HOW TO BAKE GREAT GAME-DAY PIZZA

HOW TO BAKE GREAT GAME-DAY PIZZA

STEP 1

Create a pizza oven. To make crispy, evenly cooked, pizzeria-style pie, you'll need to jury-rig your oven. Crank the heat to its maximum setting (usually 500°F) and preheat two pizza stones or baking sheets on the top and middle rack. The surfaces will help radiate heat around the pizza.

STEP 2

Prep the crust. In a bowl, toss your dough (store-bought or, better, from a pizzeria) with a mix of 3/4 cup of semolina flour and 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour. On a floured surface, stretch the dough to make a 12-to 14-inch crust.

STEP 3

Apply basic toppings. Transfer the crust to a floured pizza peel or pizza box lid. Spoon on your favorite jarred sauce or some crushed San Marzano canned tomatoes. Add slices of fresh mozzarella that you've patted dry.

STEP 4

Place it in the oven. Slide the pie onto the middle rack's stone or sheet and bake until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted, 8 to 12 minutes.

STEP 5

Add cold toppings. Finish with easy, no-cook toppings (pick up to five): arugula, grated Parmigiano-Reggiano, grated Romano, goat cheese, gorgonzola, red-pepper flakes, prosciutto, capicola, fresh basil, fresh oregano. Then garnish with a drizzle of olive oil.