DUDE FOOD FIRE'S SIGNATURE CHEESESTEAK PIZZA
Step into the world of artisan pizza-making with this comprehensive guide. Crafting the perfect pizza isn’t just about combining flavors; it’s about the love and dedication poured into creating each element from scratch. From kneading the dough to simmering the sauce and layering the cheese, every detail matters in crafting the ultimate pizza masterpiece.
THE DOUGH: THE FOUNDATION OF GREAT PIZZA
Dough forms the foundation of any great pizza, carrying the weight of all your toppings. In our recipe, we’ve taken special care to craft a dough that strikes the perfect balance between crispiness and pliability, delivering a texture and taste that will leave you craving more.
Ingredients for the Dough:
- ¼ cup whole wheat flour
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for rolling)
- 2 teaspoons fresh yeast or 2 ¼ ounces of instant or rapid-rise yeast
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 2 teaspoons sugar or 1 teaspoon honey
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 1 1/3 cups lukewarm water
Instructions:
- Combine both flours, yeast, salt, and sugar (or honey) in a mixer with a dough hook attachment.
- Set the speed to low and gradually add the water and olive oil.
- Mix for approximately 10 minutes until the dough is smooth and firm to the touch.
- Roll the dough into three separate balls, each weighing around 10 ounces.
- Cover them with a damp towel and place them in a warm spot to rise, which should take about 2 to 2 ½ hours.
- After the first rise, they’re ready to roll out, top, and bake.
SUPER EASY PIZZA SAUCE: FLAVORING THE BASE
Every pizza needs a delicious sauce to bring out the flavors of its toppings. Our sauce combines Italian tomatoes and a selection of spices to create a rich, tangy flavor that elevates your pizza experience.
Ingredients for the Sauce:
- 1 28-ounce can of crushed Italian tomatoes, undrained
- 1 14.5-ounce can of petite diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 tablespoon of Dude Food Fire Mama Dini Spice Blend
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon fine sea salt
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, crushed
- 3 teaspoons granulated garlic
Instructions:
- Mix all the ingredients thoroughly, whisking everything together for three minutes.
- Cover and refrigerate the sauce for at least four hours to allow the flavors to meld.
- This sauce can also be frozen for up to three months, making it a convenient addition to your pizza-making adventures.
PIZZA CHEESE BLEND: ENHANCING TEXTURE AND FLAVOR
A unique cheese blend adds depth and creaminess to our pizza, ensuring each bite is a delightful experience.
Ingredients for the Cheese Blend:
- 1/3 pound whole milk mozzarella, grated
- 1/3 pound provolone, grated
- 1/3 pound muenster, grated
- 1 cup finely grated parmesan
Instructions:
- Combine all the cheeses together and set them aside.
PIZZA TOPPINGS: CARAMELIZED ONIONS AND CAST IRON FILETS
For Caramelized Onions, you’ll need:
- 2 large onions, preferably sweet (like Vidalia)
- 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter
- ½ teaspoon of salt
- 1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar
For Oven Cast-Iron Filets, gather:
- 2 filet mignons, about 1.5 to 2 inches thick
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 sprigs of fresh rosemary
- 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter
Prep Your Onions:
- Peel and thinly slice the onions.
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the onions and salt, stirring well to coat.
- Cook for about 40-50 minutes, stirring occasionally until they turn a rich golden brown.
- Towards the end, deglaze the pan with balsamic vinegar and let it cook down until fully absorbed. Remember, true caramelization takes time; don’t rush this process.
Cook Your Filets:
- Season the filets liberally with kosher salt and black pepper.
- In a cast-iron skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
- When the oil shimmers, add the filets.
- Cook them for 4-5 minutes on each side for medium-rare, or longer depending on your preferred level of doneness.
- In the final minute, add the garlic, rosemary, and butter to the skillet, basting the filets continuously with the aromatic butter.
THE FINISHING TOUCHES:
With your pizza components ready, it’s time to layer. Spread your dough with the homemade pizza sauce, then add your pizza cheese blend. Follow this with cast iron filets for a meaty texture and top everything off with caramelized onions for a touch of sweetness.
Finally, bake your pizza. A wood-fired oven is ideal for that authentic, smoky flavor, but a conventional oven can still create a beautiful, golden-brown pizza.
Embrace the process of making homemade pizza. It’s not just about eating delicious food; it’s about the joy and satisfaction that comes from creating a mouthwatering pizza from scratch.
