Stracciatella Pizza
A simple yet flavorful Italian pizza topped with creamy stracciatella cheese, fresh basil, and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. This gourmet pizza features a crisp crust and rich, creamy cheese, making it a delicious homemade treat.
Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Pizza stone or baking sheet
- Oven
- Rolling pin (optional)
- Spoon for spreading toppings
- Skillet (for balsamic-glazed peppers)
Ingredients
- For the Dough:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour or bread flour for better texture
- 2 ¼ teaspoons instant yeast 1 packet
- ¾ cup warm water
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ¾ teaspoon sea salt
- For the Classic Stracciatella Pizza Toppings:
- 1 cup fresh crushed tomatoes
- Fresh stracciatella cheese to taste
- Fresh basil leaves
- 100 grams cherry tomatoes halved
- Extra virgin olive oil for drizzling
- Kosher salt and black pepper to taste
- For the Balsamic-Glazed Pepper Variation:
- 1 fresh red bell pepper thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons high-quality balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough – In a mixing bowl, combine flour, yeast, warm water, olive oil, and salt. Knead for 10-15 minutes until smooth and elastic. Cover and let it rise at room temperature for about 18 hours.
- Preheat the Oven – Set your oven to 500°F (260°C). Place a pizza stone inside if available to preheat.
- Shape the Dough – Once risen, gently stretch the dough into a 12-inch circle on a floured surface. Avoid overhandling to maintain an airy texture.
- Prepare the Balsamic-Glazed Peppers (Optional for Variation)Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.Add sliced red bell peppers and a pinch of salt. Sauté until soft and slightly charred (about 5 minutes).Stir in balsamic vinegar and cook for another 1-2 minutes until glazed. Set aside.
- Add Toppings:For Classic Stracciatella Pizza: Spread a thin layer of crushed tomatoes evenly over the dough, then add cherry tomatoes and dollops of stracciatella cheese.For Balsamic-Glazed Pepper Pizza: Brush the dough with olive oil, then add the balsamic-glazed peppers.
- Bake the Pizza – Place the pizza in the preheated oven and bake for 8-12 minutes until the crust is golden and crisp.
- Finish & Serve:For Classic Stracciatella Pizza: Garnish with fresh basil and drizzle with extra virgin olive oil.For Balsamic-Glazed Pepper Pizza: After baking, add fresh stracciatella cheese for a creamy contrast to the sweet and tangy peppers.
- Storage and Reheating Tips:Proper Storage:Store leftover pizza in a sealed container to preserve moisture.Refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking.Keep refrigerated for up to 2 days.Lay pizza slices flat to prevent a soggy crust.Best Reheating Practices:Oven Method: Preheat to 375°F (190°C) and bake for 5-7 minutes for a crispy crust.Skillet Method: Heat on medium-low for 3-4 minutes until the cheese melts.Room Temperature: Let the pizza sit for 15-20 minutes before eating (best for softer crust).
Notes
For a crispier crust, use a preheated pizza stone.
For a creamier texture, add stracciatella after baking instead of before.
Experiment with flavors by adding truffle oil, arugula, or prosciutto for a gourmet touch.