Grandma Pie Is the Vintage Pizza Recipe

If you have ever craved a pizza that feels like a warm hug from the past, then Grandma Pie Is the Vintage Pizza is exactly what you need. This beloved classic from Italian-American kitchens is a perfect marriage of crispy edges, fluffy dough, and rich, savory tomato sauce topped with melty mozzarella and fragrant herbs. It’s simple yet incredibly satisfying, carrying a timeless charm that makes every bite taste like memories made around family tables. Get ready to fall in love with a dish that’s as comforting as it is delicious.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe calls for straightforward ingredients that come together to create something magical. Each component plays a key role in balancing flavors, textures, and that irresistible golden color Grandma Pie Is the Vintage Pizza is known for.

• All-purpose flour: The foundation for tender, elastic dough that forms the perfect crust.
• Warm water: Activates the yeast and provides the moisture necessary for the dough.
• Active dry yeast: Brings the dough to life with a light, airy rise.
• Sugar: Feeds the yeast and adds a subtle sweetness for balance.
• Salt: Enhances flavor and strengthens the dough’s structure.
• Olive oil: Adds richness and keeps the crust tender while promoting browning.
• Crushed San Marzano tomatoes: The heart of the sauce, offering sweetness and acidity.
• Garlic: Infuses the sauce with aromatic depth and warmth.
• Dried oregano: A classic herbal note that brightens the sauce.
• Dried basil: Complements oregano with its sweet, peppery undertones.
• Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts into gooey, bubbly perfection on top.
• Fresh basil leaves: Added after baking for a burst of freshness.
• Red pepper flakes: Optional, for those who like a little kick.
• Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds an extra layer of savory richness.

How to Make Grandma Pie Is the Vintage Pizza

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Start by combining warm water, sugar, and yeast in a bowl, letting it rest until bubbly and alive, which shows the yeast is properly activated. Then introduce the flour, salt, and olive oil, mixing them into a dough. Knead this dough thoroughly on a floured surface until it’s smooth and elastic—this step ensures the texture will be spot on, giving you that delightful chewiness that Grandma Pie Is the Vintage Pizza is famous for.

Step 2: Let the Dough Rise

Place your dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and set it in a warm place to rise until it doubles in size. This rising phase is crucial, as it creates the airy pockets inside the crust, giving the pizza its signature lightness beneath a crispy top and edges.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

While the dough is rising, prepare your sauce by gently sautéing minced garlic in olive oil just until fragrant. Then stir in crushed San Marzano tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Let this simmer for about 15 minutes so the flavors meld beautifully, adding depth to every slice of Grandma Pie Is the Vintage Pizza.

Step 4: Preheat the Oven

Get your oven roaring hot at 475°F (245°C). If you have a pizza stone, place it in now. This high heat is essential to develop that crispy crust that contrasts perfectly with the soft, cheesy center.

Step 5: Shape the Pizza

Once your dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out on a floured surface into a roughly rectangular shape about half an inch thick. Transfer it to a greased baking sheet or preheated pizza stone—this shape and thickness are true to Grandma Pie Is the Vintage Pizza’s heritage.

Step 6: Assemble the Pizza

Spread a generous, even layer of your homemade sauce across the dough surface, leaving a small border around the edges. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella over the sauce, and don’t hesitate to add red pepper flakes or Parmesan if you want a little extra character on your pie.

Step 7: Bake the Pizza

Slide your creation into the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the cheese is bubbling and golden, and the edges have crisped to perfection, offering a delicious contrast to the soft, flavorful interior.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

After removing the pizza from the oven, allow it to rest a few minutes before garnishing with fresh basil leaves. This final touch adds a pop of color and brightness that enhances every bite of your Grandma Pie Is the Vintage Pizza.

How to Serve Grandma Pie Is the Vintage Pizza

Garnishes

Fresh basil leaves are the classic garnish, providing an herbal aroma and fresh, vibrant flavor that balances the richness of the cheese and sauce. If you like a bit of heat, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes right before serving can amp up the excitement.

Side Dishes

Serve your slice alongside a crisp green salad dressed lightly with lemon and olive oil for a refreshing contrast. Roasted vegetables or a simple antipasto platter with olives and cured meats also make fantastic companions to round out a meal centered on Grandma Pie Is the Vintage Pizza.

Creative Ways to Present

For a memorable gathering, consider slicing the pizza into smaller squares, placing them on a rustic wooden board, and encouraging guests to help themselves. Pair it with small bowls of chilled olive oil infused with herbs or garlic for dipping, or create a trio of cheeses for topping to let everyone customize their slice.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap any leftover pizza tightly in plastic wrap or foil and store it in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days, making it a convenient and tasty option for next-day meals or snacks.

Freezing

You can freeze leftover Grandma Pie Is the Vintage Pizza by placing slices on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transferring them to a freezer bag. This method prevents them from sticking together and keeps the quality for up to 2 months.

Reheating

To reheat your pizza and revive that crispy crust, place slices on a baking sheet in a preheated 375°F oven for about 10 minutes. Alternatively, heating in a skillet over medium-low heat helps crisp the bottom without drying out the toppings.

FAQs

What makes Grandma Pie Is the Vintage Pizza different from other pizzas?

Grandma Pie Is the Vintage Pizza is known for its rectangular shape, crispy yet airy crust, and a distinct homemade tomato sauce flavor. It’s often thinner than deep-dish but thicker than typical thin crusts, making it a unique and satisfying style with a nostalgic feel.

Can I use fresh yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Yes, you can substitute fresh yeast for active dry yeast by using about three times the amount, but you should dissolve it in warm water first and expect a similar rise time. The flavor and texture will remain just as wonderful.

Is it necessary to use San Marzano tomatoes for the sauce?

While San Marzano tomatoes deliver a naturally sweet and vibrant flavor, you can use any good-quality crushed tomatoes. The key is to simmer the sauce long enough to develop rich flavors reflecting what makes Grandma Pie Is the Vintage Pizza so cherished.

How thin should I roll the dough?

Roll the dough to about ½ inch thick to get a crust that’s sturdy enough to hold toppings but still soft and airy inside. This thickness is essential to capture the vintage style and texture of Grandma Pie Is the Vintage Pizza.

Can I add other toppings besides cheese and herbs?

Absolutely! Traditional Grandma Pizza is simple, but feel free to add mushrooms, pepperoni, olives, or onions. Just remember to keep toppings moderate so the dough bakes evenly and the crust remains crisp.

Final Thoughts

There’s something irresistibly comforting about Grandma Pie Is the Vintage Pizza that brings family and friends together. Its straightforward ingredients and classic technique make it a wonderful recipe to try at home, especially when you want to savor a little piece of pizza history. I promise, once you taste this humble yet flavorful pizza, it will become a favorite you’ll return to again and again.

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