Product: https://homtone.com/products/10-in-1-electric-pizza-oven
Ingredients:
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Pizza dough (6"-7")
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Ricotta cheese (about 1/2 cup)
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Fresh mozzarella slices (thinly sliced)
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Garlic cloves (2-3 cloves, minced)
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Fresh basil leaves (about 10-12 leaves)
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Olive oil (extra virgin preferred)
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Salt (preferably sea salt)
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Freshly ground black pepper (optional)
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Red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
Instructions:
Step 1. Preheat the Oven:
- Set your oven to 800℉. Allow it to preheat for at least 15-20 minutes to ensure the oven reaches the correct temperature. This high temperature is crucial for achieving the crispy crust and perfectly melted cheese characteristic of a wood-fired pizza.
Step 2. Prepare the Garlic:
- Peel and mince 2-3 garlic cloves. Mincing the garlic finely will help distribute the flavor evenly across the pizza.
Step 3. Prepare the Dough:
- Take the pizza dough out of the refrigerator (if it was refrigerated) and let it sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes to make it more manageable.
- Lightly flour your work surface to prevent the dough from sticking.
- Place the dough on the floured surface and gently stretch it by hand. Start from the center and work your way outwards, creating a thin, even crust. Aim for a thickness of about 1/8 inch. Avoid using a rolling pin to preserve the air bubbles in the dough, which will give the crust its characteristic texture and crispiness.
Step 4. Add the Ricotta Cheese:
- Spread a thin layer of ricotta cheese over the stretched dough, leaving a small border around the edges for the crust. Use a spoon or a small spatula to apply the ricotta evenly. Ricotta adds a creamy, slightly tangy base for the other toppings.
Step 5. Layer the Cheese:
- Place slices of fresh mozzarella evenly over the ricotta cheese. Ensure the cheese covers the ricotta layer completely, as this will help create a uniform melt and prevent the ricotta from bubbling up excessively. The mozzarella should be thinly sliced to ensure it melts smoothly at the high temperature.
Step 6. Arrange the Garlic and Basil:
- Sprinkle the minced garlic evenly over the mozzarella cheese. The garlic will infuse the pizza with a rich, aromatic flavor.
- Arrange the fresh basil leaves on top of the garlic. The basil will add a fresh, herbaceous note to the pizza.
Step 7. Season and Drizzle:
- Drizzle a small amount of olive oil over the pizza. This adds a rich flavor and helps the crust achieve a beautiful golden-brown color. Sprinkle a pinch of salt over the entire pizza to enhance the flavors of the cheese, ricotta, and toppings. If desired, add a few grinds of freshly ground black pepper and a pinch of red pepper flakes for an extra layer of flavor.
Step 8. Bake the Pizza:
- Carefully transfer the pizza to the preheated oven. If you have a pizza stone or steel, place the pizza directly on it for optimal heat distribution and a crispy crust.
Bake the pizza for approximately 3 minutes. Keep an eye on it through the oven window to monitor the cheese and crust. The high temperature means the pizza will cook quickly, and you want to avoid overcooking.
Step 9. Check for Doneness:
- After 3 minutes, carefully remove the pizza from the oven using a pizza peel or tongs. Check the cheese for the desired level of char and melt. The crust should be golden-brown and crispy, and the mozzarella should be bubbly and slightly browned.
Step 10. Garnish and Serve:
- If desired, add a few more fresh basil leaves on top for added freshness and color.
Let the pizza rest for about 1-2 minutes to allow the cheese to set slightly. Then, slice it into wedges and serve immediately.
Enjoy your delicious White Pizza with Ricotta!
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