Homemade easy yummy pizza from scratch, pizza recipe, leftover vegetables

Exploring the World of Homemade Pizza with Creative Flair and Health Consciousness

I’m just a regular mom who never learned the ‘proper’ way to make pizza. So, if there are set rules for making pizza, I might be a complete rule-breaker. But in the end, the taste is absolutely amazing, and the process is incredibly simple. So, what’s the harm in that?

Here are the benefits of homemade pizza:

Control:

Whether my family craves a crispy or soft dough, I have the flexibility to create the perfect texture. Also, restaurant pizzas can often be too salty, but when I make them at home, I have full control.

No Waste:

I can toss just about anything onto a pizza, getting creative with leftovers. Sometimes, when it’s time to head to the grocery store, I discover a handful of veggies, a bit of meat, and a few tomatoes – not quite enough for a full dinner, but absolutely ideal as pizza toppings. A sprinkle of cheese, and there you have it, a flawless pizza!

Time Saving:

I rely on a bread machine to make the pizza dough. While I enjoy baking, kneading isn’t exactly my thing. I’d rather not keep checking the time for fermentation, kneading, and such. Another way I save time is by eliminating the need for a special grocery store run solely for pizza ingredients. Since I typically do my weekly grocery shopping, I find it far more convenient to utilize the ingredients already in my fridge rather than making an additional trip just for pizza.

For a fresher serving experience, I usually prepare the pizza dough with toppings and cheese the day before. I cover it with plastic wrap and refrigerate it, then bake it the following day at dinner time.

Ingredients for pizza dough:

Instructions:

Place all the ingredients in the bread machine and select the “dough mode.”
Once the dough cycle is complete, remove the dough and gently press to release any air bubbles. Form it into a round shape, cover, and let it rest for 15 minutes.
Roll out the pizza dough using a rolling pin. I prefer a square shape to optimize space in my air fryer, but you can choose any shape that’s convenient for you.
Drizzle some olive oil over the dough and spread marinara sauce (I often use what’s in my refrigerator). Feel free to get creative with toppings—there are no strict rules for my pizza. Add your preferred toppings and don’t forget a generous layer of cheese.
Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes.

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Suggestions and Tips for Using a Bread Machine

I’ve experimented with various bread machines, ranging from inexpensive options to more moderately priced ones. While I haven’t ventured into the realm of super expensive models, based on my experience, I haven’t observed significant differences when the machine is solely utilized for kneading. There might be a minor variation in noise level, but aside from that, the distinctions aren’t substantial. However, when the entire baking process is taken into account, that’s when the bread machine’s impact on baking quality becomes evident.

There are many bread machines available. If you prefer a bread maker that can handle the entire bread-making process, I highly recommend the KBS Large 17-in-1 Bread Machine, currently priced at $127.46 with a discount of -33%. This bread machine is known for making superior bread. If you only need a bread maker for kneading, I suggest the Elite Gourmet bread maker, currently priced at $59.99 with a discount of -20%.

KBS Large 17-in-1 Bread Machine

Elite Gourmet bread maker

Air Frier Oven

I rarely use the oven because it’s time-consuming, especially when I have multiple items in the oven. To me, using the oven entails a considerable amount of time spent taking things in and out for baking. Additionally, since I often cook smaller portions of food, an air fryer oven is a perfect match for my family’s needs. It’s efficient and convenient. I’ve tried several air fryers and determined the optimal size, heat, and type of air fryer for baking. For those seeking an oven air fryer, I highly recommend choosing one with two electrical cords—one at the top and one at the bottom. Some models have only the top electrical cord. Although the single top cord may be more budget-friendly, it can affect the baking quality of bread.

COSORI Air Fryer Toaster Oven 26.4QT, 12-in-1 Convection Ovens Countertop Combo

Quiet, Spacious, and Easy to Clean: The Perfect Air Fryer for Cooking for up to 6 People!!!

The air fryer I’m currently using is incredibly quiet! It’s also convenient because I can connect it to Alexa for easy operation. The controls are straightforward and user-friendly. The dimensions of the air fryer are 16.3″D x 16.9″W x 15.5″H, providing ample space to accommodate items from the oven. The inner dimensions allow for items measuring 13″D x 12″W x 7″H. I have no issues fitting the Staub Blazer Two-Handled Pot, 24cm. However, I’ve encountered a slight challenge with the Le Creuset rice cooker as its lid handle interferes with the oven, so when I make bread, I use the lid upside down.

GoWISE USA 14.7-Quart Air Fryer Grill with Dual Heating Elements & Oven

Delicious Grilled Lamb Made Perfectly in the Air Fryer

I absolutely loved the GoWISE air fryer. It was a hit among my friends as well. The best part was that it didn’t take up much space, yet offered a wide range of uses. Its dimensions are 12.75″D x 13″W x 14″H. Although it came with various accessories, I only used the grill and a few baking sheets. I wanted to cook quickly, clean up swiftly, and have more time to relax, so I even preferred to skip the time spent on attaching accessories.

COSORI Stainless Steel Air Fryer Toaster Oven, 13 Qt 13 Qt Family Size, 11-in-1 Functions with Rotisserie, Dehydrate, Dual Heating Elements with Convection Fan for Fast Cooking, Cookbook & 6 Accessories

Ninja SP101 Digital Air Fry Countertop Oven

This air fryer reminds me of my previous GoWise model, but it’s slightly smaller in size, measuring at 3.5″D x 13″W x 14.5″H in dimensions.

It has an adorable appearance, and just like my current one, it features parallel electric cords on the top and bottom, making it easy to clean. The menu buttons are straightforward and user-friendly. I decided to try baking bread with this air fryer, and I was impressed by its quick and perfect results without the need for preheating.

I truly loved using it, but unfortunately, I had to return it because my Le Creuset rice pot didn’t fit inside. Since I often

Ninja SP101 Digital Air Fry Countertop Oven with 8-in-1 Functionality, Flip Up & Away Capability for Storage Space, with Air Fry Basket, Wire Rack & Crumb Tray, Silver

Compact, Stylish, and Multi-functional: The Perfect Small Oven Air Fryer

Ninja is a reputable and widely recognized brand, often associated with higher prices. Presently, this air fryer is available at a discounted rate of 18%. It’s an excellent choice for pizza enthusiasts and those aiming to save counter space. (Please note that the sale percentage may vary depending on the day.)