Name: Classic Grandma Pizza with Fresh Mozzarella
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 8 servings
Cuisine: Italian-inspired cuisine
Ingredients: 3 cup all-purpose flour; 2.25 tsp active dry yeast; 1 cup warm water (105-115°F (40-46°C)); 1 tsp sugar; 1 tsp salt; 2 tbsp olive oil; 28 oz crushed tomatoes (good quality); 2 pcs garlic (minced); 0.5 tsp dried oregano; 0.5 tsp salt; 0.25 tsp black pepper; 16 oz fresh mozzarella cheese (sliced or torn into small pieces); 0.25 cup fresh basil (chopped, for garnish); 2 tbsp olive oil (for drizzling)

A golden-brown, rustic pizza, straight from the oven, topped with melted fresh mozzarella, vibrant red tomato sauce, and a scattering of fresh basil leaves on a wooden board.

Experience the authentic taste of Grandma Pizza with this classic recipe. This rectangular pie features a thin, crisp crust, topped with a vibrant tomato sauce, generous amounts of fresh mozzarella cheese, a drizzle of rich olive oil, and a sprinkle of fresh basil. Baked to golden perfection, it offers a delightful chewiness with a satisfying crunch. This pizza is more than just a meal; it's a nostalgic journey that brings the warmth and comfort of traditional Italian-American home cooking right to your table, perfect for any gathering or a cozy family dinner. Its simplicity allows the quality of ingredients to shine, making every bite a true delight. This recipe focuses on creating a true Grandma Pizza – a large, rectangular pie with a focaccia-like crust that’s crispy on the bottom and chewy inside, a hallmark of this beloved style.

Preparation time: 30 min
Cooking time: 25 min
Total time: 55 min
Servings: 8

Instructions

Prepare the Dough

1In a large bowl, dissolve sugar and yeast in warm water. Let sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
2Stir in olive oil, salt, and half of the flour. Gradually add the remaining flour, mixing until a shaggy dough forms. Turn out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
3Lightly oil a clean bowl, place the dough in it, and turn to coat. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.

Prepare the Sauce and Assemble

1While the dough is rising, prepare the sauce: In a medium bowl, combine crushed tomatoes, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir well and set aside.
2Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Generously grease a 13x9-inch rectangular baking pan with olive oil.
3Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently and transfer it to the prepared baking pan. Using your fingertips, gently stretch and press the dough to evenly cover the bottom of the pan. If the dough resists, let it rest for a few minutes and continue stretching.
4Spread the tomato sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border for the crust. Distribute the fresh mozzarella pieces over the sauce.
5Drizzle generously with extra virgin olive oil over the cheese and sauce.

Bake and Serve

1Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and lightly browned.
2Remove from the oven and immediately sprinkle with fresh chopped basil.
3Let the Grandma pizza rest in the pan for 5-10 minutes before sliding it onto a cutting board, slicing into squares, and serving warm.

Instructions

Prepare the Dough

1In a large bowl, dissolve sugar and yeast in warm water. Let sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
2Stir in olive oil, salt, and half of the flour. Gradually add the remaining flour, mixing until a shaggy dough forms. Turn out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
3Lightly oil a clean bowl, place the dough in it, and turn to coat. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.

Prepare the Sauce and Assemble

1While the dough is rising, prepare the sauce: In a medium bowl, combine crushed tomatoes, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir well and set aside.
2Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Generously grease a 13x9-inch rectangular baking pan with olive oil.
3Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently and transfer it to the prepared baking pan. Using your fingertips, gently stretch and press the dough to evenly cover the bottom of the pan. If the dough resists, let it rest for a few minutes and continue stretching.
4Spread the tomato sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border for the crust. Distribute the fresh mozzarella pieces over the sauce.
5Drizzle generously with extra virgin olive oil over the cheese and sauce.

Bake and Serve

1Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and lightly browned.
2Remove from the oven and immediately sprinkle with fresh chopped basil.
3Let the Grandma pizza rest in the pan for 5-10 minutes before sliding it onto a cutting board, slicing into squares, and serving warm.

Nutrition Information

Calories: 451 kcal
Protein: 18 g
Fat: 18 g
Carbs: 52 g

Nutrient	Per serving
Calories	451 kcal
Protein	18 g
Fat	18 g
Carbs	52 g

Tips

For the best crust, let the dough rise slowly in the refrigerator overnight. This develops a richer flavor and better texture.
Ensure your oven is fully preheated before baking to achieve a perfectly crispy bottom crust, a hallmark of Grandma Pizza.
A good quality extra virgin olive oil drizzled just before serving elevates the fresh flavors and characteristic richness of the pizza.