Rustic pizza brings the charm of an old world kitchen straight to your table, with edges that blister and crackle as it bakes. A soft, yeast risen crust is gently hand stretched, then topped with a bright tomato sauce made from plum tomatoes, garlic, and a splash of apple cider vinegar. Creamy mozzarella melts into little pools around fragrant basil leaves, while a final drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and a handful of peppery arugula finish the masterpiece. Simple yet full of character, rustic pizza is your ticket to la dolce vita any night of the week.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This rustic pizza
- Deliciously crispy crust that’s easy to make at home.
- Customizable toppings for every taste preference.
- Perfect for sharing with family and friends.
- Brings the authentic taste of Italy to your kitchen.
- Quick prep time means more time to enjoy!
rustic pizza
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm water. Let it sit for 5 minutes until it becomes foamy.
- Add flour, salt, and olive oil to the yeast mixture. Stir until a dough forms.
- Turn the dough onto a floured surface. Knead for 8–10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl. Cover it with a damp cloth and let it rise in a warm place for 1–1.5 hours or until it doubles in size.
- Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). Place a pizza stone or baking sheet inside to heat up.
- Punch down the dough and divide it into two equal portions. Shape each into a rough circle or oval on a lightly floured surface.
- Spread crushed tomatoes evenly over each dough, leaving a small border for the crust. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes over the sauce.
- Slide the pizza onto the preheated stone or baking sheet. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly.
- Remove from the oven, top with fresh basil leaves, drizzle with a little olive oil, slice, and serve immediately.
Notes
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 300 |
| Fat | 10g |
| Protein | 12g |
| Carbs | 40g |
Ingredients
Here are the fresh ingredients you’ll need to make your rustic pizza delicious!
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour – for the pizza base
- 1 teaspoon active dry yeast – helps make the dough rise
- 1 1/4 cups warm water – activates the yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt – enhances flavor
- 2 tablespoons olive oil – adds richness to the dough
- 1 cup crushed tomatoes – for the pizza sauce
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese – classic cheesy topping
- Fresh basil leaves – for garnish and flavor
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano – adds an Italian touch
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes – optional for some heat
How to Make Rustic Pizza
This delightful rustic pizza is a perfect blend of flavors and textures. With a preparation time of about 15 minutes, a cooking time of 10–12 minutes, and a resting time of 1–1.5 hours for the dough to rise, you’ll be enjoying a slice of Italy in no time!
Step 1: Dissolve the Yeast
In a large bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm water. Let it sit for 5 minutes until it becomes foamy.
Step 2: Mix the Dough
Add flour, salt, and olive oil to the yeast mixture. Stir until a dough forms.
Step 3: Knead the Dough
Turn the dough onto a floured surface. Knead for 8–10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic.
Step 4: Let it Rise
Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl. Cover it with a damp cloth and let it rise in a warm place for 1–1.5 hours or until it doubles in size.
Step 5: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). Place a pizza stone or baking sheet inside to heat up.
Step 6: Shape the Dough
Punch down the dough and divide it into two equal portions. Shape each into a rough circle or oval on a lightly floured surface.
Step 7: Add the Toppings
Spread crushed tomatoes evenly over each dough, leaving a small border for the crust. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes over the sauce.
Step 8: Bake the Pizza
Slide the pizza onto the preheated stone or baking sheet. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly.
Step 9: Serve and Enjoy
Remove from the oven, top with fresh basil leaves, drizzle with a little olive oil, slice, and serve immediately.
Recipe Snapshot
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Category | Main Course |
| Cuisine | Italian |
| Prep Time | 15 minutes |
| Cook Time | 12 minutes |
| Extra Time | 90 minutes (resting) |
| Total Time | 117 minutes |
| Dietary | Vegetarian |
| Serves | 2 |
| Best Served | Hot with fresh basil |
Pro Tips for Making rustic pizza
- Use high-quality flour for a better crust texture.
- Let the dough rest for at least an hour for optimal flavor.
- Preheat your oven to the highest setting for a crispy base.
- Experiment with seasonal vegetables for fresh toppings.
- Don’t overload with sauce; a light layer enhances flavor.
How to Serve this rustic pizza
- Slice into generous wedges for sharing.
- Top with fresh arugula and a drizzle of olive oil.
- Pair with a refreshing sparkling water or homemade lemonade.
- Serve alongside a vibrant mixed green salad.
- Offer a selection of dipping sauces like pesto or marinara.
- Enjoy with a side of roasted vegetables for a hearty meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing and enjoying your rustic pizza later is easy!
Storing Leftovers
- Allow pizza to cool completely.
- Wrap slices in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge.
- Consume within 3-4 days for best quality.
Freezing
- Cool pizza completely before freezing.
- Wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap.
- Place wrapped slices in a freezer-safe bag or container.
- Freeze for up to 2-3 months for optimal taste.
Reheating
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Place pizza on a baking sheet.
- Cover with foil to retain moisture.
- Heat for 10-15 minutes until warm and crispy.
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FAQs
Here’s a helpful FAQ about this recipe:
1. What is a rustic pizza?
Rustic pizza is a style of pizza that emphasizes a homemade, artisanal approach. It typically features a thicker, chewy crust and is topped with fresh, high-quality ingredients. The toppings can vary widely, but the focus is on simplicity and bold flavors, often reflecting seasonal produce and local specialties.
2. What is rustica style pizza?
Rustica style pizza is similar to rustic pizza but often incorporates a more traditional Italian approach. It may feature a slightly thicker crust and is usually baked in a wood-fired oven, giving it a unique flavor and texture. The toppings are often more varied, including a mix of cheeses, vegetables, and meats, all combined to create a hearty and satisfying meal.
3. What toppings are on a farmhouse pizza?
Farmhouse pizza typically includes a variety of fresh, seasonal toppings that reflect the bounty of the farm. Common toppings might include roasted vegetables, fresh herbs, mozzarella cheese, and a drizzle of olive oil. You can also add ingredients like grilled chicken or a variety of cheeses to enhance the flavor profile, making it a delightful and hearty option.
4. What is the difference between pizza and rustica?
The main difference between traditional pizza and rustica lies in the preparation and style. While traditional pizza often has a thinner crust and a more uniform topping distribution, rustica pizza tends to have a thicker, chewier crust and a more rustic, artisanal appearance. Additionally, rustica may feature more diverse and seasonal toppings, emphasizing freshness and local ingredients.
Final Thoughts
Now that you have this delightful rustic pizza recipe in your hands, it’s time to gather your loved ones and enjoy the magic of homemade Italian cuisine! With its simple ingredients and easy steps, you’ll find that creating this dish is not just rewarding but also a joyful experience. So roll up your sleeves, get creative, and savor every delicious bite!