Wood-Fired Cheese Pizza Recipe

Posted by ilFornino New York on 16th Nov 2017

Level: Beginner
Total: 1 hr, 15 min
Prep: 45 min
Yield: One 12” cheese pizza

In this recipe, we will show you the easy process of making a simple wood-fired cheese pizza. Great for both kids and adults, our cheese pizza recipe will cover everything from start to finish so you can enjoy your freshly made wood-fired treat!

Ingredients for the dough:

Click here for ilFornino’s pizza dough recipe!

Ingredients for the sauce::

1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes (San Marzano preferred)
2 cloves minced garlic
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon olive oil
Fresh basil (optional)

Ingredients for the toppings:

2 cups (200g) shredded mozzarella cheese
Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
Extra virgin olive oil, for drizzling

Instructions:

Combine Ingredients for the Sauce: In a bowl, mix the crushed tomatoes, garlic, oregano, salt, pepper, and olive oil. Optionally, add fresh basil for extra flavor.
Heat the Oven: Light your wood-fired pizza oven and bring it to 700°F. Wait for 30-45 minutes to reach the right temperature.
Prepare Cooking Surface: Once hot, use a pizza peel to clean the cooking surface and dust it lightly with flour or cornmeal to prevent your pizza from sticking.
Divide the Dough: Punch down the risen dough and divide it into 2-4 equal pieces, depending on your desired pizza size.
Shape the Dough: On a floured surface, stretch or roll out each piece into a 10-12 inch circle, leaving a slightly thicker edge for the crust.
Add Sauce: Spread a thin layer of tomato sauce over the pizza base.
Add Cheese: Evenly distribute the shredded mozzarella over the sauce.
Drizzle Olive Oil: Drizzle a little extra virgin olive oil on top.
Transfer to Oven: Carefully slide the pizza onto the hot stone in the oven using the pizza peel.
Cook: Bake for about 2-4 minutes, rotate halfway through for even cooking, until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly.
Garnish: Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Add fresh basil leaves and drizzle with olive oil if desired.
Slice and Enjoy: Slice the pizza and serve hot! Enjoy!

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