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 flour for 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

Kneading the Pizza Dough — ***On the other side, over-kneading can make the dough tough and hard to work with. It's important to find the right balance.***
If you're unsure about reaching the right balance, allow the dough to rest for a short period after kneading (typically 10-15 minutes). This resting period allows the gluten to relax and redistribute, making it easier to work with.

4. Rolling the dough too thin

Stretching or rolling the dough too thin can lead to a fragile crust that doesn't hold up well to toppings. Here are some tips for the correct way of rolling the dough:

Aim for a consistent thickness when rolling out pizza dough. Try to maintain an even thickness across the entire crust.
To prevent sticking, dust the work surface and rolling pin with a bit of flour. This also adds a nice texture to the bottom of the crust.
Leave a slightly thicker border or edge when rolling out the dough. This will help create a crust that holds its shape and provides a satisfying bite.

5. Overloading with toppings

Adding too many toppings can overwhelm the pizza and make it soggy.

If you want to avoid that, you need to focus on these rules:

Focus more on a few key ingredients that you enjoy and that complement each other in terms of flavor and texture.
Prepare your toppings appropriately. For example, if you're using vegetables, roast them to remove excess moisture and to intensify their flavors before placing them on the pizza.
Distribute your toppings evenly across the pizza to ensure that every bite has a balanced combination of ingredients.
Consider the order in which you add toppings. Start with a thin layer of sauce or cheese to act as a base, then add your other toppings, and finish with a light sprinkle of cheese on top to help hold everything in place.
The most common mistake is putting too much cheese. Use the right amount of cheese to complement the other toppings rather than smothering the pizza with it.

6. Using cold sauce and cheese

Using cold sauce and cheese on the dough can affect the cooking time and result in an unevenly cooked pizza. Don't put them on the pizza directly from the fridge! Wait a couple of minutes. Allow these ingredients to come to room temperature before using them.

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.

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10 Common Mistakes When Making Pizza