Pizza

I have made this pizza at home dozens of times whenever I wanted something quick, uncomplicated, with a fluffy crust and simple ingredients. It always turns out great, and you don’t need a mixer or any complicated utensils. I usually use a regular baking tray, but it can also be made in a tart pan if you have one handy. This is the kind of pizza with a thicker crust, similar to that of donuts, which pairs well with simple fridge toppings.

Quick Info

Total time: about 1 hour and 45 minutes (including dough rising and baking)
Preparation time: 20 minutes (for dough and toppings)
Rising time: 1 hour
Baking time: about 25 minutes (depending on the oven)
Servings: 2 large pizzas (round or rectangular tray)
Difficulty: easy
Recipe type: homemade pizza, perfect for dinner or a snack

Ingredients

For the dough:
300 ml warm water
1 cube of fresh yeast (25g)
half a pack of butter (about 100-125g)
a pinch of salt
flour (as much as needed to achieve a soft dough, similar to that of donuts)

For the topping:
ketchup
sausages, pressed ham, salami (your choice, to taste)
mushrooms (canned or fresh, sliced)
tomatoes (sliced)
red pepper (optional, sliced)
2 eggs
grated cheese or cottage cheese

Preparation method

1. Start with the dough. Place the warm water in a large bowl. Dissolve the yeast in the water, stirring well with a spoon until there are no lumps.
2. Add the half pack of butter directly into the water. Stir until it melts and is fully incorporated.
3. Add the salt.
4. Begin adding flour gradually, mixing at first with a spoon, then with your hands. There is no fixed amount; the important thing is to achieve a soft, elastic dough, slightly softer than bread dough, similar to donut dough.
5. Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let the dough rise in a warm place for about an hour. It should double in size.
6. Prepare a baking tray and grease it with oil all over, including the edges.
7. Once the dough has risen, divide it into two equal parts. Take the first piece and stretch it directly into the tray with your hands, not with a rolling pin. Flatten it out to cover the entire tray, including the edges if you want a slightly thicker crust.
8. Spread a thin layer of ketchup over the dough and evenly distribute it with a spoon.
9. Add the topping ingredients – sausages, pressed ham, salami (sliced into rounds or cubes), mushrooms (drained and sliced), sliced tomatoes, and, if desired, strips of red pepper.
10. Sprinkle grated cheese or cottage cheese on top (if you prefer a milder flavor).
11. Beat an egg with a fork and pour it over the pizza, distributing it as evenly as possible.
12. Place the tray in the preheated oven at 180-200°C. Check after 20-25 minutes by gently lifting the crust with a knife – it should be golden but not dry.
13. Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool in the tray for a few minutes.
14. Cut into slices as desired. Repeat the same for the second pizza.

Why I make this recipe often

This is the recipe I always return to when I want to quickly use what I have in the fridge. The dough is simple, doesn’t require special techniques, and rises beautifully every time. It results in a fluffy pizza that pairs well with any toppings I have on hand. It stays soft even the next day, if there are any leftovers.

Tips and variations

Tips
If you want it to brown nicely on top, turn on the broiler for the last 3 minutes, but watch it closely to prevent burning.
The dough can also be rolled out with a rolling pin, but using your hands is quicker and gives a more rustic look.
Don’t put a thick layer of ketchup – the dough may remain raw underneath.

Substitutions
Butter can be replaced with margarine, but the dough won’t be as flaky.
For toppings, use whatever you have on hand: bacon, leftover meat, even corn or olives.
Cheese can be replaced with feta or cottage cheese for a less salty option.

Variations
You can use a thinner crust if you spread the dough across the entire tray.
For a different flavor, mix a bit of oregano or dried basil into the dough.
If you want a richer pizza, add a thin layer of homemade tomato sauce over the ketchup.

Serving ideas
A warm slice goes well with a glass of kefir or cold yogurt.
It can also be cut and packed for work or school.
With a simple tomato salad on the side, you have a quick meal.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I make the dough with dry yeast?
Yes, you can also use dry yeast. One packet (7g) is enough for this amount of flour and water. Dissolve it directly in the warm water, just like fresh yeast.

2. What do I do if I don’t have butter?
You can use margarine or oil, but the texture and flavor will change. Butter gives a flakier crust.

3. Can I use only cheese or only cottage cheese?
Yes. Both work. Cheese melts better, but cottage cheese gives a more neutral flavor.

4. How do I know when the pizza is ready?
Check the edges of the crust – they should be golden. You can gently lift it with a knife – if the crust is golden and not sticky, the pizza is baked.

5. Do I have to beat the egg and put it on top?
It’s not mandatory, but the egg gives a glossy appearance and helps bind the toppings better.

Nutritional values

Approximately, one serving (from 1/8 of a large pizza) has about 250-300 kcal, depending on how many toppings you use and how much cheese you put on. For a fluffy pizza with butter and substantial toppings, a slice has roughly: 12g fat, 25g carbohydrates, 10g protein. These are approximate values; for more accurate estimates, it should be calculated based on the actual ingredients used.

Storage and reheating

The pizza keeps well in the fridge, in a covered container, for 1-2 days. It can be reheated in the oven or in a pan, but the crust becomes slightly firmer compared to fresh pizza. For better texture, cover the slices with plastic wrap to prevent drying out. I do not recommend freezing it, as the texture of the dough changes.

 Ingredients: 300 ml warm water, a cube of yeast, half a butter, a little salt, flour, ketchup, sausages, pressed ham, mushrooms, salami, tomatoes, 2 eggs, grated cheese or cow cheese, red pepper

 Tags:  homemade pizza