Homemade Cheese Pizza with Rich Tomato Sauce

Ingredients

For the Dough

• 3½ cups all-purpose flour

• 1 cup water, at room temperature

• 1 level tablespoon salt

• 1 teaspoon dry yeast

• 1 teaspoon sugar

• ⅓ cup olive oil

For the Tomato Sauce

• 200 g (7 oz) tomato paste

• 1 large onion, finely chopped

• 1 garlic clove, crushed

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• A pinch of salt

• Freshly ground black pepper

• A pinch of sugar

For the Topping

• 250 g (9 oz) yellow cheese, grated

• For an even better result, replace half of the cheese with mozzarella

Instructions

Prepare the Dough

1. In a large bowl, combine the flour, yeast, and sugar.

2. Make a well in the center and add the salt.

3. Add the water and olive oil.

4. Knead thoroughly using a stand mixer, food processor, or by hand until a smooth dough forms.

5. Continue kneading for a few more minutes by hand.

6. Cover and let the dough rise for about 20 minutes.

7. Roll the dough out on a sheet of parchment paper into a large circle.

Prepare the Sauce

1. Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.

2. Sauté the chopped onion until golden.

3. Add the crushed garlic and cook for about 1 minute more.

4. Stir in the tomato paste, mixing constantly to prevent it from sticking or burning.

5. Once the sauce begins to bubble, add the salt, pepper, and sugar.

6. Stir well and remove from the heat.

Assemble the Pizza

1. Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).

2. Spread the sauce over the pizza dough, starting from the center and working outward toward the edges.

3. Bake the dough with the sauce for 10 minutes.

4. While it bakes, grate the cheeses.

5. Remove the pizza from the oven and sprinkle the cheese evenly over the top.

6. Return the pizza to the oven and bake for another 15 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and the crust is lightly golden.

Slice and serve immediately while hot and cheesy.