Cooking a pizza: How to choose the dough, sauce, and topping, set the correct temperature mode, determine caloric content, and calculate preparation time

Let’s prepare delicious pizza dough

Classic Yeast Dough

Ingredients:

• All-purpose flour — 3 cups (~450 g)
• Warm water — 1 cup (~250 ml)
• Dry instant yeast — 7–8 g (or fresh compressed yeast — about 20 g)
• Sugar — 1 tsp
• Olive oil — 2 tbsp
• Salt — a pinch

Preparation:

1. Mix warm water with sugar and dissolve the dry yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy. If using fresh yeast, crumble it into the water-sugar mixture.
2. Form a mound of sifted flour on your work surface or in a bowl, make a well in the center, then add salt, olive oil, and activated yeast.
3. Knead the dough by hand or mixer to form soft elastic dough, gradually incorporating all the flour from the sides. Knead for approximately 5–7 minutes.
4. Place the dough back into the bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let rise in a warm place for 30–40 minutes until doubled in size.
5. Punch down the risen dough, roll out with a rolling pin to desired thickness before baking the pizza.

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Quick No-Rise Dough

Ingredients:

• All-purpose flour — 2 cups (~300 g)
• Lukewarm milk — 150 ml
• Fresh yeast — 10 g (or dry yeast — 3–4 g)
• Egg — 1 large
• Vegetable oil — 2 tbsp
• Sugar — 1 tsp
• A pinch of salt

Preparation:

1. Dissolve the yeast in lukewarm milk along with sugar. Wait until bubbles appear.
2. Add egg, vegetable oil, and salt, stirring gently.
3. Gradually mix in the sifted flour until you have smooth, uniform dough.
4. Cover the bowl with a damp cloth and set aside in a warm spot for 20–30 minutes.
5. Use this dough immediately after resting time is over.

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Yeasted Laminated Dough (“Lazy Pizza”)

Ingredients:

• All-purpose flour — 2 cups (~300 g)
• Warm milk — ½ cup (~125 ml)
• Softened butter — 100 g
• Pressured yeast — 10 g (or dry yeast — 3–4 g)
• Sugar — 1 tsp
• A pinch of salt

Preparation:

1. Combine dissolved yeast with warm milk and sugar.
2. In a deep dish, combine half of the flour with softened butter, mixing gently until you achieve a crumbly texture.
3. Then incorporate remaining ingredients (milk-yeast mixture, rest of the flour), kneading to create dense dough.
4. Roll out the dough into a thin layer, fold it in half, re-roll again, repeating this process two more times.
5. Finish shaping the dough by spreading another layer of butter, folding it like a roulade, and leaving it to rest for 30 minutes.
6. After resting, roll out the dough very thinly and shape it as needed for your pizza base.

These recipes allow you to quickly prepare delicious homemade dough for your favorite Italian classic!

Shaping even pizza dough

Forming an even and perfectly round pizza dough requires specific skills and techniques that professional chefs master. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to properly shape a pizza crust just like a true chef.

Preparing Your Workspace

• Lightly dust your working surface with flour so the dough won’t stick to your hands or tabletop.
• You can use a wooden board or silicone mat if you’re concerned about slippage.

Manual Shaping Technique

Deflate the Risen Dough

After rising, gently deflate the dough by pressing it slightly but carefully without destroying its gluten structure.

Start Stretching the Edges

Hold the ball of dough between both hands and begin stretching it outward while rotating clockwise. Leave the center thicker than the edges to ensure strength and stability.

The Spinning Method

Lift the dough up, supporting the middle part underneath with your palms facing upward. Slowly move your hands outward while simultaneously turning the dough counterclockwise. Gravity will help evenly stretch the dough as you manipulate it with your hands.

Even Out the Shape

Place the formed dough onto the floured surface and gently flatten any irregularities with light pressure from your palm until it’s perfectly circular.

Alternative Option: Using a Rolling Pin

For precise results, consider using a rolling pin:

• Flatten the dough balls lightly with the flat side of your hand first.
• Take a long, slender rolling pin and start rolling from the center towards the outer edge, moving in a circular motion.
• Periodically flip the dough to avoid uneven thickness.

Tips from Experts

• Avoid pulling the dough too hard — this could cause deformation or tearing.
• Eliminate air pockets inside the dough since they affect the final quality of the baked pizza.
• Keep track of temperature: cooler surfaces help maintain the dough’s firmness.

Now your homemade pizza will look appetizing and authentic, just like those made by genuine Italian masters!

Choosing a Pizza Sauce

Choosing the right sauce plays a crucial role in creating the perfect taste of pizza. As a true chef, I know that selecting a sauce depends on the type of toppings, personal preferences of guests, and desired flavor balance. Let’s explore the main types of sauces used for pizza and understand what each one brings to the table.

Classic Tomato Sauce

The most popular option known to every fan of authentic Italian cuisine. This sauce is prepared from fresh tomatoes or high-quality puree, often complemented with garlic, basil, oregano, and a touch of olive oil. It has a sweet-tangy aroma and pairs wonderfully with almost any traditional combination of ingredients such as mozzarella cheese, ham, mushrooms, and herbs.

White Garlic Cream Sauce

A white sauce is typically based on milk, cream cheese, or sour cream, usually enhanced with finely chopped garlic, nutmeg, and parmesan cheese. It gives the pizza a delicate and subtle flavor, accentuating seafood, chicken, or mushroom-based toppings beautifully.

Barbecue Sauce

This sauce stands out with its intense smokey flavor thanks to the addition of smoked paprika or liquid smoke. It’s ideal for meat-lovers’ pizzas featuring bacon, pepperoni, or roasted pork. It may also have a hint of sweetness due to honey or brown sugar content.

Green Herb Sauce

Made primarily from fresh greens (basil, parsley, cilantro), minced anchovies, capers, and lemon juice. This bright green sauce adds freshness and zest to fish and vegetable-topped pizzas, enhancing their natural flavors.

Hot Chili Sauce

Spicy peppers (jalapeños, cayenne, ajvar) provide a fiery kick that harmonizes well with heartier meats like salami, beef, or sharp cheddar cheese. Perfect for adventurous palates who love bold and intense flavors.

Shrimp Sauce

Often reserved for more sophisticated versions of pizza with seafood. Its foundation includes white wine, garlic, fresh rosemary, and sometimes a splash of cream. It creates a mild yet elegant flavor profile that enhances shrimp and other fish-based toppings.

Mushroom Sauce

Sautéed mushrooms combined with onions and butter transform into a thick paste-like consistency, occasionally enriched with a bit of cream or white wine. Ideal when paired with cheese varieties and vegetables like portobello mushrooms, broccoli, or artichokes.

What Should Be Considered When Choosing?

To select the best sauce, keep these points in mind:

• Type of Toppings: Determine which topping you’ll be placing above the sauce (meat, veggies, fish).
• Style of Pizza: Traditional Italian style works best with tomato sauce, whereas American-style allows experimentation with white, spicy, or mushroom sauces.
• Guest Preferences: Understand whether guests enjoy spicy, tangy, or savory notes in their meals.

Properly chosen sauce ensures a balanced dish that delights everyone with its unique taste and aroma.

Choosing Delicious Pizza Toppings

Pizza toppings play a key role in determining its taste and appeal. Proper selection of ingredients can turn ordinary pizza into a culinary masterpiece. A true chef follows several principles when choosing toppings.

Main Categories of Toppings

Traditional Classics:

Most popular combinations include:

• Margherita: tomatoes, mozzarella, basil, olive oil. Simplicity and harmony of tastes make this variety loved worldwide.
• Four Cheese (Quattro Formaggi): four different kinds of cheese (mozzarella, gorgonzola, parmesan, emmental). Well-balanced flavor rich with notes of various cheese sorts.
• Pepperoni: spicy sausage, mozzarella, tomatoes. Great choice for those who prefer something hot and filling.

Meat Products:

Ideal for lovers of hearty and robust flavors:

• Salami, prosciutto, ham — thin slices of meat give the pizza extra juiciness and depth of flavor.
• Grilled chicken, pork tenderloin, turkey breast — versatile options that pair well with different vegetables and cheeses.

Seafood:

Especially favored among fans of Mediterranean traditions:

• Squid, shrimp, octopus — original toppings that go great with crispy thin-crust pizza.
• Fish (salmon, cod) — elegant and refined taste, best served with white sauces.

Vegetables & Greens:

Fresh vegetables enrich the pizza with vitamins and new flavor accents:

• Mushrooms (button mushrooms, oyster mushrooms, porcini) — especially good with soft cheese and ham.
• Zucchini, eggplant, courgette — summer favorites that pair excellently with tomato sauce and herbs.
• Bell peppers, onion, olives — traditional elements of Italian cuisine providing a balance between acidity and sweetness.

Exclusive Options:

These are original ideas inspired by regional traditions and modern trends:

• Artichokes, asparagus, truffles — expensive ingredients that bring elegance and luxury.
• Fruit (pineapple, mango, pear) — daring choices adding sweet highlights and freshness to the overall taste.

How to Choose the Right Topping?

A true chef considers the following aspects:

1. Harmony of Flavors. Ingredients should complement each other, enhancing and balancing the overall notes.
2. Type of Crust and Sauce. Thin and crisp bases are suitable for lighter vegetable toppings, while thick crusts better accommodate heavy meat products.
3. Customer Preferences. Personal tastes of restaurant visitors or family members must always be taken into account.
4. Seasonality of Ingredients. Using seasonal produce allows for a menu full of distinct natural flavors.

By following these recommendations, you’ll be able to create amazing pizzas that surprise even the most discerning foodie.

Temperature Regime for Pizza

Temperature control for cooking pizza is one of the critical factors influencing the end result. Temperature determines the degree of doneness of the dough, moisture level of the toppings, and formation of the characteristic golden crust. Professional chefs use special ovens capable of reaching high temperatures to ensure the perfect combination of texture and flavor. Let’s take a closer look!

Optimal Baking Temperature for Pizza:

• A traditional pizza oven should heat up to 450–500°C, ensuring quick heating that forms the famous airy and crunchy crust.
• Modern household ovens rarely reach such high temperatures, so it’s recommended to preheat your domestic oven to its maximum setting — usually around 250–280°C.
• Some advanced ovens feature a dedicated “Pizza” mode, helping distribute heat optimally and speed up the baking process.

Important Tips from a True Chef:

1. Preheating the Oven: Always preheat the oven for at least 15–20 minutes before starting to bake, ensuring stable temperature.
2. Using a Pizza Stone: A stone helps distribute heat evenly and provides additional bottom-side heating, resulting in the necessary crispy crust.
3. Minimal Baking Time: Good pizza cooks relatively fast — generally within 8–12 minutes. Longer exposure leads to dried-out dough and overcooked toppings.
4. Monitoring Progress: Check the state of the pizza regularly every couple of minutes to assess readiness and prevent burning of the edges.
5. Convection Mode: Activating convection circulation accelerates and distributes heat uniformly across the entire pizza area.

Following proper guidelines regarding temperature and baking technique will yield excellent pizza with correct dough structure and ideally cooked toppings. Enjoy your meal!

How many calories are there in homemade pizza?

The calorie content of pizza varies depending on many factors: the composition of the dough, the choice of toppings, method of preparation, and portion size. To clarify this issue thoroughly, let’s refer to the experience of professional chefs.

Factors Affecting Calorie Content:

1. Dough Base: Light, thin dough with low fat content and minimal sugar contributes fewer calories compared to thick, fluffy variants. Approximate calorie content per average serving (about 100 grams) of traditional Italian pizza:
   • Basic thin-crust dough ≈ 200 kcal.
   • Thick-crust dough ≈ 300–350 kcal.
2. Cheese: Cheese is a major source of fats and proteins in pizza. For example, mozzarella contains fewer calories and is easier to digest than harder varieties (such as cheddar or gouda). Average calorific value:
   • Mozzarella ≈ 250–300 kcal per 100 grams.
   • Cheddar ≈ 400–450 kcal per 100 grams.
3. Toppings: This component significantly affects total energy intake. Heavier and fattier products increase the final caloric value:
   • Vegetarian toppings (tomatoes, bell peppers, spinach) ≈ 50–100 kcal per 100 grams.
   • Meaty toppings (salami, sausages, bacon) ≈ 200–300 kcal per 100 grams.
   • Seafood (squid, shrimp) ≈ 100–150 kcal per 100 grams.
4. Sauce: Classical tomato sauces tend to be less caloric compared to fatty white or greasy sauces. Average values:
   • Tomato sauce ≈ 50–70 kcal per 100 grams.
   • White creamy sauces ≈ 150–200 kcal per 100 grams.

Final Calories in Common Types of Pizza:

• Margherita (cheese, tomatoes, basil) ≈ 200–250 kcal per medium-sized slice (approximately 100 grams).
• Pepperoni (with sausage) ≈ 250–300 kcal per similar portion.
• Four-Cheese (mozzarella, gorgonzola, emmental, parmesan) ≈ 300–350 kcal.
• Hawaiian (pineapple, ham) ≈ 220–270 kcal.

Thus, the average calorie content of a standard piece of pizza ranges roughly from 200 to 350 kilocalories, though exact figures depend on recipe variations and pizza sizes. Chefs recommend moderation and conscious ingredient selection according to individual dietary needs.

Home-Made Pizza Cooking Time

Cooking time for pizza is a crucial aspect affecting its taste, appearance, and texture. To reveal the secrets of a professional chef’s mastery, let’s discuss each stage of preparation in detail.

Stages of Preparation and Timing:

1. Dough Preparation: High-quality dough requires some time to mature. Typically, after kneading, the dough is left to rise for 30–60 minutes at room temperature or 1–2 hours in the refrigerator. Fermentation time influences the elasticity and flavor of the finished product.
2. Preparing Toppings: Most components require minimal prior processing, but certain ones need special attention:
   • Mozzarella cheese, tomatoes, and herbs can be prepared ahead of time and stored chilled.
   • Meat products (like salami or prosciutto) do not require additional handling.
   • Fresh vegetables should be sliced shortly before use to retain their juices and nutrients.
3. Shaping the Base: Correctly forming the base takes about 5–10 minutes. Precision and skill are essential here to achieve optimal shape and consistent dough thickness.
4. Baking Process: The majority of time goes toward actual baking. Temperature and duration vary depending on the recipe and equipment:
   • Home ovens heated to maximum temperature (usually around 250°C) will require 8–12 minutes to achieve a crispy finish.
   • Professional pizza ovens can complete the task in mere minutes (2–5 minutes) at temperatures exceeding 450°C.
5. Resting After Baking: Immediately slicing freshly baked pizza isn’t advisable. Allow it to cool on a rack or stand for 2–3 minutes so the structure stabilizes and becomes easy to cut into pieces.

In summary, preparing a top-notch pizza from initial dough preparation through to plating takes approximately 1–2 hours, including fermentation, shaping, and baking stages. However, exact timing depends on the particular recipe and conditions of preparation.

Chef Secrets for the Perfect Pizza

Creating the perfect pizza is truly an art requiring careful attention to every single step. Master chefs know numerous secrets that enable them to craft an absolutely delightful pizza. Here’s what you need to know:

Quality Foundation Is Key

Master chefs prefer to make their own dough using only high-quality natural ingredients. One important secret lies in letting the dough rest adequately. At least 30 minutes of relaxation is required to activate gluten and impart the dough with the desired structure.

Choose Quality Ingredients

Each ingredient impacts the overall taste. Renowned chefs opt for local, fresh produce: San Marzano tomatoes, buffalo mozzarella, premium-quality ham, etc. Never compromise on ingredient quality—the difference is tangible.

Proper Shape Matters

Professional chefs manually form a perfectly round base, controlling dough thickness and distribution of toppings. An even spread of dough mass and proper thickness ensure efficient heat distribution and moisture retention during baking.

High Heat Is Essential

One fundamental factor for success is achieving high baking temperatures. Authentic Italian wood-fired ovens reach up to 450 degrees Celsius, allowing for quick baking (just 2–3 minutes). At home, set your oven to its highest possible temperature (around 250–280°C) and use a pizza stone for added efficiency.

Balance of Flavors

It’s vital to skillfully blend ingredients so no single element dominates others. Experienced chefs strive to strike a balance between acidity, sweetness, saltiness, and bitter tones. For instance, spicy pepper balances the sweetness of tomatoes, while balsamic vinegar adds pleasant acidity.

Attention to Detail

Even small details matter greatly. How ingredients are arranged on the base directly affects how well the pizza bakes and retains moisture. Too much topping slows down the baking process and compromises the final outcome.

Simplicity Is Key

The world’s finest pizzas are characterized by a minimalist approach to ingredients. Expert chefs say, “Good pizza speaks for itself.” For example, Margarita pizza consists merely of three core elements: cheese, tomatoes, and fresh basil.

Practice Makes Perfect

Making pizza is a matter of practice and continuous improvement. Each chef develops their unique technique through trial and error. Experiment with different recipes, try out diverse ingredients and methods, and soon enough you’ll attain the necessary level of expertise.

These tips will help you come close to creating the ultimate pizza worthy of Italy’s finest restaurants.

How to Present Homemade Pizza Elegantly?

It’s quite simple to serve pizza attractively at home if you follow a few basic tips commonly used by professional chefs and restaurants:

1. Serving Dish

Select a beautiful plate in neutral colors or a specialized wooden cutting board. A round wooden board adds an authentic Italian charm, while glass or ceramic plates create a contemporary effect.

2. Decoration

Small decorative touches enhance presentation:

• Sprinkle the top of the pizza with fresh basil leaves or thyme sprigs.
• Drizzle a few drops of extra virgin olive oil.
• Decorate with edible flowers (lavender, nasturtium, marigold).
• Sprinkle a light coating of coarse sea salt.

3. Cutting Pattern

Make neat equal segments using a pizza wheel or scissors. Get creative by making non-standard cuts (heart shapes, stars) if your audience includes children or young people who appreciate unusual designs.

4. Lighting

Lighting plays a significant role in food perception. Soft lighting creates a cozy atmosphere and showcases the beauty of your creation effectively. Light candles or dim overhead lights for an inviting ambiance.

5. Photography

Before diving into the feast, snap a photo of the beautiful presentation—a great way to share your achievements with friends or family.

6. Aromatherapy

Set the mood by offering guests the chance to inhale the scent of freshly baked pizza just before serving. The smell of bread, spices, and cheese stimulates appetite and evokes positive emotions.

Adhering to these straightforward suggestions will elevate your home-cooked meal to a restaurant-level presentation, making dinner unforgettable.

Homemade Pizza — 10 Recipe Variations

Making delicious homemade pizza is a true art form! Today we will explore ten different ways to prepare an amazing pizza at home, from classic Italian cuisine to original author’s recipes.

Classic Margherita

Ingredients:

✓ Dough: wheat flour, water, dry yeast, salt, olive oil

✓ Sauce: tomato paste, garlic, oregano, basil

✓ Mozzarella cheese

✓ Fresh basil leaves

✓ Olive oil

Steps:

1. Knead the dough and let it rise for about one-and-a-half hours.
2. Roll out the base thinly and spread with sauce.
3. Add sliced mozzarella cheese and fresh basil leaves.
4. Bake for approximately 8–10 minutes at 250°C.

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Pepperoni

Ingredients:

✓ Ready-made or homemade pizza dough

✓ Tomatoes in their own juice

✓ Grated parmesan cheese

✓ Pepperoni sausage slices

✓ Fresh thyme sprigs

✓ A pinch of red chili pepper flakes

Steps:

1. Divide the dough into two halves and roll each half to about 5 mm thickness.
2. Spread tomato sauce evenly, top with grated cheese and pepperoni slices.
3. Bake at 220°C for around 7–10 minutes until golden brown crust forms.

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Mushrooms with Onions

Ingredients:

✓ Premade or freshly prepared pizza dough

✓ Creamy mushroom sauce

✓ Thinly sliced button mushrooms

✓ Halved onion rings

✓ Shredded mozzarella and gorgonzola cheeses

✓ Rosemary sprig

Steps:

1. Roll out the dough and coat with creamy mushroom sauce.
2. Top with sliced mushrooms, onion rings, and shredded cheeses.
3. Decorate with rosemary sprig and bake for about 10–12 minutes at 220°C.

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Chicken Barbecue

Ingredients:

✓ Homemade or store-bought pizza dough

✓ BBQ ketchup

✓ Chopped chicken breast

✓ Semi-cured salami

✓ Pineapple chunks

✓ Mixture of grated mozzarella and Edam cheeses

✓ Fresh parsley for decoration

Steps:

1. Prepare the dough beforehand, then divide and roll it out.
2. Cover with barbecue ketchup, add pieces of chicken, pineapple chunks, and salami.
3. Sprinkle with cheese mixture and bake for roughly 10–12 minutes at 220°C.

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Traditional Italian Anchovy Pizza

Ingredients:

✓ Store-bought or freshly made pizza dough

✓ Canned tomatoes

✓ Fillet anchovies

✓ Dried oregano

✓ Capers

✓ Black olives without pits

✓ Small amount of parmesan cheese

✓ Few drops of lemon juice

Steps:

1. Stretch the dough by hand or roll it flat using a rolling pin.
2. Make a sauce from mashed tomatoes mixed with spices and apply evenly over the dough.
3. Place capers, black olives, filleted anchovies on top, finish off with some grated parmesan.
4. Bake for about 10 minutes at high temperature.

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Hawaiian Pizza

Ingredients:

✓ Prepared pizza dough

✓ Sweet barbecue sauce

✓ Smoked turkey or chicken strips

✓ Thin pineapple slices

✓ Mix of grated mozzarella and Maasdam cheeses

✓ Ground black pepper as desired

Steps:

1. Evenly cover rolled-out dough with sweet barbecue sauce.
2. Lay down smoked meat strips and pineapple slices on top.
3. Sprinkle with cheese mix and bake for 10–12 minutes at 220°C.

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Halloween Themed Pizza

Ingredients:

✓ Flour, milk, egg, sugar, salt, baking powder, butter

✓ Philadelphia-style cream cheese, sour cream

✓ Salami, ham, bacon, marinated mushrooms

✓ Cherry tomatoes cut in half

✓ Mozzarella cheese cubes

✓ Fresh parsley or dill

Steps:

1. For the base, combine all ingredients to make elastic dough.
2. Apply a layer of cream cheese over the ready-to-use dough.
3. Arrange layers of meats, herbs, and mozzarella cubes.
4. Create a festive spider design using ham and green oil.
5. Bake at 200°C for about 15 minutes.

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Simple Hot Pizza

Ingredients:

✓ Frozen premade pizza dough

✓ Homemade ketchup

✓ Any vegetables (tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers)

✓ Bacon bits

✓ Half-sliced onions

✓ Spices like garlic or paprika if desired

Steps:

1. Unroll defrosted dough by hand or use a rolling pin.
2. Coat with homemade ketchup, arrange vegetable slices and bacon bits.
3. Optionally season with additional spices.
4. Bake for 10–12 minutes at 220°C.

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Dessert Pizza

Ingredients:

✓ Sandwich cookie-based pastry dough (homemade or purchased)

✓ Mixed berries (raspberries, strawberries, blueberries)

✓ Whipped cream

✓ Powdered sugar

✓ Fresh mint leaves

Steps:

1. Line a pan with parchment paper, roll out the dough, and bake the base at 180°C until done.
2. Once cooled, spread a thin layer of whipped cream.
3. Arrange berries on top and dust lightly with powdered sugar.
4. Garnish with fresh mint leaves before serving.

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Vegetable Pizza

Ingredients:

✓ Ready-made puff pastry sheet

✓ Tomato puree mixed with sour cream

✓ Zucchini rounds

✓ Julienne-cut bell peppers

✓ Red onion semi-rings

✓ Finely chopped white cabbage

✓ Minced fresh spinach

✓ Salt and ground black pepper

Steps:

1. Roll out the pastry sheet gently and place it in a baking dish.
2. Cover with the prepared sauce, arrange zucchinis, bell peppers, cabbage, spinach, and onions sequentially.
3. Bake for 15–20 minutes at 200°C.

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Now you know ten wonderful homemade pizza recipes that are sure to delight your family and friends alike!