As you may know, pizza is one of the most popular meals around the world. However, very few people are aware of the meaning and origin of pizza. The word 'pizza' actually originates from the Italian word for 'pie,' and its history dates back to the year 997. It first appeared in a Latin manuscript in the Southern Italian town of Gaeta.
Pizza is the food of choice for many of us, and sometimes we like to play chef and make it ourselves. If you want to be famous among your friends for the best homemade pizza, check the article below to discover the most common mistakes people make while cooking pizza at home.
1.Using the wrong flourfor Pizza's dough
Using the right type of flour is crucial when making pizza because it directly affects the texture and structure of the crust. All-purpose flour is commonly used in household house because it can be used for a wide range of baking applications. So many people are making mistakes by using it for making pizza.
But, there is a catch. Pizza's chewy and crispy crust strongly depends on gluten, and all-purpose flour has around 10-12% of protein , which makes it suitable for many recipes, but it may not provide enough gluten development for an authentic pizza crust.
Instead of using all-purpose flour, you can use bread flour, which is specifically designed for bread and pizza dough. It has a higher protein content (usually around 12-14% or even higher), which is essential for creating a strong gluten network.
2.Not kneading the dough enough
Properly kneading the pizza dough is essential to develop gluten, which gives the crust its structure and texture. Here are some tips for proper kneading:
Kneading pizza dough involves folding, pressing, and turning the dough repeatedly for about 8-10 minutes.
You'll know the dough is kneaded well when it becomes smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky.
Test the dough's readiness with a "windowpane test." Gently stretch a small piece of dough between your fingers; if it forms a thin, translucent dough without tearing, it's ready.
3.Over-kneading the dough
7.Not preheating the oven properly
Things you need to do before baking pizza:
Preheat with a Pizza Stone or Baking Sheet:If you have a pizza stone or baking sheet, place it in the oven before preheating. This ensures that the cooking surface is hot and ready when you slide the pizza onto it.
Temperature Control: Set your oven to the recommended temperature for your pizza recipe. Typically around 450°F (232°C) to 550°F (288°C).
Preheating Time: Preheating can take 15-30 minutes, depending on your oven's efficiency and the desired temperature. Allow enough time for the oven to reach the specified temperature before you start baking.
8.Skipping the Pizza Stone or Baking Sheet
Using these has a very important impact on your pizza!
For example:
Pizza stones and baking sheets are designed to distribute heat evenly across the surface. This helps prevent undercooked or burnt spots.
One of the key benefits of using a pizza stone or baking sheet is that it helps create a crispy and well-browned bottom crust.
Pizza stones and baking sheets act as a barrier, helping to maintain the crust's integrity and preventing sogginess.
Using a pizza stone or baking sheet makes it easier to remove the pizza out of the oven.
9. Not watching the cooking time
Homemade pizza can go from perfectly cooked to burn quickly. Pay attention while you're baking pizza so it doesn't get overcooked.
If you are making a traditional Thin Crust Pizza, it requires a high temperature (typically 450°F to 550°F or 232°C to 288°C), it usually takes about 10 to 15 minutes.
If you are making Thicker Crust Pizza it may take longer to cook, generally around 20 to 30 minutes at a slightly lower temperature (around 375°F to 425°F or 190°C to 218°C).
10.Cutting the Pizza Too Soon
It's always difficult to resist slicing the pizza immediately after it comes out of the oven, but this can cause the cheese and toppings to slide off. You should let the pizza rest for a few minutes before cutting it to let the cheese set and prevent a messy look.
