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Grandma Pie Is the Vintage Pizza Recipe

Grandma Pie Is the Vintage Pizza Recipe

4.7 from 17 reviews

Grandma Pie is a classic vintage pizza known for its airy, crispy crust and simple yet flavorful toppings. Featuring a homemade yeast dough baked to perfection, topped with a rich San Marzano tomato sauce, melted mozzarella, and fresh basil, this recipe captures the essence of traditional Italian home cooking.

Ingredients

Scale

Dough Ingredients

  • 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 ¼ cups warm water (about 110°F/43°C)
  • 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Sauce Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (28 oz) crushed San Marzano tomatoes
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Toppings

  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Fresh basil leaves for garnish
  • Red pepper flakes, to taste (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is active. Then, add the flour, salt, and olive oil. Mix everything together until a dough forms. Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and knead it for about 8 minutes until it is smooth and elastic.
  2. Let the Dough Rise: Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and set it in a warm spot. Allow it to rise for about 1 hour or until it has doubled in size. This step is essential to develop the dough’s airy texture.
  3. Make the Sauce: While the dough is rising, heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Add the crushed San Marzano tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Stir well and let the sauce simmer gently for 15 minutes to meld the flavors.
  4. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven now to heat up. A hot oven is key for achieving a crispy pizza crust.
  5. Shape the Pizza: After the dough has doubled in size, punch it down to release the air. Transfer it to a floured surface and roll it out into a rectangular shape about ½ inch thick. Place the dough onto a greased baking sheet or preheated pizza stone.
  6. Assemble the Pizza: Spread a generous layer of the prepared tomato sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges. Evenly sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce. Add optional toppings such as red pepper flakes and grated Parmesan cheese as desired.
  7. Bake the Pizza: Place the pizza in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. The cheese should bubble and turn golden brown, and the crust edges should be crisp while the center stays soft and flavorful.
  8. Garnish and Serve: Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil leaves before slicing into squares. Serve hot and enjoy your homemade Grandma Pie!

Notes

  • For best flavor, use high-quality crushed San Marzano tomatoes in the sauce.
  • If you prefer a thinner crust, roll the dough out thinner than ½ inch.
  • You can customize toppings with olives, sliced onions, or your favorite pizza vegetables.
  • Letting the dough rise in a warm spot helps activate the yeast faster.
  • Using a pizza stone helps achieve a crispier bottom crust.
  • Store leftover pizza in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat in the oven for best texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: Grandma pie, vintage pizza, Italian pizza, homemade pizza, rectangular pizza, San Marzano pizza sauce, crispy crust pizza