
Did you ever crave that mouthwatering pizza but didn’t want to wait for the long delivery hours? What if you could have that perfect pizza in the comfort of your own home? It’s simpler than you think! With just a few ingredients, an OTG (Oven Toaster Grill), and a dash of patience, you can bake a warm, crispy, and flavorful pizza right in your kitchen.
Making pizza guarantees a good time. Not only does it ensure you enjoy every step of the process, but you also get to savor the delicious, bubbling cheese on top of the tomatoes the way you want. Whether it’s the excitement of pulling the pizza out of the oven or indulging in a fresh slice, it’s a delightful experience.
This article will guide you through the process, from dough preparation to baking your pizza to perfection. Let’s get started!
Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients
Start by assembling everything in one place to make the process smooth. Here’s what you’ll need:
To Make the Dough:
Credits: Glen India
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (maida)
- 1 teaspoon dry yeast
- ½ cup warm water
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
To Make the Sauce:
- 1 cup tomato puree
- 2 minced garlic cloves
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon chili flakes
- 1 teaspoon tomato ketchup
For the Toppings:
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Your choice of toppings (onions, capsicum, mushrooms, paneer, pepperoni, etc.)
- Oregano and chili flakes for seasoning
For Baking, You Will Need:
- Baking tray
- Parchment paper
- OTG oven
Having everything ready will make the process more enjoyable and efficient.
Step 2: Prepare the Pizza Dough
Credits: Glen India
The dough is the foundation of the pizza. If the base isn't right, the entire experience won’t be pleasant. Getting the dough soft and chewy is key.
How to Make It:
Activating the Yeast: In a small bowl, mix the warm water, sugar, and dry yeast. Stir well and let it rest for about 10 minutes. The mixture should become frothy, indicating that the yeast is activated and ready to work.
Creating the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the activated yeast mixture and olive oil. Stir everything together until you form a sticky dough.
Kneading the Dough: Lightly flour your countertop and knead the dough for about 10 minutes. Kneading is essential as it develops the gluten, making the dough smooth, elastic, and easier to work with.
Let Your Dough Rise: Coat a bowl with olive oil and place the dough in it. Cover it with a damp cloth or plastic wrap and let it rise for 1 to 2 hours. The dough should double in size, giving you a soft, airy pizza crust.
Step 3: Prepare the Pizza Sauce
Credits: Glen India
The pizza sauce is the heart of the dish, adding depth to the flavors and complementing the cheesy toppings.
How to Make It:
Heat the Olive Oil: Place a small pan on medium heat and add one tablespoon of olive oil.
Sauté the Garlic: Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until it’s fragrant. Be careful not to burn it.
Cook the Sauce: Add the tomato puree, salt, ketchup, chili flakes, and oregano to the pan. Stir well and let it simmer on low heat for 5–7 minutes, until the sauce thickens and the flavors meld together.
Cool the Sauce: Remove the pan from the heat and allow the sauce to cool before spreading it on the pizza. Cooling the sauce allows the flavors to intensify.
Step 4: Preheat Your OTG
Credits: Glen India
Preheating your OTG ensures that your pizza bakes evenly and doesn’t have any undercooked spots.
How to Do It: Set your OTG to 250°C (482°F) and let it preheat for about 10–15 minutes.
Step 5: Form the Base of the Pizza
Now it’s time for the fun part — rolling out the dough! This step allows you to shape the pizza the way you want.
How to Do It:
Punch Down the Dough: Remove the dough from the bowl and gently press it down with your fingers to release the air. Divide it into two equal portions and place them in separate bowls.
Roll Out the Dough: Take one portion of dough and roll it into a circle about 10–12 inches in diameter. Make the edges slightly thicker to form the classic pizza crust.
Step 6: Add the Ingredients to Your Pizza
Credits: Glen India
Now comes the exciting part — assembling your pizza! You can get creative with the toppings and customize the pizza to your liking.
How to Do It:
Prepare the Baking Tray: Line your baking tray with parchment paper to prevent the pizza from sticking.
Add the Sauce: Place the rolled-out dough on the tray and spread a thin layer of sauce over the center. Avoid spreading sauce on the edges to keep the crust intact.
Add Cheese and Toppings: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the sauce. Add your favorite toppings, such as vegetables, chicken, or extra cheese.
Season the Pizza: Drizzle some oregano and chili flakes on top of the pizza to enhance the flavors.
Step 7: Bake the Pizza in Your OTG
With the pizza fully assembled, it’s time to bake it to perfection.
How to Do It:
Place the Pizza in the OTG: Once your OTG is preheated, carefully place the pizza in the center of the middle rack for even heat distribution.
Set the Temperature: Set the OTG to 220°C (428°F) and bake the pizza for 10–12 minutes.
Check the Pizza: Start checking around the 8-minute mark to ensure it doesn’t overcook. If you desire a golden top, switch the broil function on for the last 2 minutes.
Step 8: Let It Rest & Slice
After baking, let the pizza rest for a couple of minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
How to Do It:
Let the Pizza Rest: After removing the pizza from the OTG, allow it to rest for about 2 minutes to cool slightly.
Slice the Pizza: Use a sharp pizza cutter to slice the pizza into even sections. Serve hot and enjoy!
Step 9: Serve & Enjoy!
Credits: Glen India
Your home-made pizza is now ready to serve. It’s fresh, flavorful, and crispy, just like the one from the pizzeria!
Serve the pizza hot, along with garlic dip or your favorite sauce. Pair it with a refreshing drink to complete the meal.
Final Thoughts
Making pizza at home is a fun and rewarding experience when you have the right tools, like a high-quality OTG. The even heat distribution and precise temperature control ensure your pizza is perfectly baked every time.
So next time you crave pizza, skip the delivery and try making it yourself. You’ll be amazed at how easy it is and how satisfying it is to enjoy a fresh homemade pizza.