The Art of Cooking and Serving Pizza

A Guide to Perfecting Your Pie

Pizza—a beloved dish that has captured hearts around the globe with its perfect blend of crispy crust, savory sauce, gooey cheese, and endless toppings. The key to serving your guests delicious memorable pizza lies in the care you take in cooking and serving it. Our restaurant equipment experts will dive into the art of crafting the perfect pizza, covering everything from dough-making to presentation and serving techniques sure to make your establishment is your local "go-to place for pizza".

1. The Foundation: Pizza Dough
   The dough is the backbone of any great pizza. While you can buy pre-made dough from wholesalers, making it from scratch will elevate your pizza game to a new level. Fresh dough can be made with a handful of simple ingredients and just requires a little extra time and planning.

Tools for house-made dough:
Set of 6 Dough Boxes
Dough Docker
Measuring cup set


2. Choosing the Right Sauce
   The sauce is where creativity can really shine. You can use traditional tomato sauce, a white garlic sauce, or even a pesto base for something different. You can also serve a white pizza where you skip the tomato sauce and use a simple garlic cream sauce made from butter, garlic, heavy cream, and a sprinkle of Parmesan. White sauces work wonderfully with toppings like spinach, mushrooms, or shrimp and provide a nice variety for your customers.


3. Toppings: Be Creative, but Don’t Overdo It
   When it comes to toppings, the possibilities are endless. However, it's important to balance the flavors and textures to create a harmonious pizza. Consider offering a limited number of options on your menu and then allowing guests to customize their own pizzas with whatever toppings they enjoy. The most popular pizza options that would cover your bases include Classic Margherita with Fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil leaves, Traditional Pepperoni with Sliced pepperoni, mozzarella, and tomato sauce, a Veggie Lovers pizza with bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, olives, spinach, and feta cheese, and a standard Cheese pizza that you can dress-up by adding cheddar and parmesan.
   
   No matter what you include on your menu, for the best melting and flavor, opt for fresh mozzarella, preferably in a ball form. Slice it or tear it into chunks and scatter it across your pizza. Pre-grated cheese can be convenient, but fresh cheese has a superior texture and taste. If you like a crispier, more complex flavor, sprinkle some Parmesan on top after baking. Your customers will be able to tell the difference between your fresh mozzarella balls and shredded bulk cheese.


4. Cooking Your Pizza: The Right Temperature and Method
   One of the secrets to a perfect pizza is the temperature at which it’s cooked. Traditional pizza ovens can reach temperatures upwards of 800°F, but most home ovens don’t go higher than 500°F, which is why pizza made in a pizza oven at a restaurant tastes so good. The higher the heat, the crispier the crust and the quicker the pizza will cook, so you want your oven to be as hot as possible.

Browse Pizza Ovens:
Gas Pizza Ovens
Electric Pizza Ovens


5. Serving Pizza: The Presentation Matters
   While pizza is inherently casual, a little extra attention to detail can elevate the dining experience. Here’s how to serve pizza like a pro:
   • Cutting: Use a sharp pizza cutter or a pizza rocker to slice the pizza. If you’re making a Neapolitan-style pizza with a thin, crispy crust, try cutting it into small, square manageable pieces. For thicker-crust or deep-dish pizzas, larger slices are typically better.
   • Garnish: Consider garnishing the pizza with fresh herbs like basil or arugula right after it comes out of the oven. A drizzle of good-quality olive oil or balsamic glaze adds a rich finishing touch.
   • Pairing: Pizza pairs beautifully with wine, beer, or even a refreshing Italian soda. For red pizzas (with tomato sauce), a light red wine like Chianti works well. White pizzas (without tomato sauce) can be complemented by a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio. Make sure to provide recommendations on your menu to make it easy for guests to order without being a wine expert.
   • Display: Use pizza tray stands to create extra room on the table. This simple touch helps elevate both the status of the pizza and helps ensure there's enough space for appetizers and drinks.

Stock Up Pizza Baking Tools:
Thin Crust Pans
Deep Dish Pans
Pizza Stones
Pizza Peels


6. The Perfect Pie
   Cooking and serving pizza at home is a rewarding experience that brings creativity, flavor, and joy into your kitchen. Whether you’re crafting a classic Margherita, experimenting with exotic toppings, or perfecting your dough recipe, the process of making pizza can be as enjoyable as eating it. Remember, the key to a great pizza lies in high-quality ingredients, careful preparation, and a touch of passion. So gather your favorite toppings, roll out some dough, and bake up a pizza masterpiece that will have your customers coming back for more. Happy pizza making!