Pizza and Craft Beer
Having Fun Making Pizza and Pairing Craft Beer
Pizza is a beloved food all around the world. It’s a versatile dish that can be customized with a variety of toppings to suit any taste. Whether you prefer a classic pepperoni pizza or a more adventurous combination of flavors, making pizza at home can be a fun and delicious experience. In this article, we’ll explore different ways to have fun making pizza, creating unique toppings, and pairing them with craft beers to elevate your pizza game.
Why Make Pizza at Home?
Making pizza at home has many benefits. Not only is it a fun activity to do with friends and family, but it also allows you to control the ingredients and customize your pizza to your liking. Plus, it’s often more cost-effective than ordering pizza from a restaurant. With a few simple ingredients and some creativity, you can make delicious and unique pizzas right in your own kitchen. Plus if you’re making pizza at home, you can stop by your local craft beer store and pick up a variety of local and small batch craft beers to make the night ofcreative topping and beer pairings even more fun.
Simple Pizza Dough Recipe
The first and arguably one of the most important things you will ned to mak to get your pizza night started is a simple dough. This will be your pizza pallet for all of your delicious toppings and sauces. We are including a simple dough recipe below, but in case your tight on time, we have also included our top five ‘ready to bake’ doughs below that you can grab from the store. Here’s a simple recipe for a pizza dough that makes enough for four 10-inch personal pizzas:
Ingredients:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups warm water
- 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp salt
Instructions:
- In a small bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes until it becomes frothy.
- In a large bowl, mix flour and salt. Make a well in the center and add the yeast mixture and olive oil.
- Mix until the dough comes together, then knead on a floured surface for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in an oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours or until doubled in size.
- Divide the dough into four equal portions. Roll out each portion on a floured surface to form a 10-inch pizza base.
Oven Temperature and Baking Time for Homemade Pizza
- Oven Temperature: Preheat your oven to 475°F to 500°F (245°C to 260°C).
- Baking Time: Bake your pizza for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown.
Make sure to keep an eye on your pizza as baking times can vary slightly based on your oven and the thickness of the crust. Using a pizza stone or baking steel can also help achieve a crispier crust. See our other pizza making and baking tips below!
Creative Pizza Toppings
While classic toppings like pepperoni and mushrooms are always delicious, why not get creative and try something new? Here are some unique pizza toppings to inspire you:
- Grilled peaches and prosciutto
- Pulled pork and coleslaw
- Shrimp and pesto
- Brie and figs
- Fried egg and bacon
- Mac and cheese
- Sliced apples and brie
- BBQ pulled jackfruit
- Falafel and tzatziki
Sauce Suggestions
A great pizza starts with a great sauce. Here are some ideas beyond the usual red sauce:
- Classic Tomato Sauce: Perfect for any traditional pizza.
- Alfredo Sauce: A creamy option for those allergic to tomatoes or looking for a rich flavor.
- Olive Oil and Garlic: A simple and elegant choice that pairs well with many toppings.
- Pesto: Adds a fresh, herbaceous note to your pizza.
- BBQ Sauce: Great for BBQ chicken or pulled pork pizzas.
Pizza and Craft Beer Pairings
One of the best things about making pizza at home is that you can pair it with your favorite craft beer. The right beer can enhance the flavors of your pizza and create a well-rounded dining experience. Here are some classic pizza and craft beer pairings to try:
- Pepperoni pizza with a pale ale
- Margherita pizza with a pilsner
- BBQ chicken pizza with an IPA
- Mushroom and truffle pizza with a stout
- Hawaiian pizza with a wheat beer
Of course, these are just suggestions, and you can mix and match to find your perfect pairing. The key is to experiment and have fun with it!
Tips for Making the Perfect Pizza
Making pizza at home can be a fun and rewarding experience, but it does require some technique to get the perfect pizza. Here are some tips to help you make the best pizza possible:
- Use a pizza stone or baking steel for a crispy crust.
- Preheat your oven to the highest temperature possible (usually 500°F).
- Roll out the dough as thin as possible for a crispy crust.
- Use a pizza peel or the back of a baking sheet to transfer the pizza to the oven.
- Don’t overload your pizza with toppings, as this can make it soggy.
- Let the pizza cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Making pizza at home is a fun and delicious experience. With a variety of toppings and recipes to try, you can create unique and tasty pizzas that will impress your friends and family. Don’t be afraid to get creative and experiment with different flavors. And remember, pizza and craft beer make the perfect pairing, so be sure to have your favorite brew on hand when making pizza at home.
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Top 5 Ready-Made Pizza Crusts
If you’re short on time, there are many high-quality ready-made pizza crusts available. Here are some top options:
- Boboli Original Pizza Crust: A classic, pre-baked crust that’s perfect for quick and easy pizza nights.
- Trader Joe’s Cauliflower Pizza Crust: A gluten-free, veggie-packed option that’s both healthy and delicious.
- Pillsbury Classic Pizza Crust: Convenient and reliable, this crust comes in a tube that you simply pop open and unroll.
- Capello’s Almond Flour Pizza Crust: A grain-free and paleo-friendly option made with almond flour.
- Udi’s Gluten Free Pizza Crust: A great choice for those with gluten sensitivities, offering a tasty and crispy base.