Pizza is a beloved dish around the world, but when it comes to pizza styles, the round shape is the classic. However, there’s a growing trend of making pizza in a square form. Square pizza not only offers a unique twist on the traditional round pie, but it also provides practical advantages in terms of slicing and presentation. Whether you’re a pizza enthusiast or a professional looking to diversify your pizza-making skills, learning how to make square pizza is a rewarding and fun experience.
This guide will take you through the step-by-step process of making square pizza from scratch, including how to prepare the dough, choose the best ingredients, and bake it to perfection. By the end, you’ll be ready to impress your family and friends with your new square pizza-making skills.
Why Square Pizza?
Before we dive into the recipe, let’s take a look at why square pizza is worth considering:
Better Slicing: Square pizza provides more equal slices than its round counterpart. Instead of wedges, you get rectangular slices, which can be cut to any size, making it easier to share and serve.
More Crust: Square pizza typically has more crust than round pizza. The edges of the dough, particularly in the corners, can be crispier and more enjoyable, offering a satisfying crunch in every bite.
Practical for Baking: Square pizza fits better in many home ovens, especially if you have a baking sheet or pizza stone that’s rectangular or square in shape.
Creative Opportunities: Making square pizza can open up opportunities for different topping arrangements and flavor combinations. You can experiment with various styles, from classic Margherita to unique artisan pizzas.
Ingredients Needed
Dough Ingredients
To make square pizza, the base of your pizza—the dough—is crucial. Below is a simple recipe for pizza dough that works perfectly for square pizzas:
- 500g (about 4 cups) of all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1 teaspoon of sugar
- 7g (1 packet) of active dry yeast
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 300ml (1 ¼ cups) of warm water (about 110°F or 45°C)
- 1 tablespoon of honey (optional, for a slightly sweeter dough)
These ingredients will yield dough that is soft, elastic, and ideal for stretching out to fit a square baking pan.
Sauce and Toppings
The toppings on a square pizza follow the same logic as round pizza. You can choose to stick with traditional flavors or get creative with a range of ingredients:
Tomato Sauce: The classic pizza sauce made from crushed tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, and herbs like basil and oregano.
Cheese: Mozzarella is the go-to cheese for pizza, but you can also add Parmesan, ricotta, or goat cheese for extra flavor.
Toppings: The choice of toppings is endless. Some popular options include pepperoni, sausage, bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, olives, and fresh basil.
Drizzle and Garnishes: Olive oil, balsamic glaze, or a sprinkle of parmesan after baking can add an extra layer of flavor.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Square Pizza
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Making pizza dough from scratch is not as difficult as it sounds. Follow these steps to get a great dough that can be stretched into a square shape:
Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm water and sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the water and stir. Let it sit for about 5 minutes, or until the yeast becomes frothy.
Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. If you’re using honey, add it to the flour mixture.
Form the Dough: Make a well in the center of the flour mixture and pour in the yeast mixture and olive oil. Mix with a wooden spoon until the dough begins to come together.
Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead it for about 8-10 minutes until it is smooth and elastic. If the dough feels too sticky, sprinkle a little more flour, but be careful not to add too much.
Let It Rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl and cover it with a damp cloth. Allow it to rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
Step 2: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan
Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). This high temperature will give the pizza a crispy crust and help it cook quickly.
Prepare the Baking Pan: You will need a square baking pan or a pizza stone that fits your oven. If using a baking pan, lightly grease it with olive oil or line it with parchment paper. If you’re using a pizza stone, make sure it’s heated along with the oven.
Step 3: Shape the Dough into a Square
Punch Down the Dough: Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air bubbles.
Shape the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a floured surface. Using your hands or a rolling pin, gently stretch and press the dough into a square shape that fits your baking pan. If the dough is resistant, let it rest for a few minutes to relax the gluten.
Transfer to the Pan: Once the dough is shaped, carefully transfer it to the greased pan. Press it into the corners to fit.
Step 4: Add the Sauce and Toppings
Spread the Sauce: Use a spoon to spread an even layer of tomato sauce on the dough, leaving about half an inch from the edge for the crust.
Add the Cheese: Sprinkle a generous amount of mozzarella cheese over the sauce. You can also add any additional cheeses you like.
Top with Toppings: Add your choice of toppings. Keep in mind that square pizza offers more space for creative arrangements, so feel free to get artistic with your topping placement.
Step 5: Bake the Pizza
Bake the Pizza: Place the pizza in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the crust is golden brown. Keep an eye on it toward the end to avoid overbaking.
Check the Bottom: If you’re using a baking sheet, the crust should be crisp and golden on the bottom. If you’re using a pizza stone, you should get a beautifully crisp crust with even heat distribution.
Step 6: Serve the Square Pizza
Remove from the Oven: Once the pizza is done baking, carefully remove it from the oven. Let it cool for a few minutes before slicing.
Slice and Serve: Cut the pizza into squares using a sharp knife or pizza cutter. The square shape allows you to get more pieces, so it’s perfect for serving a group. Optionally, drizzle some olive oil or balsamic glaze over the pizza before serving for extra flavor.
Tips for the Perfect Square Pizza
Use High-Quality Ingredients: The flavor of your pizza will depend on the quality of your ingredients. Use fresh mozzarella, high-quality olive oil, and ripe tomatoes for the best results.
Don’t Overload with Toppings: While it’s tempting to pile on a lot of toppings, keep in mind that too much can weigh down the crust and prevent it from cooking properly. A few key toppings will allow the flavor to shine.
Experiment with Shapes: While square is the theme here, you can also experiment with other shapes like rectangular or even oblong pizza. You can get creative with the shapes of the crust and toppings.
Use a Pizza Stone for Better Results: A pizza stone helps cook the pizza more evenly by retaining and distributing heat better than a standard baking sheet. If you don’t have one, using a preheated baking pan can still yield great results.
Variations of Square Pizza
While the classic Margherita pizza is always a winner, square pizzas allow for more flexibility in creating unique combinations. Here are a few variations you can try:
Detroit-Style Pizza: This deep-dish square pizza originated in Detroit and is known for its thick crust, crispy edges, and layer of cheese on top of the sauce. The sauce is often spread on top after the pizza is baked.
Sicilian-Style Square Pizza: Sicilian pizza is typically a thicker, doughier pizza that’s baked in a square pan. It’s often topped with anchovies, olives, and a generous amount of cheese.
White Pizza: For a variation without tomato sauce, try a white pizza with ricotta, mozzarella, garlic, and spinach. This works wonderfully on a square pizza.
Vegan Square Pizza: You can easily create a vegan pizza by substituting dairy cheese with vegan cheese or nutritional yeast. Add an assortment of vegetables like mushrooms, onions, bell peppers, and spinach.
Conclusion
Making square pizza is a fun, practical, and delicious way to enjoy one of the world’s favorite foods. Whether you are looking to try something new or simply enjoy the practical benefits of square slices, this recipe and guide will help you make a perfect square pizza every time. With the right dough, ingredients, and techniques, your square pizza will rival any round one in taste and presentation. So go ahead, experiment with different toppings, and enjoy the art of making square pizza!
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