Italian Pizza with Gooey Cheese

An Italian pizza with gooey cheese sounds like a perfect comfort meal! Here’s how you can make a classic, cheesy Italian-style pizza that’s bursting with flavor and has that delicious gooey cheese you’re craving.

Ingredients:

For the Dough (makes 2 pizzas):

• 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
• 1 1/2 cups warm water (110°F/43°C)
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (plus more for dusting)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (plus more for greasing)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano (optional)

For the Topping:

• 1/2 cup pizza sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 8 oz (225 g) fresh mozzarella cheese (preferably buffalo mozzarella, sliced)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (for extra gooeyness)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for drizzling)
• Fresh basil leaves (optional, for garnish)
• Salt and pepper (to taste)

Instructions:

1. Make the Dough:

• In a bowl, dissolve the sugar in the warm water and sprinkle the yeast over the top. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes, until it becomes frothy.
• In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, and oregano (if using). Make a well in the center.
• Pour the yeast mixture and olive oil into the well. Mix everything together until a dough forms.
• Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 8-10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. You can add a little more flour if the dough is too sticky.
• Coat a large bowl with olive oil and place the dough in it. Cover with a damp cloth or plastic wrap and let it rise for 1-1.5 hours or until doubled in size.

2. Preheat the Oven:

• Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C) for a crispy, golden crust. If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven while it preheats.

3. Prepare the Pizza Base:

• Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Divide it in half if you’re making two pizzas.
• Roll each portion into a round pizza shape on a floured surface, about 12 inches in diameter. If you prefer a thicker crust, roll it out less.

4. Assemble the Pizza:

• If using a pizza stone, sprinkle it with cornmeal to prevent sticking, then carefully transfer the pizza dough onto the stone (or a baking sheet if you don’t have a stone).
• Spread a thin layer of pizza sauce over the dough, leaving about 1-inch around the edges for the crust.
• Layer the mozzarella cheese slices evenly on top of the sauce, followed by a generous sprinkle of shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan.
• Drizzle a little olive oil over the top for added flavor and richness.

5. Bake the Pizza:

• Bake the pizza in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the crust is golden and the cheese is melted and bubbly. If you like your cheese extra gooey, you can leave it in for a couple more minutes.
• If you’re using fresh basil, add it right after the pizza comes out of the oven for a burst of flavor.

6. Serve:

• Once the pizza is baked to perfection, slice it up and serve immediately while the cheese is still gooey and warm. Optionally, you can sprinkle a little sea salt or red pepper flakes for extra seasoning.

Tips for Extra Gooey Cheese:

• Use fresh mozzarella for that soft, melty texture. Buffalo mozzarella has an even richer flavor and texture if you want to make it more authentic.
• Add shredded mozzarella for more stretch and gooeyness.
• Bake your pizza at a high temperature to get that crisp crust while the cheese stays perfectly melted.

How Long Does Italian Pizza with Gooey Cheese Last?

Italian pizza with gooey cheese is best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, here’s how you can store and enjoy it later:

In the Refrigerator:

• How long it lasts: You can store leftover pizza in the fridge for about 3-4 days.
• Storage tips: Place the slices in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap to prevent them from drying out or absorbing other odors in the fridge.

Reheating:

• For the best results, reheat your pizza in the oven to maintain the crispy crust and gooey cheese:
  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • Place the pizza slices directly on a baking sheet or a piece of foil and bake for about 8-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly again.

Alternatively, you can reheat the pizza in a cast-iron skillet over medium heat. Cover the skillet with a lid for a few minutes to help melt the cheese while keeping the crust crispy.

Freezing:

If you want to store pizza for a longer time, you can freeze it:

• How long it lasts: Frozen pizza will stay good for about 2-3 months.
• Storage tips: Wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place the wrapped slices in a freezer bag or airtight container.

Reheating from Frozen:

• To reheat frozen pizza, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake for 10-15 minutes, depending on the thickness of the pizza and your oven.

Although it’s best fresh, leftover pizza can still taste great if stored properly. Would you like any tips on how to make the most of those leftover slices?

What to Serve With Italian Pizza with Gooey Cheese

Italian pizza with gooey cheese is a delicious and indulgent dish that pairs perfectly with a variety of sides and beverages. Here are some great options to serve alongside your cheesy pizza to complement its flavors:

1. Salad:

A fresh, crisp salad provides a nice contrast to the richness of the pizza.

• Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce, creamy Caesar dressing, croutons, and Parmesan cheese.
• Caprese Salad: Fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, basil, olive oil, and balsamic glaze.
• Arugula Salad: Light and peppery arugula with a simple lemon vinaigrette and shaved Parmesan.

2. Garlic Bread or Bruschetta:

• Garlic Bread: Warm, buttery garlic bread or garlic knots are perfect for dipping in any extra pizza sauce.
• Bruschetta: Toasted bread topped with a mixture of diced tomatoes, garlic, basil, and olive oil.

3. Antipasto Platter:

Serve a selection of Italian appetizers like:

• Cured meats such as salami, prosciutto, and capicola.
• Olives, marinated artichokes, and roasted vegetables like eggplant or peppers.
• Cheese like Parmigiano-Reggiano, mozzarella, or fontina.

4. Roasted Vegetables:

Roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, mushrooms, and eggplant are a great side to add a bit of savory balance to the pizza.

5. Soup:

A light soup can be a great starter or side to go with pizza.

• Tomato Soup: The creamy, tangy flavor pairs wonderfully with a cheesy pizza.
• Minestrone: A hearty Italian vegetable soup with beans, pasta, and a savory broth.

6. Pickled Vegetables:

Pickled vegetables like giardiniera (Italian pickled vegetables) can offer a tangy, zesty contrast to the richness of the pizza.

7. Wine or Drinks:

• Red Wine: A medium-bodied red like Chianti, Sangiovese, or Barbera pairs wonderfully with pizza.
• White Wine: For something lighter, try a crisp Pinot Grigio or Prosecco.
• Italian Soda: A refreshing non-alcoholic option, try flavors like lemon, blood orange, or cherry.
• Beer: A cold lager or pilsner is a great refreshing drink with pizza.

8. Dessert:

If you’re in the mood for something sweet after the cheesy goodness, here are a couple of ideas:

• Tiramisu: A classic Italian dessert made with coffee-soaked ladyfingers and creamy mascarpone.
• Gelato: A scoop of creamy gelato, perhaps in chocolate, vanilla, or pistachio, can be the perfect ending.
• Cannoli: Crispy shells filled with sweet ricotta cream and a hint of citrus.

9. Extra Dips:

• Ranch dressing or balsamic glaze can be fun dipping options for pizza crusts, though they aren’t strictly Italian, they’re popular in some places!

Conclusion:

These sides can help balance the richness of the pizza and add a variety of flavors to the meal.