Making homemade pizza is an adventurous endeavour and sounds like a fun activity for the weekend. However, the range of diverse ingredients and processes that are part of the process can seem intimidating.
This, coupled with the fact that all these ingredients can sound pricey, can discourage people from trying to make this delicacy at home. The good news is that creating a delicious homemade pizza doesn't have to break the bank. On the contrary, it can be quick, easy, and, of course, customised to your preferences.
Homemade pizza on a budget
Making a pizza at home offers a range of other benefits that include complete control over quality, more choices, and control over portion sizes that drastically reduce the cost. Furthermore, the ingredients brought for pizza can very well be used in other recipes as well.
By selecting affordable staples and utilising simple techniques, you can enjoy the homemade pizza experience while keeping your budget intact. Whether it's using canned tomatoes for sauce or making your own dough from scratch, there are plenty of ways to save while still achieving great flavour and satisfaction.
Ingredients
Sauce Ingredients | Canned Tomato Sauce/Crushed Tomatoes | Base for the pizza sauce |
Oregano | Dried or fresh for flavour | |
Basil | Dried or fresh for flavour | |
Garlic Powder | Optional, for added flavour | |
Cheese | Mozzarella | Shredded, for a classic pizza topping |
Cheddar | Optional, for additional flavour | |
Toppings | Vegetables | Bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, etc. |
Meats | Pepperoni, sausage, or leftover meats | |
Optional Extras | Fresh herbs, olives, etc. |
Making the dough
Combine warm water, sugar, and yeast in a bowl. Let it sit until foamy (about 5 minutes).
Mix in olive oil, flour, and salt. Knead until smooth (about 5–10 minutes).
Let the dough rise in a warm place until doubled in size (about 1 hour).
Preparing the sauce
In a medium-sized mixing bowl, pour in the canned tomatoes. If you're using whole tomatoes, you may want to crush them with a fork or blend them slightly for a smoother texture.
Sprinkle in your chosen seasonings—start with about 1 teaspoon of oregano, 1 teaspoon of basil, and ½ teaspoon of garlic powder. You can adjust these amounts based on your personal tastes and preferences.
Use a spoon or whisk to blend the ingredients together until the seasonings are evenly distributed throughout the tomatoes.
Allow the sauce to sit for about 10–15 minutes. This resting period helps the flavours meld together, resulting in a more flavourful sauce.
Assembling the pizza
Pre-heat your oven.
Begin by preheating your oven to 245°C (475°F). This high temperature is crucial for achieving a crispy crust and perfectly melted cheese.
Roll out the dough.
Lightly dust a clean countertop or a large cutting board with flour to prevent sticking.
Take your risen dough and punch it down to release air bubbles.
Divide the dough into individual portions if making multiple pizzas.
Using a rolling pin, roll out the dough to your desired thickness—typically about ¼ inch for a classic crust. For a thicker crust, roll it out to about ½ inch. If you prefer a rustic look, you can stretch the dough by hand, gently pulling it from the centre outward.
Transfer to a baking sheet or pizza stone.
If using a baking sheet, lightly grease it with olive oil or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Carefully lift the rolled-out dough and transfer it to the prepared baking sheet.
If using a pizza stone, sprinkle a little cornmeal or flour on the stone to prevent it from sticking. Use a pizza peel or the back of a baking sheet to transfer the dough onto the hot stone.
Spread the sauce.
Using a ladle or the back of a spoon, spread your prepared pizza sauce evenly over the surface of the dough, leaving about a ½-inch border around the edges for the crust. This helps to prevent the sauce from spilling over during baking.
You can adjust the amount of sauce based on your preference—more sauce for a saucier pizza, or less for a lighter touch.
Add cheese and your choice of toppings.
Sprinkle a generous layer of shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce. For added flavour, consider mixing in other cheeses like cheddar, provolone, or Parmesan.
Now comes the fun part! Add your favourite toppings, such as sliced vegetables (bell peppers, onions, mushrooms), meats (pepperoni, sausage, ham), or any other ingredients you enjoy. Be mindful not to overload the pizza, as too many toppings can make it soggy.
Final Touches
For an extra touch of flavour, you can drizzle a little olive oil over the top or sprinkle some dried herbs (like oregano or basil) before baking.
Once your pizza is assembled, it’s ready to go into the preheated oven!
Baking and serving
Bake in the preheated oven for 12–15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
Let the pizza cool for a few minutes before slicing. Enjoy!
Budget-Friendly Pizza Tips
Making homemade pizza on a budget is entirely possible with a few smart strategies. Here are some tips to help you save money while enjoying delicious pizza:
Buy in bulk.
Purchasing ingredients like yeast and flour in larger quantities can lead to significant savings over time. Yeast, in particular, has a long shelf life, so buying it in bulk is a wise investment. When stored properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator or freezer, yeast can last for months.
As for flour, it's a staple ingredient that you'll use repeatedly for pizza dough, so buying a larger bag is more economical than smaller packages. Just be sure to store the flour in an airtight container in a cool, dry place to maintain its freshness.
Use Leftovers
One of the best ways to save money on pizza toppings is to use up leftover meat and vegetables from previous meals. Cooked chicken, sausage, or ground beef can be easily incorporated into your pizza toppings, reducing food waste and saving you money. Similarly, leftover vegetables like bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms can add flavour and variety to your pizza without any additional cost. Get creative with your leftovers and turn them into delicious pizza toppings!
Watch for sales.
Keep an eye out for sales on cheese and sauce at your local grocery store. Mozzarella cheese, which is a staple for pizza, often goes on sale in larger quantities. When you spot a good deal, stock up! The same goes for canned tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes.
Buy extra cans when they're on sale and store them in your pantry for future pizza nights. This simple strategy can save you a significant amount of money in the long run.
Make extra dough.
Preparing extra pizza dough is a great way to save time and money. When making your dough, simply double or triple the recipe and divide it into individual portions. Wrap each portion in plastic wrap or place it in a freezer-safe bag, and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months.
When you're ready to make pizza, simply thaw the dough in the refrigerator overnight and let it come to room temperature before rolling it out. Having pre-made dough on hand makes pizza night a breeze and ensures you always have a budget-friendly option for a delicious homemade meal.
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