It’s a Small World Pizza

Makes six 6” pizzas

Ingredients:

Use store bought personal sized pizza shells or try our homemade crust recipe.

Crust:

• 2 cups warm water (110-120 degrees fahrenheit)
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon yeast
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 5-6 cups all-purpose flour

Toppings:

• 16 oz. ricotta cheese
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• Salt & pepper to taste
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 8 oz. Mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 8 oz. Parmesan cheese shredded
• 4 oz. sharp cheddar cheese, pre-sliced
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour 
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter 
• 1 cup whole milk
• 4 oz. Cheddar Cheese, shredded

Instructions:

1. Make dough – Combine warm water with sugar. Sprinkle yeast over the top and allow to rest for 5 minutes.
   

2. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook attachment, add the water and yeast mixture. With the mixer on low speed,  slowly add olive oil, salt and all-purpose flour one cup at a time until the dough forms a ball.

3. Turn out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead the dough for 3-4 minutes. Place dough in a mixing bowl that has been lightly greased with olive oil. Set in a warm place covered with a tea towel or plastic wrap. Allow to double in size (around 45-60 minutes). When the dough has doubled, punch down to release air bubbles and knead for 2-3 minutes.

4. Preheat the oven to 475 degrees. If using a pizza stone, place the pizza stone in the oven to heat. This recipe makes 2 family sized pizzas or 6 personal size pizzas.

5.Shape dough – On a lightly floured surface, carefully roll and shape the dough into disk shapes. Stretch and shape with your hands to create the size and shape you would like. Allow to rest for a few moments.

6. Add toppings – Combine ricotta, garlic, salt & pepper and olive oil. Stir to combine. Brush the surface of your dough with olive oil and season lightly with salt and pepper. Prick the surface of the pizza with a fork several times to prevent air bubbles during baking. Top with ricotta mixture, parmesan, and mozzarella.

7. Bake – Place on a parchment lined baking sheet or pizza stone. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until golden and bubbly. Allow to cool for 5 minutes.

8. Make cheese sauce – While pizzas are baking, make cheddar cheese sauce. In a small saucepan over medium low heat melt butter. Add flour and whisk until mixture resembles a golden paste. Slowly add 1 cup whole milk whisking constantly to combine. Bring to a simmer and cook for 8-10 minutes until thickened. Slowly add shredded cheddar cheese and whisk to combine. Consistency should be fairly thick (similar to creamy peanut butter). Allow to cool for a few minutes and then add cheddar sauce to a piping bag fitted with a coupler and medium round tip.  

9. Add clock features – Using a pizza cutter, create cheese six cheese strips 1/2″ wide and 2″ long. Next cut 6 triangles 1 1/2″ tall and 3″ wide. Finally, using a 1″ bottle cap or mini round cookie cutter, cut out 24 circles. Arrange cheese pieces on a cutting board. Place cheese pieces on pizzas to resemble the clock face. Pipe cheese sauce onto eye areas, mouth, and chin. See photo for details. Serve immediately.