Thick-Crust Cheese Pizza (Square-Cut, Pan-Style)
🧄 Dough Ingredients (for one 9x13" pan pizza):
2¼ tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast
1 tsp sugar
¾ cup warm water (110°F / 43°C)
2 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for kneading)
1 tsp salt
1½ tbsp olive oil (plus extra for greasing pan)
🍅 Sauce Ingredients:
1 tbsp olive oil
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 can (15 oz) crushed tomatoes
1 tsp dried oregano
½ tsp salt
1 tsp sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
Pinch of chili flakes (optional)
🧀 Topping:
2–2½ cups shredded whole-milk mozzarella
Optional: light sprinkle of Parmesan
Olive oil for brushing the crust
🔥 Instructions:
1. Make the Dough:
In a bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit 5–10 mins until foamy.
Stir in flour, salt, and olive oil. Knead into a soft dough (5–7 mins).
Place in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let rise until doubled (about 1 hour).
2. Make the Sauce:
In a saucepan, heat olive oil and sauté garlic until fragrant (30 secs).
Add crushed tomatoes, oregano, salt, and sugar.
Simmer for 15–20 minutes until thickened. Set aside.
3. Shape & Prebake:
Preheat oven to 450°F (232°C).
Grease a 9x13” baking pan generously with olive oil.
Press dough into the pan, stretching to the edges. Let rest 10 minutes if needed.
Parbake crust for 7–8 minutes (helps avoid sogginess).
4. Assemble the Pizza:
Spread a generous layer of sauce over the crust.
Top with shredded mozzarella all the way to the edge.
Sprinkle optional Parmesan on top. Brush crust edge with olive oil.
5. Bake Until Golden & Bubbly:
Return to oven for 12–15 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and browned in spots.
Broil for 1–2 mins for extra stretch and golden top, if desired.
6. Serve Square-Cut Style:
Let it rest for a couple minutes.
Slice into squares.
Lift a slice with a spatula to capture that dramatic cheese pull.
🍕 Extra Cozy Serving Tips:
Serve right from the tray lined with parchment on a wooden table.
Add a glass of soda, a crumpled napkin, and cozy ambient lighting = chef’s kiss ✨
Bonus: sprinkle with fresh basil or crushed red pepper for flavor and visuals.