Soft & Cheesy Pizza Recipe

🍕 Soft & Cheesy Pizza Recipe

🧾 Ingredients

For the Dough:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour

• 1 tsp salt

• 1 tsp sugar

• 2 tsp instant yeast

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• ¾ cup warm water (not hot)

For the Pizza Sauce:

• 1 cup tomato puree

• 2 tbsp ketchup

• 1 tsp garlic powder (or 2 cloves minced garlic)

• 1 tsp dried oregano

• 1 tsp dried basil

• ½ tsp chili flakes (optional)

• Salt to taste

• 1 tbsp olive oil

For the Toppings:

• 1 ½–2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

• ½ cup cheddar cheese (optional, for extra cheesiness)

• ½ cup sliced bell peppers

• ½ cup sliced onions

• ½ cup cooked chicken / pepperoni / veggies (your choice)

• 2 tbsp sweet corn (optional)

• 1 tsp oregano + chili flakes for garnish

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🥣 Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. In a large bowl, mix flour, salt, sugar, and yeast.

2. Add olive oil and gradually pour in warm water.

3. Mix until a soft dough forms.

4. Knead for about 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.

5. Cover the dough and let it rise in a warm place for 1–1.5 hours, or until it doubles in size.

👉 Tip: A well-risen dough is the secret to that soft, fluffy crust!

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🍅 Step 2: Make the Sauce

1. Heat olive oil in a pan.

2. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds.

3. Add tomato puree and ketchup.

4. Mix in oregano, basil, chili flakes, and salt.

5. Cook on low heat for 5–7 minutes until slightly thick.

6. Let it cool.

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🍞 Step 3: Shape the Pizza Base

1. Punch down the risen dough to release air.

2. Roll it out into your desired shape (round or rectangle).

3. Keep the base slightly thick for a soft and fluffy texture.

4. Transfer to a greased baking tray or pizza pan.

5. Lightly prick the base with a fork (prevents bubbles).

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🧀 Step 4: Assemble the Pizza

1. Spread a generous layer of prepared pizza sauce.

2. Add a thick layer of mozzarella cheese.

3. Add your toppings evenly.

4. Sprinkle extra cheese on top for that ultimate cheesy pull.

5. Finish with oregano and chili flakes.

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🔥 Step 5: Bake to Perfection

1. Preheat oven to 220°C (430°F) for at least 10 minutes.

2. Bake the pizza for 12–15 minutes or until:

   • Cheese is melted and bubbly

   • Crust is lightly golden

👉 For extra softness: brush the crust edges with butter right after baking.

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🍽️ Serving Suggestions

• Slice and serve hot with:

  • Garlic sauce

  • Chili garlic dip

  • Cold drink or lemonade

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💡 Pro Tips for the Best Soft & Cheesy Pizza

• Use freshly shredded cheese for better melt.

• Don’t overload toppings—keeps the crust soft, not soggy.

• Let pizza rest for 2–3 minutes before slicing (helps cheese set).

• Add a mix of cheeses (mozzarella + cheddar) for richer flavor.