Birrittellas Pizza Recipe

There’s something magical about recreating a classic pizzeria experience at home, and Birrittellas Pizza delivers just that. Known for its thin, crispy crust and perfectly balanced toppings, this recipe brings the charm of an authentic Italian-American pizza right to our kitchens. It’s a family favorite that’s as fun to make as it is to eat.

What sets Birrittellas Pizza apart is its simplicity and bold flavors. With fresh ingredients and a few easy steps, we can craft a pie that rivals any takeout. Whether it’s a cozy dinner or a weekend gathering, this recipe has a way of bringing everyone together around the table.

Birrittellas Pizza Recipe

Creating Birrittellas Pizza at home is a delightful experience that allows us to tailor each step while maintaining the dish’s signature flavors and textures. Here’s how we can bring this iconic pizza to life in our own kitchens.

Ingredients

For the Dough:

• 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
• 2 teaspoons fine sea salt
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 1 1/4 cups warm water (110°F)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Sauce:

• 1 can (14 ounces) crushed tomatoes
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• Salt to taste

For the Toppings:

• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup sliced pepperoni (optional)
• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves (for garnish)

Tools Needed:

• Large mixing bowl
• Rolling pin
• Pizza stone or baking sheet
• Pastry brush
• Medium saucepan

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough

1. Proof the yeast: In a small bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and active dry yeast. Let it sit for 5-7 minutes until the yeast blooms and forms a frothy layer.
2. Mix dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
3. Combine wet with dry: Slowly add the proofed yeast mixture and olive oil into the flour. Use your hands or a wooden spoon to mix until a dough forms.
4. Knead the dough: Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes, or until soft and elastic.
5. Let it rise: Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a damp towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours, until it doubles in size.

2. Prepare the Sauce

1. Heat olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
2. Sauté the minced garlic for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant but not brown.
3. Add the crushed tomatoes, oregano, red pepper flakes, and a pinch of salt. Stir to combine.
4. Simmer for 10-15 minutes on low heat, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly. Remove from heat and set aside.

3. Assemble the Pizza

1. Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 500°F and place a pizza stone or baking sheet inside to heat.
2. Roll out the dough: Punch down the risen dough and divide it into two equal portions. Roll out one portion on a floured surface to your desired thickness.
3. Transfer the base: Carefully transfer the rolled-out dough onto a parchment paper sheet.
4. Layer the toppings: Spread a generous amount of prepared sauce over the base, leaving a 1-inch border. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, and your preferred toppings evenly.

4. Bake the Pizza

1. Carefully slide the pizza (on the parchment) onto the preheated pizza stone or baking sheet.
2. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbling.
3. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before garnishing with fresh basil leaves.

5. Serve and Enjoy

Slice the pizza into even pieces and serve immediately. The thin, crispy crust pairs perfectly with the rich, flavorful toppings, making this recipe an absolute crowd-pleaser.

Ingredient	Measurement	Purpose
Flour	3 1/2 cups	Base for pizza dough
Crushed tomatoes	14 ounces	Sauce base
Mozzarella cheese	2 cups	Main topping

Ingredients

Crafting Birrittellas Pizza starts with fresh, high-quality ingredients. Below, we’ve broken down everything you’ll need into three essential components: dough, sauce, and toppings. Let’s get started!

Dough Ingredients

The foundation of any pizza is its crust. Here’s what we need to create that perfect, thin, crispy base:

• 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
• 1 cup warm water (110°F to 115°F)
• 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
• 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• 2 tablespoons olive oil, plus extra for greasing

Sauce Ingredients

This homemade pizza sauce brings rich, bold flavors to the table. Here’s what makes it irresistible:

• 1 can (15 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Toppings

Here’s where creativity meets flavor. For the classic Birrittellas experience, we use:

• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup thinly sliced pepperoni
• 1/4 cup sliced black olives
• 1/4 cup sliced fresh basil, for garnish
• A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, for a final touch

Tools And Equipment

For crafting the perfect Birrittellas Pizza, having the right tools is essential. Each piece of equipment plays a pivotal role in delivering the pizza’s signature thin, crispy crust and topping balance. Here’s a breakdown of the tools and why they matter:

Essential Tools and Their Purpose

Tool/Equipment	Purpose
Mixing Bowl	Used to combine and knead the pizza dough, ensuring proper consistency.
Measuring Cups and Spoons	For precisely measuring ingredients like flour, olive oil, and yeast.
Stand Mixer (Optional)	Speeds up and simplifies the dough preparation process with less effort.
Rolling Pin	Helps roll the dough into a thin, even layer for that classic crispy crust.
Pizza Stone or Baking Steel	Crucial for achieving a perfectly even heat distribution in the oven.
Pizza Peel	Used to transfer the assembled pizza onto and off of the hot pizza stone.
Sharp Knife or Pizza Cutter	Essential for slicing clean, precise portions of the pizza.
Silicone Brush	For brushing olive oil onto the crust or adding a finishing drizzle.
Large Cutting Board	Serves as a workspace for dough shaping and topping assembly.
Oven Thermometer (Recommended)	Ensures accurate temperature readings to preheat your oven perfectly.

Preparation-Specific Equipment

1. Dough Tools

• A spacious mixing bowl is key for holding your dough ingredients as they rise. If you prefer hands-free preparation, a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment will give consistent kneading.

1. Pizza Assembly Tools

• A sturdy rolling pin helps shape the dough without tearing, achieving that ideal thin crust.
• A silicone brush lets us coat the crust lightly with olive oil, adding flavor and a golden finish during baking.

1. Baking Essentials

• A pizza stone or a baking steel absorbs oven heat and cooks the base evenly, giving us restaurant-quality crispiness. Heating the stone for at least 30 minutes before baking is a tip we swear by.
• The pizza peel ensures the pizza slides effortlessly onto the stone and out once baked. Lightly flouring the peel is a game-changer to prevent sticking.

1. Finishing Touches

• A sharp pizza cutter or knife ensures those flawless slices for serving. Place the pizza on a large cutting board before slicing for steadiness.

Pro Tips on Using Equipment

• Always preheat the pizza stone or baking steel for optimal crust texture. “A hot surface is the secret to a crispy crust.”
• Test oven temperature accuracy with an oven thermometer to avoid undercooking or overcooking.

By having these tools handy, we create a seamless process and elevate our Birrittellas Pizza results.

Directions

Let’s dive into the step-by-step process to create the perfect Birrittellas Pizza. Follow these directions closely to achieve the signature crispy crust, balanced sauce, and bold toppings this recipe is known for.

Prep The Dough

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour, 1 cup warm water (110°F), 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast, 1 teaspoon sugar, and 1 teaspoon sea salt.
2. Stir until a rough dough forms, then add 2 tablespoons olive oil and knead the mixture on a clean, floured surface for 8-10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
3. Place the dough ball in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a damp towel, and let it rise in a warm area for 1-1.5 hours until it doubles in size.
4. Once risen, punch down the dough and divide it into two equal portions for two 12-inch pizzas (or keep it whole for one large pizza). Let it rest for an additional 15 minutes.

Pro Tip: For an even crispier crust, pre-make the dough a day ahead and let it rest overnight in the refrigerator.

Prepare The Sauce

1. While the dough is rising, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat.
2. Sauté 2 cloves garlic (minced) until fragrant, for about 1 minute.
3. Add 1 ¼ cups crushed tomatoes, 2 tablespoons tomato paste, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, and 1 teaspoon dried basil. Stir well to combine.
4. Simmer the sauce for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes (optional) for a spicy kick.
5. Remove from heat, taste, and adjust seasoning with sea salt if needed. Let cool slightly before using.

Pro Tip: Use high-quality canned tomatoes for a fresher, more flavorful sauce.

Assemble The Pizza

1. Preheat your oven to 500°F (or the highest setting) and place a pizza stone or baking steel on the middle rack to heat for at least 30 minutes.
2. Roll out one portion of your dough on a lightly floured surface to your desired thickness—we recommend about ⅛ inch for a traditional thin crust.
3. Transfer the rolled dough to a floured pizza peel, and brush the surface lightly with olive oil to prevent sogginess from the toppings.
4. Spread a ladleful of prepared sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a ½-inch border for the crust.
5. Sprinkle on 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella, ⅓ cup grated Parmesan, and your chosen toppings like pepperoni, black olives, or fresh basil leaves.
6. Finish with a light drizzle of olive oil for extra flavor.

Pro Tip: Keep the toppings light to avoid weighing down the crust. Overloading toppings can result in a soggy pizza base.

Bake The Pizza

1. Carefully slide the pizza from the peel onto the preheated pizza stone.
2. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the crust is golden-brown and the cheese is bubbling and slightly browned. Use an oven thermometer for precise temperature control.
3. Remove from the oven using the pizza peel and let it rest for 2-3 minutes to set the cheese.
4. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan if desired. Repeat with the second portion of dough if applicable.

“The ideal pizza crust should be crisp on the outside yet tender inside, with perfectly melted, slightly browned cheese. Timing and temperature are key!”

Steps	Temperature	Time
Preheat the Oven	500°F	30 mins (stone)
Bake the Pizza	500°F	8-10 minutes

Tips For Perfect Birrittellas Pizza

Achieving the perfect Birrittellas Pizza at home takes some attention to detail, but we’ve gathered the most effective tips to ensure consistent success every time. Follow these techniques to create a pizza masterpiece with a crisp crust, balanced toppings, and bold, delicious flavors.

1. Choose the Right Flour for the Dough

For an authentic crispy yet tender crust, always opt for high-quality, all-purpose flour or even bread flour for extra elasticity. Avoid substitutions like whole wheat flour unless you plan to adjust hydration ratios, as this can alter the texture.

2. Master Dough Preparation

• Use warm water (about 110°F) to activate the yeast—too hot, and it could kill the yeast; too cold, and it won’t bloom.
• Knead the dough for at least 8 to 10 minutes until smooth and elastic. The dough’s texture should be slightly tacky and soft but not stick to your fingers.
• Allow the dough to rise in a warm, draft-free place—we recommend the inside of an oven with just the light on—for at least 1 to 1.5 hours or until it doubles in size.

3. Preheat Your Oven and Equipment

The secret to replicating pizzeria-quality pizza lies in the baking process. Always preheat your oven to its maximum temperature (usually between 475°F and 500°F) for at least 30 minutes before baking. If you’re using a pizza stone or baking steel:

• Place it in the oven during preheating.
• Preheating ensures the bottom of the crust crisps beautifully.

“A well-heated pizza stone can take your pizza from good to restaurant-quality!”

4. Perfect Sauce & Toppings

Keep your sauce simple and flavorful. Using high-quality crushed tomatoes (San Marzano is ideal) with fresh garlic, dried oregano, and olive oil makes all the difference. Avoid watery sauces as they can cause sogginess. For toppings:

• Limit yourself to 3-5 toppings to maintain balance.
• Spread toppings evenly to ensure uniform cooking.
• Use low-moisture mozzarella cheese to prevent excessive moisture during baking.

5. Roll Out Your Dough Properly

Avoid using a rolling pin if possible, as stretching the dough by hand preserves the air bubbles for an airy and light crust. For a thin crust:

1. Gently press the dough from the center outward with your fingertips.
2. Rotate the dough often to achieve an even thickness.

6. Don’t Skip Drizzling Olive Oil

Before baking, drizzle a small amount of olive oil over your assembled pizza. It enhances the flavor and helps toppings caramelize slightly in the oven.

7. Monitor Baking Carefully

We recommend using an oven thermometer to ensure accuracy. Even subtle temperature differences can impact the cook:

• Bake the pizza for 8-12 minutes, rotating it halfway through for even cooking.
• Look for a golden-brown crust with bubbling cheese.

Baking Step	Key Detail
Oven temperature	475°F-500°F
Baking time	8-12 minutes
Stone/steel preheat	At least 30 minutes

8. Let It Rest Briefly

After removing the pizza from the oven, let it cool on the pizza peel or a rack for just 1-2 minutes. This allows the cheese to settle slightly and prevents burns when slicing.

9. Experiment and Customize

While sticking to traditional ingredients ensures you achieve the classic Birrittellas flavor, don’t hesitate to add your own twist with creative toppings like caramelized onions, prosciutto, or arugula. Just maintain a good topping-to-crust ratio to keep the balance.

Make-Ahead Instructions

Creating Birrittellas Pizza ahead of time is a game-changer for anyone looking to streamline the process while preserving exceptional flavors and textures. Here’s how we can efficiently prepare components in advance to make pizza night simple and stress-free:

1. Preparing the Dough Ahead

We can prepare the pizza dough up to 2 days in advance. After kneading the dough and allowing it to rise initially, follow these steps:

• After the first rise, divide the dough into desired portions.
• Lightly coat each portion in olive oil to prevent drying.
• Place the portions in resealable plastic bags or airtight containers.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 48 hours.

Pro tip: Let the dough sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before rolling it out for the pizza. This allows the gluten to relax, making it easier to shape.

2. Making the Sauce in Advance

Our rich homemade pizza sauce can be prepped a few days before the actual baking. Follow these steps for make-ahead convenience:

• Prepare the sauce as instructed in the recipe.
• Allow it to cool completely.
• Transfer the sauce to an airtight container or jar.
• Refrigerate for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Pro tip: Freeze the sauce in small portions (e.g., in ice cube trays) for easy thawing and portion control.

3. Storing Toppings

Prepping toppings in advance saves time and reduces last-minute kitchen chaos. Use the table below as a reference for storing common pizza toppings:

Topping	Prep Instructions	Storage Method	Storage Duration
Shredded mozzarella	Grate fresh mozzarella, if needed	Airtight container, refrigerate	Up to 5 days
Fresh basil leaves	Wash, pat dry, and store in paper towel	Ziploc bag, refrigerate	Up to 2 days
Black olives	Slice or leave whole	Airtight container, refrigerate	Up to 1 week
Pepperoni	Slice into desired thickness	Refrigerate, sealed packaging	Per package expiration

Pro tip: Keep all toppings ready in separate airtight containers in the fridge for smoother assembly.

4. Assembling and Par-Baking

If we want to go the extra mile, we can assemble our Birrittellas Pizza partially in advance:

1. Roll out the dough into your desired shape and size.
2. Spread a thin layer of sauce over the dough.
3. Par-bake the base (with sauce) at 400°F for 5–7 minutes until slightly firm.
4. Allow it to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil.
5. Store in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours or freeze for up to 1 month.

Pro tip: When ready to bake, add your toppings to the par-baked base and continue baking as per the recipe instructions.

5. Thawing and Reheating

For frozen components like dough, sauce, or par-baked bases, follow the steps below:

• Dough: Move to the refrigerator and thaw overnight. Let rest at room temperature for 30 minutes before rolling.
• Sauce: Transfer to the fridge to defrost or microwave in short intervals.
• Par-baked base: Place directly in the oven and bake with added toppings at the recommended temperature.

With these make-ahead techniques, putting together a restaurant-quality Birrittellas Pizza becomes effortless! Prepare, store, and bake with confidence, ensuring a delicious final product every time.

Conclusion

Birrittellas Pizza is more than just a recipe—it’s an experience that brings joy to both the kitchen and the table. With its perfect balance of flavors, textures, and simplicity, it’s a dish that anyone can master and customize to their liking. By focusing on quality ingredients, the right tools, and a little creativity, we can consistently create a pizza that rivals any takeout option. Let’s embrace the process, share it with loved ones, and enjoy the satisfaction of crafting something truly delicious.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Birrittellas Pizza special?

Birrittellas Pizza stands out for its thin, crispy crust, simple yet bold flavors, and high-quality fresh ingredients. It allows for customization while sticking to traditional Italian-American pizza roots.

What ingredients do I need to make the dough?

To make the dough, you’ll need all-purpose flour, warm water, active dry yeast, sugar, sea salt, and olive oil. These ingredients ensure perfect texture and flavor.

How do I prepare the pizza sauce?

The sauce is made by sautéing garlic in olive oil, then adding crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, and optional red pepper flakes for heat.

What toppings are recommended for Birrittellas Pizza?

Classic toppings include mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, pepperoni, black olives, fresh basil, and a drizzle of olive oil. You can customize them to suit your taste.

What tools are essential for making Birrittellas Pizza?

Key tools include a mixing bowl, measuring cups, a rolling pin, a pizza stone or baking steel, and a pizza peel. These ensure an authentic texture and flavor.

How do I achieve a crispy pizza crust?

Preheat your pizza stone or baking steel in the oven and bake at a high temperature. Hand-rolling the dough also helps retain air bubbles for a light crust.

Can I make any components ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough, sauce, and toppings ahead. Store them properly in airtight containers or freeze them for future use.

How do I par-bake or reheat the pizza?

For par-baking, partially bake the crust before adding toppings. To reheat, use an oven at 375°F for a few minutes to maintain texture and flavor.

What are some tips for customizing Birrittellas Pizza?

Experiment with toppings, but keep the balance of crust, sauce, and toppings intact. Drizzling olive oil and using fresh herbs can enhance the flavor.

How can I ensure the pizza is cooked evenly?

Use an oven thermometer for accurate temperature readings and rotate the pizza halfway through baking for even results.

Is Birrittellas Pizza suitable for beginners?

Absolutely! The recipe provides simple step-by-step instructions and includes pro tips to guide beginners in creating a delicious pizza.