Hey there, it’s Austin from Beyond the Bayou! Today we’re stepping out of the bayou and into grandma’s kitchen with a recipe that’s become a real crowd-pleaser around here – Grandma Pizza.
Last Mardi Gras, my buddy Mike from Brooklyn came to visit. After a week of gumbo and jambalaya, he was craving a taste of home. So, we decided to give grandma pizza a shot. Let me tell you, trying to find a square pan in my round-pot Cajun kitchen was quite an adventure!
Our first attempt was a hilarious mess – more like a pizza swamp than a crispy square. But we kept at it, and now, I’ve got a version that even Mike’s grandma would approve of. It’s become my go-to for potlucks and game days. So, grab your apron, and let’s bring a little bit of New York to the bayou!
What Is Grandma Pizza?
Grandma Pizza is a delicious, home-style pizza that originated in Long Island, NY. It was created by an Italian immigrant, Umberto Corteo, who wanted to make a simple yet flavorful pizza reminiscent of what his grandmother used to bake in Naples. Unlike traditional pizzas, Grandma’s pizza is baked in a rectangular pan and has a thin, crispy crust topped with a generous layer of sauce and cheese. This easy-to-make pizza uses basic, readily available ingredients and doesn’t require a fancy pizza oven, making it perfect for home cooks looking for a tasty and nostalgic treat.
![Grandma Pizza Recipe [A Crispy, Cheesy Delight]](https://cdn.beyondthebayoublog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Grandma-Pizza-Recipe-A-Crispy-Cheesy-Delight.jpg)
Grandma Pizza Recipe
Equipment
- Large rimmed baking sheet (13×18 inches)
- Pizza stone, baking steel, or upside-down baking sheet
- Medium Saucepan
- Box grater
- Spatula or thin knife
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 cups warm water 100ºF to 110ºF, divided
- 1 teaspoon active dry yeast
- 1/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil divided
- 2 1/2 cups bread flour plus more for kneading
- 1 1/4 teaspoons kosher salt divided, plus more as needed
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
- 1 about 15-ounce can crushed tomatoes, preferably Italian
- 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 1 small clove garlic
- 12 ounces whole-milk low-moisture mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Activate Yeast: Combine warm water and yeast in a bowl. Let sit until foamy, 5-10 minutes.
- Prepare Dough: Whisk flour, salt, and sugar. Make a well; add yeast mixture and olive oil. Stir until dough forms.
- Knead Dough: Knead on floured surface until smooth. Transfer to oiled baking sheet, let rise.
- Make Sauce: Simmer crushed tomatoes, water, oregano, salt, pepper, and garlic until thickened. Cool.
- Prepare Pizza: Stretch dough to cover sheet. Sprinkle with Parmesan, mozzarella, and spoonfuls of sauce.
- Bake Pizza: Place on preheated surface. Bake at 500ºF until crust is browned and cheese bubbles, 18-20 mins.
Nutrition
Tips You Must Know About!
- Cold Fermentation: You can cold ferment the dough in the fridge for 12 to 72 hours. This develops amazing flavors.
- Use Extra Oil for Metal Bowls: If you’re refrigerating the dough in a metal bowl, use extra oil to prevent sticking. Metal bowls tend to stick more than plastic ones.
- Adjust Cooking Time: Cooking times vary with oven temperatures. After 12 minutes on the lowest rack, your pizza should be very brown and crisp. If it’s still pale, cook it for another 8-10 minutes on the lowest rack.
- Oil is Essential: Grandma’s Pizza needs a lot of oil. Don’t skimp on it! The oil helps create that crispy bottom we all love.
- Bread Flour for the Win: Using bread flour makes a huge difference. It gives you a crisp, light crust that’s just perfect.
Enjoy making your pizza, and happy cooking!
What to Serve with Grandma Pizza?
Howdy! I’m Austin Carter, a photographer who loves to cook. During the day, I take pictures, but at night, I dive into the world of flavors and recipes. You’ll often find me experimenting in the kitchen, blending flavors, and creating delightful concoctions. I run the “Beyond the Bayou Blog,” where I share easy and tasty recipes every day.
My blog focuses on cooking, bringing you simple and delicious meals. From quick dinners to special treats, each recipe is made with care and shared with joy.
Come join me in the kitchen through “Beyond the Bayou Blog,” where cooking is simple, fun, and full of flavor. Let’s enjoy the tasty side of life together!
