LA Pizza Mia recipe

Here’s a simple recipe for a classic LA-style pizza that you can make at home:

LA Pizza Mia Recipe

Ingredients:

For the pizza dough:

• 2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
• 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
• 1 1/2 cups warm water (110°F/45°C)
• 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt

For the pizza toppings:

• 1 cup pizza sauce
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup sliced pepperoni
• 1/2 cup sliced bell peppers
• 1/4 cup sliced red onions
• 1/4 cup sliced black olives
• Optional: grated Parmesan cheese, crushed red pepper flakes, dried oregano

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Dough:
   • In a small bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
   • In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture and olive oil. Stir until a dough forms.
   • Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
   • Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours, or until it doubles in size.
2. Preheat the Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven while preheating.
3. Shape the Pizza:
   • Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into two equal portions.
   • On a lightly floured surface, roll out each portion of dough into a circle of your desired thickness.
   • Transfer the rolled-out dough onto a pizza peel or parchment paper if you’re using a pizza stone, or onto a lightly greased baking sheet if you’re not using a pizza stone.
4. Add Toppings:
   • Spread half of the pizza sauce over each pizza dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
   • Sprinkle each pizza with half of the shredded mozzarella cheese.
   • Distribute the pepperoni, bell peppers, red onions, and black olives evenly over the pizzas.
   • Optionally, sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese, crushed red pepper flakes, and dried oregano on top for extra flavor.
5. Bake the Pizza:
   • If using a pizza stone, carefully transfer the pizza onto the preheated stone in the oven. If using a baking sheet, place it directly in the oven.
   • Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Serve:
   • Once baked, remove the pizzas from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before slicing.
   • Slice the pizzas into wedges and serve hot. Enjoy your homemade LA-style pizza!

Feel free to adjust the toppings according to your preferences, and don’t be afraid to get creative with different combinations of ingredients!