Are you looking for tips on deciding between fresh or frozen pizza? Well, you’ve come to the right place! This post will provide an overview of the benefits and drawbacks of both homemade and store-bought pizzas so that you can make the best decision for your next meal. We’ll discuss topics like healthy options for making homemade pizza, how to prepare dough, creating toppings, and more. Let’s dive in!
Benefits of Making Homemade Pizza
Making homemade pizza offers a lot of advantages over buying one from a store. For starters, it allows you to have complete control over what goes into your pizza. You get to choose the ingredients and know exactly what is going into your dish, meaning no unwanted additives or preservatives. Additionally, since you are in charge of all aspects of the recipe, you can make sure to include healthy ingredients and adjust according to dietary restrictions if needed.
Choosing Ingredients for Homemade Pizza
When selecting ingredients for your homemade pizza, be sure to pick out fresh produce that is not past its expiration date. If using frozen vegetables, check to see if they are marked “IQF” (individually quick frozen) which guarantees that each individual piece has been kept safe from cross-contamination and freezer burn. Also, look for quality cheeses such as real mozzarella and Parmesan, avoiding pre-shredded cheese blends with added starches and anti-caking agents. Lastly, use high-quality flour such as Italian 00 flour to give your dough a light and airy texture.
Preparing Homemade Pizza Dough
After choosing your ingredients, it’s time to prep your dough. First, measure out the correct amounts of salt, sugar, oil, water, and yeast according to the recipe instructions. Once these ingredients are combined and kneaded together, let the dough rest for about 30 minutes before shaping it into your desired shape.
Creating Homemade Pizza Toppings
Now it’s time to add some flavor to your pie! Start by spreading a thin layer of tomato sauce onto the prepared crust. Then top it off with shredded cheese, cooked veggies, fresh herbs, and other favorite toppings of your choice. Remember to keep everything balanced – too many heavy toppings can cause the pizza to become soggy.
Cooking Homemade Pizza
Once the toppings are in place, pop your pizza into a hot oven set at 400°F (or 200°C). Bake until the crust turns golden brown and the cheese is bubbly – this should take around 15-20 minutes. When done, remove from the oven and let cool before cutting into slices and serving. Enjoy!
Pros and Cons of Using Frozen Pizza
Using frozen pizza comes with both pros and cons. On the plus side, convenience is key when opting for store-bought pies – just pop them in the oven and dinner is ready in no time! On the downside though, most brands contain processed meats and artificial flavors and colors. And depending on where you purchase it from, there may even be hidden allergens present. So while using frozen pizza does offer convenience in certain situations, we recommend making homemade whenever possible for healthier results.
Conclusion
At the end of the day, the decision between fresh or frozen pizza ultimately comes down to personal preference. Both methods offer different advantages depending on your lifestyle needs. That being said, we highly suggest trying out a homemade version every once in a while to reap all the delicious health benefits it offers. Good luck!
I am an inspired, life-long homesteader with a heart for simple, sustainable living. Growing up surrounded by farmland in the rural Midwest, I developed a deep respect for nature and the rewards of cultivating your own land. That’s why I’m passionate about helping others become homesteaders, too. Through my website therootedhomestead.com, I share my DIY tips, share inspiring stories of other homesteaders, and provide resources for anyone who dreams of growing their own food or living off the land. I hope to open a door to a more joyful, meaningful and purposeful life for all.
