Making Pizza At Home? 2 Common Mistakes That Could Destroy Your Pie

When you are hungry, nothing is better than meaty toppings and melted cheese on top of a tender pizza crust. Unfortunately, many people find out the hard way that making pizza from home can be challenging. Here are two common pizza-making mistakes that could destroy your pie, and what you can do to create an incredible dinner.    

1: Not Cranking the Oven Heat

If you are embarking on a new cooking method, you probably approach every single step with careful consideration. Because people are usually nervous about burning their pizza or ruining their oven, they tend to error on the side of caution and turn that oven temperature to lower temperatures. Unfortunately, although that cooler oven might work great for your next casserole, it can cause problems for your pizza.

When oven temperatures are too low, it will take a lot longer for your pie to cook, which can dry out the crust and make it tough. Also, cooler ovens won't caramelize your toppings at all, so you can forget about that perfect pepperoni with crusty edges.

To make your pizza perfect, you need to crank that oven heat. Experts usually recommend preheating your oven between 450 and 500°F for a well-cooked pie with perfect toppings.

2: Using Too Many Toppings

After you decide to make pizza at home, it can be easy to get carried away with the freedom that personal topping application affords. Instead of going easy on the cheese and using a few meats and veggies, you might decide to slather your crust with sauce and layer toppings an inch thick. Unfortunately, extra toppings don't always lead to a better pizza.

When you put too many toppings on your pizza, they might take longer to cook than your crust. An overloaded pie might mean choosing between cooked toppings and burnt bread. Another problem that too many toppings can cause is extra moisture on the surface of your pizza. When vegetables cook, they release steam, which usually evaporates if your pie isn't overloaded. However, if you throw a few extra layers of bell peppers and mushrooms, you might end up with a soggy middle.

As you prepare your uncooked pizza, remember that a few toppings will go a long way. Focus on adding tasty, perfectly prepared toppings to your crust, and don't be afraid to try new flavor combinations.

Understanding common pizza mistakes might help you to enjoy an incredible meal, without wasting time and delightful ingredients.