So, you’ve decided to make your own pizza from scratch, and now you’re wondering, “How much sauce, cheese, and toppings do I need?”
Fear not, ’cause we’ve got the deets on how to achieve the perfect pizza proportions!
We’ve got the rundown on balancing your ingredients so you can create a heavenly homemade pizza that’s nothing short of mouthwatering.
From saucy secrets to cheesy goodness, and toppings galore, we’ll help you master the art of pizza-making like a true pizzaiolo.
Ready to salivate your way into the delicious world of pizza proportions?
Pizza Dough and Size
Here’s a quick look at pizza dough to get you started.
Types of Pizza Dough
There are various types of pizza dough, each with its unique texture and flavor.
Some popular choices include:
- Classic traditional dough: This is usually made with flour, yeast, water, oil, and salt. It’s the most common type for homemade pizza and offers a good balance of chewiness and crispiness.
- Thin-crust dough: As the name suggests, it’s rolled or stretched very thin, resulting in a crunchy, cracker-like crust.
- Deep-dish dough: Common in Chicago-style pizza, this thick, buttery crust can hold generous amounts of sauce, cheese, and toppings.
- Neapolitan dough: Originating from Naples, Italy, this dough is typically made with 00 flour, water, salt, and yeast, resulting in a thin, bubbly, and chewy crust.
Pizza Size Considerations
When making homemade pizza, it’s essential to consider the size of the pizza and how it may impact the amounts of sauce, cheese, and toppings.
For a 12-inch pizza, you’ll want to aim for about 80g (2.8 ounces) of sauce.
You might need to adjust this amount based on the size of your pizza and your personal preference for sauce thickness.
For the cheese, about 1/2 to 1 cup is ideal for a 12-inch pizza, depending on your desired cheesiness.
Toppings, of course, can vary greatly in terms of quantity and type.
Here are a few general guidelines:
- Meat: Use roughly 100-150g (3.5-5.3 ounces) of meat, like pepperoni, sausage, or chicken, per 12-inch pizza.
- Veggies: 1 to 1 1/2 cups of veggies, like onions, peppers, or mushrooms, are typically used.
- Additional cheese: If you’re a cheese lover, add an extra 1/4 to 1/2 cup of different cheeses, like mozzarella, cheddar, or feta.
Remember, these are just average amounts, and you can experiment to find your perfect pizza size, sauce, cheese, and toppings balance.
Cheese Selection and Quantity
For me, the cheese on the pizza is the most important part, which is why I want to break talk pizza cheese with you for a moment.
Fresh Mozzarella
When it comes to pizza, fresh mozzarella is a top choice for many folks.
This classic cheese has a creamy, mild flavor and melts beautifully when cooked.
But how much do you need for that perfect pizza?
For a 12-inch pizza, you’ll want to use about 4 to 5 ounces of fresh mozzarella.
If you’re a big cheese lover, like me, feel free to add an extra ounce or two.
Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
If you prefer shredded mozzarella cheese, the quantity would be pretty much the same as fresh mozzarella.
So, for a 12-inch pizza, using about 4 to 5 ounces of shredded mozzarella would do the trick.
Shredded mozzarella has the advantage of spreading more evenly across your pizza, ensuring consistent gooey cheesiness in every bite.
Cheese Pizza
When making a classic cheese pizza, the right cheese selection can make all the difference.
While mozzarella is undoubtedly the most popular, other cheese options can enhance the taste too.
Some of these cheeses with good meltability are cheddar, fontina, Gouda, Jack, Muenster, provolone, and Swiss raclette.
For a 12-inch cheese pizza, the right quantity of cheese would be:
- 4 to 5 ounces of mozzarella
- Combine it with 2 to 3 ounces of other melting cheese varieties if desired (such as a mix of cheddar and provolone)
With this cheese selection and quantity, you’ll have a pizza that’s both cheese-infused and undeniably delicious.
Just remember to adjust the quantities based on the size of your pizza, and don’t be afraid to mix and match your favorite cheese varieties for a unique flavor experience.
Sauce Choices and Amounts
Did you know that tomato isn’t the only pizza sauce in town?
We’ve got some other options for you as well.
Tomato Sauce
When it comes to pizza sauces, tomato sauce is definitely a classic choice.
Most homemade pizza recipes call for a tomato-based sauce, either store-bought or made from scratch.
To make a simple tomato sauce, all you need are some crushed tomatoes, garlic, onions, oregano, and a touch of salt and pepper.
As far as how much sauce to use, it’s usually best to start with around 1/4 cup of sauce for a 12-inch pizza.
For smaller pizzas, reduce the amount of sauce accordingly, and for larger pizzas, you may need a few extra tablespoons.
Don’t go too heavy on the sauce, though, as it can make the crust soggy.
Alternative Pizza Sauces
While tomato sauce is the most popular option, there are plenty of alternative pizza sauces that can add a unique twist to your pizza.
- White sauce: Also known as béchamel or Alfredo, white sauce can be a creamy and delicious departure from the typical tomato base. To make a white sauce, you’ll need butter, flour, milk, and some Parmesan cheese. The recommended amount for a 12-inch pizza is around 1/4 cup.
- Pesto: Basil pesto is a great choice for those who prefer a more herbal and fresh flavor. Made from fresh basil, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil, pesto is easy to whip up and adds a unique twist to pizza. Use about 3-4 tablespoons for a 12-inch pizza.
- Barbecue sauce: If you’re a fan of BBQ chicken pizza or other smoky, sweet flavors, consider using barbecue sauce as your base. Stick with the same 1/4 cup guideline for a 12-inch pizza, but adjust to taste.
Remember, whether you choose tomato sauce or an alternative option, the key is to keep the sauce layer relatively thin to prevent a soggy crust.
Ingredients can always be adjusted to personal preferences, but these guidelines should help you get started on your pizza sauce journey.
Toppings: Types and Distribution
For some people, pizza is all about the toppings. If that’s you, then we’ve got some tips to share.
Popular Toppings
When it comes to making a homemade pizza, there are tons of toppings to choose from.
Some popular ones include:
- Pepperoni
- Sausage
- Green bell pepper
- Black olives
- Red onions
- Basil
A classic Italian pizza might also have some of these toppings:
- Anchovies
- Chili peppers
- Garlic
- Olives
- Olive oil
- Parmesan and pecorino cheese
- Salami
For a standard 12-inch pizza, you’ll want to use about 80g (2.8 ounces) of sauce as a base.
Vegetarian Options
For a veggie pizza, there’s no shortage of great options.
Some favorite vegetarian toppings include:
- Mushrooms
- Spinach
- Tomatoes
- Artichokes
- Onions
- Bell peppers
- Arugula
Throw in some fresh herbs, like basil and oregano, for added flavor.
Meat Lovers Choices
If you’re a carnivore, there are plenty of meaty toppings to pile onto your homemade pizza.
Some popular meat lover’s choices are:
- Pepperoni
- Sausage
- Bacon
- Ham
- Chicken
- Salami
Don’t be afraid to mix and match your meat toppings to create the perfect combo!
When it comes to distribution, you’ll want to make sure your toppings are spread out evenly across the pizza.
This way, each slice is packed with flavor and you’re not left with bare spots.
Use a portion guide to help ensure the right amount of each topping is used.
Different pizza styles may require different amounts of toppings, so adjust accordingly.
And remember, sometimes less is more.
Overloading your pizza with toppings can make it hard to cook evenly and lead to a soggy crust.
