California Pizza Recipe

Make restaurant-quality California pizza at home with this easy recipe. Featuring a homemade pizza dough with a crispy yet chewy crust, this pizza is topped with mozzarella cheese, ham, tomatoes, mushrooms, olives, and onions. Customize with your favorite toppings like basil, pepperoni, or grilled chicken. Perfect for a family dinner or a homemade pizza night, this recipe delivers a flavorful and fresh meal straight from your oven.

Ingredients

For the Dough:

• 3/4 cup warm water
• 1 Tbsp active dry yeast
• 1/2 Tbsp honey
• 1 1/2 Tbsp olive oil
• 2 cups + 2 Tbsp all-purpose flour
• 3/4 tsp salt

For the 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

Additional Topping Ideas:

• Fresh basil leaves, torn
• Prosciutto
• Pork or turkey sausage
• Pepperoni
• Red or yellow bell pepper, julienned
• Any of your favorite toppings

Instructions

Making the Dough:

1. Add warm water and yeast to a bread maker or mixing bowl. Let it sit for 3-5 minutes until foamy.
2. Add honey, olive oil, flour, and salt in the listed order. If using a bread maker, select the dough setting (about 1 hour). If mixing by hand, knead until smooth and let rise until doubled in size.
3. Once ready, preheat the oven to 415°F.

Assembling the Pizza:

1. Drizzle 2 Tbsp olive oil onto a large baking sheet. Transfer the dough to the sheet and turn it to coat with oil.
2. Roll the dough out evenly across the sheet.
3. Spread pizza sauce evenly over the dough.
4. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese over the sauce, then add ham, tomatoes, mushrooms, olives, and onions.
5. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the crust is golden and crispy, and toppings are cooked.
6. Remove from the oven, slice, and serve hot.

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Tips

• Use high-quality yeast for the best dough rise.
• Let the dough rest for 5-10 minutes before rolling to make it easier to shape.
• If you prefer a crispier crust, pre-bake the dough for 5 minutes before adding toppings.
• A pizza stone can help create an even crispier crust.

Variations and Substitutions

• Substitute whole wheat flour for a healthier dough.
• Use gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version.
• Try BBQ sauce instead of pizza sauce for a tangy twist.
• Swap mozzarella for smoked gouda or cheddar for a different flavor.
• Add grilled chicken, avocado, or arugula for a California-style upgrade.

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours or freeze it for later use.

What if I don’t have a bread maker?
You can mix and knead the dough by hand, then let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size.

Can I use store-bought pizza dough?
Absolutely! Store-bought dough saves time while still delivering great results.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with a side salad for a balanced meal.
• Pair with garlic bread or breadsticks for a complete pizzeria experience.
• Enjoy with a dipping sauce like ranch or marinara.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Homemade dough with a perfect chewy yet crispy texture.
• Fully customizable toppings to suit your taste.
• Easy to make with or without a bread maker.
• Great for family dinners, gatherings, or meal prep.