Few dishes can match the universal appeal of pizza — the warm, crispy crust topped with savory tomato sauce, melted cheese, and an assortment of flavorful toppings. This Classic Homemade Pizza with Salami, Mushrooms, and Mozzarella brings the beloved flavors of an Italian pizzeria straight into your home kitchen. With a homemade dough that’s soft, slightly chewy, and golden-brown on the edges, this pizza becomes an irresistible meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether it’s a cozy dinner with family or a gathering with friends, this pizza brings comfort, joy, and the flavors of Italy to your table.
Making pizza from scratch might sound intimidating, but this recipe is simple, easy to follow, and yields a pizza that’s better than most store-bought versions. The dough itself is incredibly easy to prepare, thanks to fresh yeast and a straightforward process that doesn’t require any special equipment or techniques. The tomato sauce, made from a combination of tomato paste and Krasnodar sauce (or your preferred tomato-based sauce), is rich and flavorful, complementing the other ingredients perfectly.
With the addition of savory salami, earthy mushrooms, and gooey mozzarella, this pizza is packed with delicious flavors and textures that create a perfectly balanced bite in every slice. The mozzarella cheese gives the pizza its signature stretchiness, while the salami adds a slightly smoky and spicy kick, and the mushrooms bring an umami-packed depth of flavor. Topped with a sprinkle of oregano, this pizza is a true comfort food that never goes out of style.
Whether you’re hosting a pizza night or craving a slice of homemade goodness, this pizza recipe is sure to impress. It’s customizable, so feel free to add your favorite toppings or swap out ingredients for whatever you have on hand. With its crispy crust, savory sauce, and melty cheese, this pizza will quickly become your go-to recipe for any pizza night.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
For the Dough:
- 350 ml lukewarm water
- 1 tsp sugar
- 18 g fresh yeast (or 6 g dry yeast)
- 1 tsp salt
- 40 ml vegetable oil
- 550 g flour (preferably all-purpose or bread flour)
For the Tomato Sauce:
- 3-4 tbsp “Krasnodar” sauce (or any tomato-based sauce of your choice)
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- Salt to taste
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
For the Toppings:
- 1-2 medium onions, thinly sliced
- 80 g salami, sliced
- 8-9 small mushrooms (button mushrooms), sliced
- 300 g mozzarella cheese, grated (preferably fresh)
Steps to Make Homemade Pizza with Salami, Mushrooms, and Mozzarella:
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, mix the lukewarm water with the sugar. Sprinkle the fresh yeast (or dry yeast) over the water and stir until dissolved. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy.
- Mix the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the activated yeast mixture, followed by the vegetable oil. Stir with a wooden spoon until a dough forms.
- Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough feels too sticky, add a small amount of flour, but avoid adding too much as it can make the dough tough.
- Let the Dough Rise: Place the dough into a lightly oiled bowl and cover it with a damp cloth. Allow it to rise for 1-1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
Step 2: Prepare the Tomato Sauce
- In a small saucepan, combine the “Krasnodar” sauce (or your chosen tomato-based sauce) with the tomato paste, salt, and dried oregano. Cook over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce is heated through and slightly thickened. Set aside.
Step 3: Prepare the Toppings
- While the dough is rising, slice the onions, salami, and mushrooms. Grate the mozzarella cheese. Prepare all your toppings so they’re ready to go once the dough is ready.
Step 4: Assemble the Pizza
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 220°C (430°F) or the highest setting on your oven. If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven while it preheats for an extra crispy crust.
- Roll Out the Dough: Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air bubbles. Turn it out onto a floured surface and roll it out into a round shape that fits your pizza pan or stone.
- Spread the Tomato Sauce: Spread the prepared tomato sauce evenly over the rolled-out dough, leaving a small border around the edges for the crust.
- Add the Toppings: Layer the sliced onions, salami, mushrooms, and grated mozzarella cheese over the sauce. Be generous with the toppings, as they are the heart of the pizza.
Step 5: Bake the Pizza
- Transfer the pizza to the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly and lightly browned.
- Optional: If you like a slightly crispier crust, you can bake for an additional 2-3 minutes. Keep an eye on it to avoid burning.
Step 6: Serve
- Once the pizza is baked to perfection, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley for an added touch of color and flavor. Slice and enjoy!
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Total Time: 1.5-2 hours (including dough rising time)
Kcal per Serving: Approximately 350-400 kcal (depending on toppings and portion size)
Servings: 4-6 servings
Explanation of the Recipe: Why It’s Timeless
Pizza is one of those dishes that’s as much about tradition as it is about creativity. From its origins in Naples to its evolution across the globe, pizza has maintained its position as a universal favorite because it can be endlessly adapted to personal preferences while still keeping the core elements—crust, sauce, cheese, and toppings—intact. This recipe reflects that tradition while offering a hearty, balanced topping combination of salami, mushrooms, and mozzarella that’s universally loved.
The dough is simple but effective—easy to prepare, and it results in a soft, chewy texture that complements the crispness of the crust. The homemade tomato sauce provides a deep, rich base that brings all the flavors together, while the toppings add layers of texture, from the savory salami to the tender mushrooms. The melty mozzarella cheese ties everything together, creating that gooey, irresistible quality that makes pizza so special. Whether shared with loved ones or savored alone, this pizza brings people together with its deliciously comforting flavors.
Nutrition Facts (per serving):
- Calories: 350-400 kcal
- Protein: 15-20 g
- Fat: 18-22 g
- Carbohydrates: 30-35 g
- Fiber: 3-4 g
- Sodium: 500-600 mg
FAQs:
Can I use store-bought dough? Yes, if you’re short on time, you can definitely use store-bought pizza dough. Just skip the dough preparation steps, but the rest of the recipe remains the same.
What other toppings can I use? This pizza is highly customizable. You can add vegetables like bell peppers, olives, or spinach. You can also switch up the cheese with cheddar or gouda, or use different meats like pepperoni or ham.
Can I make this pizza ahead of time? You can prepare the dough and sauce ahead of time, and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Assemble and bake the pizza just before serving for the best results.
Tips for Making the Perfect Pizza:
- Flour: Use high-protein bread flour for a chewier, more authentic pizza dough. If you prefer a lighter, crispier crust, use all-purpose flour.
- Baking: For the crispiest crust, consider using a pizza stone. It will mimic the high heat of a pizza oven and create a perfect base for your pizza.
- Toppings: Be mindful not to overload the pizza with too many toppings, as this can make the crust soggy. Aim for a balance between sauce, cheese, and toppings.
- Temperature: Make sure your oven is fully preheated before baking the pizza for the best results.
Storage Tips:
- Refrigeration: Leftover pizza can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: If you have leftover dough, you can freeze it. Simply wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or a freezer bag, and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before using.
Conclusion:
This Homemade Pizza with Salami, Mushrooms, and Mozzarella is a classic for a reason. It’s simple yet satisfying, flavorful yet versatile, and perfect for any occasion. With a golden, crispy crust, rich tomato sauce, and delicious toppings, this pizza brings together the best of comfort food and homemade goodness. Whether you’re hosting a pizza night or enjoying a quiet dinner at home, this recipe will quickly become a go-to favorite. And with the ability to customize the toppings and sauce to your taste, it’s a timeless dish that can be enjoyed for years to come.