flour as needed to keep things from sticking.
5. Once you've reached your desired size, it’s time to partially bake the crust. Carefully remove the hot pizza stone from the oven and brush half of the olive oil on top. Quickly place the stretched dough on it, then brush the remaining oil around the outer edge of the crust.
6. Place the stone back into the oven and bake the dough for about 8 minutes until it’s lightly golden and firm. This is known as par-baking and helps create a sturdy base for your toppings.
7. Remove the stone again and let it cool slightly. Now it’s time to add your toppings! Start with dollops of pizza sauce spread evenly across the crust, leaving an inch around the edge for the crust.
8. Add a generous amount of mozzarella cheese, ensuring it covers the sauce. Follow with slices of pepperoni, distributing them evenly according to your preference.
9. Return the pizza to the oven and bake for another 8 to 12 minutes. Watch closely until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and starting to brown, while the crust turns a golden shade.
10. Once done, remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool slightly on a cutting board. For an extra touch, sprinkle some fresh parsley on top before slicing. Serve it while warm and enjoy every bite!

Notes

Making pizza at home is a fun experience. Here are some tips to enhance your pizza-making journey:

• Tip 1: Leftover pizza can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven for best results.
• Tip 2: You can freeze unbaked pizza on the stone, wrapping it well with plastic wrap. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
• Tip 3: Serve your pizza with a crisp salad for a refreshing contrast to the rich toppings.
• Tip 4: For a healthier twist, try a cauliflower crust or a whole wheat dough instead.
• Tip 5: Substitute the pepperoni with veggies like bell peppers, mushrooms, or onions for a delicious vegetarian pizza.

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Meet Fiona Lewis

I love cooking with the seasons and keeping things rustic and real. I believe the best meals are the ones shared with friends and family. I had so much fun creating this recipe, and I can't wait to hear what you think of it!