The Base – makes four large or eight small pizza bases

  • 500g strong white flour plus extra for dusting
  • 1 x 7g sachet of fast action dried yeast
  • 2 tsp salt
  • 2 tbsp olive oil plus extra for greasing
  • 325ml warm water

The Tomato Sauce

  • Carton of passata
  • Handful of fresh basil torn/chopped or 4 tsp dried oregano
  • 2 garlic cloves, crushed

Cheese

  • 2 balls mozzarella, sliced thinly

Optional Toppings

  • Thinly sliced mushrooms
  • Thinly sliced red onion
  • Thinly sliced peppers
  • Sliced chorizo
  • Sliced pepperoni
  • Chopped ham
  • Pineapple
  • Anchovies
  • Tuna
  • Olives

Pre-heat the oven to 200C/180C fan assisted.

Make the tomato sauce – mix all the sauce ingredients together.  Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Make the base – Stir the flour into a large bowl and add the yeast and salt.  Mix well.  Mix the olive oil with the water and stir into the flour.  Mix until all the ingredients form a dough.

Alternatively, add all the ingredients into a food processor and blend until they form a dough – this is what I tend to do!

Split the dough into four or eight balls and roll each out on a floured surface using a rolling pin. Once rolled, lift onto greased or floured baking sheets or pizza trays.  Prick the dough with a fork, this will stop it from rising.

Top the base – spread the tomato sauce over the pizza bases, then cover the sauce with the cheese.  Top with whatever toppings you like from the list.

Bake – put the pizzas in the oven and bake for 10-15 minutes or until the cheese has melted and is bubbling!  Serve immediately.

Handy Hints

  • Any unused dough can be frozen for use at a later date.  Lightly grease some cling film with olive oil and wrap the dough up and freeze.
  • If you don’t fancy mozzarella, cover the pizza base with any grated cheese of your choice.
  • Use any topping you fancy, the list is endless!
  • If you don’t want to make the dough, shop bought pizza bases are just as good.  I tend to keep a stock in the freezer, ideal if you want something quick and easy.
  • Great to make with the kids.  Make the dough and get them to do the rest of the work!