Introduction
Welcome to a crash course on how to bring the delightful scents and tastes of an Italian pizzeria right into your kitchen. Our recipe for delicious, homemade pizzas and cheese sticks transforms a classic comfort food into not only a culinary adventure but also a homemade feast that everyone in your family will certainly enjoy.
Why make this recipe
Making pizza and cheese sticks at home allows you to customize them exactly to your liking. Buying pizza from the store or ordering from a restaurant may not be satisfying to everyone because of differing preferences. Homemade pizzas and cheese sticks are healthier, cheaper, and much more enjoyable to make, especially with family and friends.
How to make Delicious Homemade Pizzas & Cheese Sticks
To make this recipe, you will need the following ingredients:
Ingredients
For the pizza dough, you will need 2 1/4 tsp of active dry yeast, 1 1/2 cups of warm water, 1 tbsp of sugar, 4 cups of all-purpose flour, 2 tbsp of olive oil, and 1 tsp of salt.
For the pizzas, gather 1 cup of pizza sauce, 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese, and toppings of your choice.
For the cheese sticks, you’ll require 1/2 cup of melted butter, 3 cloves of garlic, 1 tbsp of Italian seasoning, 1 and 1/2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan cheese for sprinkling.
Directions
Follow the directions in the body of the post, making sure to prepare the dough first, then make the pizzas and finally prepare the cheese sticks.
How to serve Delicious Homemade Pizzas & Cheese Sticks
Serve the pizzas and cheese sticks fresh out of the oven. Place them on a platter and accompany them with a dipping sauce on the side. You could use a spicy marinara sauce or a tangy barbecue sauce.
How to store Delicious Homemade Pizzas & Cheese Sticks
Store any leftover pizzas and cheese sticks in an airtight container in the fridge. They are best consumed within 3-4 days. For reheating, warm them in an oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes or until hot.
Tips to make Delicious Homemade Pizzas & Cheese Sticks
When making the dough, make sure the water is not too hot as it could kill the yeast. Similarly, under-kneading can result in a dense or heavy crust. So, knead until the dough is smooth and elastic, typically for about 5 minutes.
Variation
Apart from the classic pizzas and cheese sticks, you can also make cheese and garlic pizza sticks or use the dough to make delicious homemade garlic bread.
FAQs
1. Can I make the dough in advance?
Yes. You can prepare the dough ahead of time and store it in a plastic bag in the refrigerator.
2. Can I use pre-made pizza dough?
Absolutely. If you’re short on time, some grocery stores sell pre-made pizza dough that’s refrigerated and ready to use.
3. Can I add different toppings on the pizza?
Yes. You can customize the pizza to your liking by adding toppings of your preference such as bell peppers, olives, onions, tomatoes, ham, or even pineapple.