If you crave a delightful blend of fresh flavors, vibrant colors, and that perfect crispy crust, then this California Pizza Recipe is just what you need to try next. It’s a wonderful homage to the sunny West Coast’s love for fresh ingredients and bold combinations. From the chewy homemade crust to the savory mix of ham, mushrooms, black olives, and basil, each bite bursts with flavor and texture. Whether you’re new to making pizza at home or a seasoned baker looking to mix things up, this recipe is an absolute winner that will turn your kitchen into a pizzeria.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This California Pizza Recipe depends on a few simple yet essential ingredients, each chosen to enhance the final taste and texture of the pizza. From the elastic homemade dough to the fresh vegetable toppings, every element plays a crucial role in crafting the perfect pie.
- 3/4 cup warm water: Activates the yeast to give your dough a light, airy texture.
- 1 Tbsp active dry yeast: The magical ingredient that makes your dough rise beautifully.
- 1/2 Tbsp honey: Adds subtle sweetness, balancing the savory flavors perfectly.
- 1 1/2 Tbsp olive oil: Helps tenderize the dough and gives it a wonderful richness.
- 2 cups plus 2 Tbsp all-purpose flour: The main structure for your crust, ensuring just the right chew.
- 3/4 tsp salt: Enhances every flavor in both dough and toppings.
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce: The flavorful base that ties all the toppings together.
- 2 cups shredded Mozzarella cheese (8-10 oz): Melts into gooey, golden perfection.
- 6 slices deli ham (chopped or cut into strips): Adds savory protein with a juicy bite.
- 1 medium tomato (sliced): Brings fresh, juicy acidity to every slice.
- 1 small red onion (finely sliced): Offers a sharp, slightly sweet crunch.
- 6-7 mushrooms (sliced): Adds earthiness and texture to the topping medley.
- 1/4 cup black olives (sliced): Infuses a salty, briny punch for balance.
- Fresh basil leaves: Delivers an aromatic freshness that ties the whole pizza together.
How to Make California Pizza Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Begin by activating your yeast. In a bowl, combine the warm water, active dry yeast, and honey. Give it a gentle stir and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it bubbles and becomes frothy, signaling that your yeast is alive and ready to work its magic. This step is crucial because it ensures your pizza dough will have that airy, chewy texture we all love. Once bubbly, stir in the olive oil.
Step 2: Mix and Knead the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Gradually add your yeast mixture to the dry ingredients, stirring until a dough begins to form. Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead it for about 8-10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. The kneading develops gluten, which gives your crust its chewy structure and makes it easier to shape later.
Step 3: Let the Dough Rise
Place your kneaded dough in an oiled bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-1.5 hours or until it has doubled in size. This slow fermentation builds flavor and lightness into the dough that’s essential for a top-notch California Pizza Recipe.
Step 4: Shape and Preheat
After the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release air pockets. Roll or stretch it out on a floured surface to your desired pizza size—this recipe yields one large pizza. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). For an extra crispy crust, preheat a pizza stone or a heavy baking sheet inside your oven; this mimics a pizzeria’s hot stone.
Step 5: Assemble the Pizza
Place your stretched dough onto a piece of parchment or your preheated stone. Spread the pizza sauce evenly, leaving a small border around the edges for the crust. Layer on the shredded mozzarella generously so every bite is cheesy and luxurious. Add chopped ham, sliced tomato, thin red onion rings, mushrooms, and black olives. Don’t forget to tuck some fresh basil leaves under the toppings for that signature aromatic lift.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Slide the pizza into the oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes or until the crust is golden and crisp, and the cheese is bubbly with just a touch of brown. Keep an eye on it — ovens can vary. Once done, remove the pizza, let it cool slightly, and get ready to savor every bite of your homemade California Pizza Recipe.
How to Serve California Pizza Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh basil leaves and a drizzle of good quality extra virgin olive oil right after baking brighten up the pizza beautifully and elevate the flavor profile. A light sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes or freshly cracked black pepper can add a subtle kick that wakes up sensitive palates.
Side Dishes
This pizza pairs wonderfully with crisp salads—think arugula tossed in lemon vinaigrette or a simple mixed greens salad with shaved Parmesan. Roasted garlic hummus and crunchy veggie sticks also complement the warm, rich flavors of the pizza, making your meal more balanced and exciting.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party, slice your California Pizza Recipe into small squares for easy finger food. Serve on a rustic wooden board or slate platter alongside small bowls of extra toppings—like sliced jalapeños, sun-dried tomatoes, or shaved Parmesan users can sprinkle on at will. This interactive presentation invites everyone to customize their slices and makes the experience extra fun!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover pizza is never the same as fresh, but this California Pizza Recipe still stays delicious when stored properly. Wrap leftovers tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container. Refrigerate within two hours of baking to maintain freshness and safety.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, freeze your pizza slices individually by wrapping each piece well in plastic wrap and then foil or placing them in a freezer bag. When frozen this way, they can last up to 2 months without losing too much flavor or texture.
Reheating
To reheat, avoid microwaves if possible—they can make the crust soggy. Instead, rewarm pizza slices in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 8-10 minutes or until heated through and crispy again. A hot skillet works wonders too for resurrecting that original crunch and melty cheese.
FAQs
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose in this California Pizza Recipe?
Absolutely! Whole wheat flour adds a lovely nutty flavor and extra fiber, but it might make your crust a little denser. Try mixing half whole wheat and half all-purpose for the best balance.
What if I don’t have pizza sauce on hand?
No worries! You can substitute with a simple blend of canned crushed tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, and a pinch of salt for a homemade sauce that works beautifully with this pizza.
How thin should I roll out the dough?
For this California Pizza Recipe, aim for about 1/4 inch thickness. It’ll give you a crust that’s thin enough to be crispy on the edges but still soft and chewy inside.
Can I make this pizza gluten-free?
Yes, but you’ll need a good gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. Keep in mind the dough’s texture will differ somewhat, and rising times may vary.
What drinks pair well with this pizza?
This pizza shines with a cold crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a refreshing craft beer. For a non-alcoholic option, try sparkling water infused with lemon and fresh mint to balance the flavors.
Final Thoughts
There’s something incredibly satisfying about making your own pizza from scratch, especially with a vibrant, fresh California Pizza Recipe like this. The blend of savory ham, fresh veggies, melty cheese, and herbaceous basil all resting on a homemade crust invites you to enjoy every bit of the experience. I encourage you to give this recipe a try, impress your friends or family, and maybe even make it your new go-to pizza night favorite. You won’t regret it!
Print
California Pizza Recipe
- Prep Time: 120 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 140 minutes
- Yield: 1 large 12-14 inch pizza
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This California Pizza recipe features a homemade dough topped with rich mozzarella, deli ham, fresh vegetables, and aromatic basil, creating a flavorful and vibrant pizza perfect for a casual meal or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 3/4 cup warm water
- 1 Tbsp active dry yeast
- 1/2 Tbsp honey
- 1 1/2 Tbsp olive oil
- 2 cups plus 2 Tbsp all-purpose flour
- 3/4 tsp salt
Pizza Toppings
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce
- 2 cups (8–10 oz) shredded Mozzarella cheese
- 6 slices deli ham, chopped or cut into strips
- 1 medium tomato, sliced
- 1 small red onion, finely sliced
- 6–7 mushrooms, sliced
- 1/4 cup black olives, sliced
- Fresh basil leaves
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, dissolve the active dry yeast and honey in warm water. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until the mixture is frothy, indicating the yeast is active. Then add olive oil, salt, and gradually mix in the flour until a dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1.5 to 2 hours or until it doubles in size.
- Preheat the Oven and Prepare Toppings: Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). While the dough is rising, prepare the toppings by slicing the tomato, red onion, mushrooms, and black olives. Chop the deli ham and shred the mozzarella cheese if not pre-shredded.
- Shape the Dough: Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently to remove air bubbles. Roll out the dough on a floured surface into a 12-14 inch circle or desired pizza shape and thickness. Transfer it to a pizza stone or baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Add Sauce and Toppings: Spread the pizza sauce evenly over the rolled-out dough, leaving about a 1/2 inch border for the crust. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella generously over the sauce. Arrange the chopped ham, sliced tomato, red onion, mushrooms, and black olives evenly on top.
- Bake the Pizza: Place the pizza in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the crust is golden and crisp, and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Keep an eye on the pizza to avoid burning.
- Add Fresh Basil and Serve: After baking, remove the pizza from the oven and immediately scatter fresh basil leaves on top for a burst of aroma and flavor. Slice and serve hot.
Notes
- Use warm water (not hot) to activate the yeast effectively without killing it.
- Allow the dough enough time to rise for a fluffy and airy crust.
- If desired, substitute deli ham with turkey or omit for a vegetarian version.
- Fresh basil should be added after baking to preserve its fresh flavor.
- For a crispier crust, use a pizza stone preheated in the oven.
