Best Thin Crust Cheese Pizza Recipes

THIN-CRUST CHEESE PIZZA

Steps:

• Make the dough: Sprinkle the yeast over the hot water in a small bowl. Let stand until dissolved and slightly foamy, 5 to 10 minutes.
• Meanwhile, whisk the bread flour, all-purpose flour, sugar and salt in a large bowl and make a well in the center. Pour the yeast mixture into the well and add the olive oil. Stir with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms.
• Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface, dust the dough with flour and knead, dusting with more flour as needed, until very smooth and elastic but still slightly tacky, 3 to 5 minutes.
• Transfer the dough to an oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 1/2 hours. Divide the dough into two 1-pound balls; wrap one ball in plastic and refrigerate for up to 2 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Bring to room temperature before using.
• Make the pizza sauce: Combine the tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, dried oregano, sugar and a pinch each of salt and pepper in a medium bowl; season with more salt and sugar if needed. (Makes about 1 1/2 cups.)
• Make the pizza: Preheat the oven to 500˚ F (use the convection setting, if available) with a pizza stone, baking steel or inverted large baking sheet in the lower third of the oven. Working on a lightly floured surface, cut the other ball of dough in half. Cup your hand around each piece and gently roll each into a small ball. Transfer 1 ball of dough to a lightly floured piece of parchment paper and roll into a thin 12-inch round with a rolling pin (keep the other ball of dough covered; this recipe makes 2 thin-crust pizzas). Top the dough with 1/4 cup pizza sauce and 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese, going all the way to the edge.
• Transfer the pizza (on the parchment) to the hot stone and bake until the crust is set, 4 to 5 minutes. Remove from the oven and top with 1 1/4 cups grated mozzarella, going all the way to the edge. Return the pizza to the stone, then slide out the parchment from under it. Bake until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted, about 10 minutes. Repeat to make another pizza.

AUBERGE CHORIZO, GOAT'S CHEESE AND ONION PIZZA - THIN CRUST

Steps:

• Combine the dry yeast, 1/2 teaspoon of sugar and 3/4 cups of lukewarm water. Mix a little and let sit for 6-8 minutes.
• Combine 1 3/4 cups of unbleached strong plain bread flour with 1/2 teaspoon of salt in a bowl or food processor.
• Pour the water combination into the bowl (or food processor) and mix until ready to knead (around 30 second in a food processor). If using a bowl, mix with a spoon, and your hands until you have a neat ball.
• Prepare a lightly sprinkled surface with flour. Turn out dough and knead for around 2-3 minutes. Lightly cover your finger tips with flour if the mixture is a little sticky.
• Roll out by hand for a 12'' base.
• Place in 12'' lightly oiled oven pan. Press out dough to form a slight lip.
• Spread your tomato puree or tomato sauce on top of the pizza dough. Then carefully arrange all the other toppings on top of the paste/sauce, putting the goat's cheese on last. (Or the mozzarella cheese if using.).
• (Note - if you wish to caramelise your onions first, fry them in a couple of teaspoons of olive oil and a teaspoon of balsamic vinegar until glazed, soft and slightly sticky. Ready made Onion Confit or Onion Jam also works very well.).
• Cook in a preheated over 250°C/495°F for 8-12 minutes (times may vary based on different ovens. Fan assisted oven will be quicker!).
• Remove from oven, slice and share with your favourite friends and/or family members, keeping an extra slice for yourself!