Homemade Mexican Pizza with Cheddar or Monterey Jack Cheese

Introduction

Are you craving a delicious and flavorful pizza with a Mexican twist? Look no further! In this recipe, we will guide you through the process of making a homemade Mexican pizza that will satisfy your taste buds. With the choice of cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese, this pizza is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

For the pizza dough:

– 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour

– 1 teaspoon salt

– 1 teaspoon sugar

– 1 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast

– ¾ cup warm water

– 1 tablespoon olive oil

– Additional flour for dusting

For the pizza toppings:

– 1 cup salsa

– 1 cup cooked and seasoned ground beef

– 1 cup diced bell peppers

– 1 cup diced onions

– 2 cups shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese

– Fresh cilantro for garnish

Steps

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, salt, and sugar. In a separate small bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm water and let it sit for 5 minutes until it becomes frothy.

2. Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the yeast mixture and olive oil. Stir until a dough forms.

3. Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Shape the dough into a ball.

4. Place the dough in a greased bowl and cover it with a clean kitchen towel. Allow it to rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size.

5. Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Punch down the risen dough and transfer it to a floured surface. Roll it out into your desired pizza shape and thickness.

6. Transfer the rolled-out dough onto a greased baking sheet or pizza stone. Spread the salsa evenly over the dough as the base sauce.

7. Evenly distribute the cooked ground beef, diced bell peppers, and onions on top of the salsa. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese over the toppings.

8. Place the pizza in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

9. Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh cilantro and slice into wedges.

Tips and Variations

– Feel free to experiment with different toppings such as sliced jalapenos, black olives, or cooked chicken.

– For a spicier kick, drizzle some hot sauce or sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes on top of the pizza before baking.

– If you prefer a thinner crust, you can roll the dough out even thinner or use a rolling pin to stretch it further.

Tips

– For a crispier crust, preheat your baking sheet or pizza stone in the oven before transferring the rolled-out dough onto it.

– Make sure to let the dough rise in a warm place free from drafts to ensure proper fermentation.

– If you don’t have cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese on hand, you can use a blend of other cheeses like mozzarella and pepper jack.

Conclusion

Enjoy the delightful combination of Mexican flavors and cheesy goodness with this homemade Mexican pizza recipe. Whether you choose cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese, this pizza will surely become a favorite among your family and friends. Get creative with your toppings and make it your own. Serve it at parties, game nights, or simply as a satisfying dinner option. Once you try this homemade Mexican pizza, you’ll never want to go back to store-bought versions again!