How to Make Roman-Style Pizza at Home

Instructions<br />1. Prepare the Dough (24 hours in advance):<br /><br />In a large mixing bowl, add 350ml of the cold water and dissolve the yeast.<br />Gradually add the flour, mixing until a shaggy dough forms.<br />Add the salt and mix for a few more minutes.<br />Slowly pour in the remaining water while continuing to mix, making sure the dough stays hydrated.<br />Add the olive oil and knead until it’s fully absorbed.<br />The dough should be sticky and stretchy. Cover with plastic wrap and let it rest at room temperature for 20 minutes.<br />After resting, stretch and fold the dough (pull one side of the dough up and fold it over itself), repeating this 3-4 times.<br />Transfer the dough to a lightly oiled container, cover, and refrigerate for 18-24 hours.<br />2. Preheat and Prepare the Oven:<br /><br />Preheat your oven to 500°F (260°C) or the highest temperature it can reach. Place a pizza stone or an upside-down baking sheet inside to heat up, if you have one.<br />3. Shape the Dough:<br /><br />Remove the dough from the fridge and let it rest at room temperature for about an hour.<br />Flour a work surface and gently transfer the dough onto it.<br />Stretch the dough into a rectangular shape to fit a large, oiled baking sheet or pan.<br />Avoid pressing too hard to keep the air bubbles intact.<br />4. Add the Sauce:<br /><br />Spread a thin layer of the tomato sauce over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.<br />5. Bake the Pizza:<br /><br />Place the pan on the heated pizza stone or directly in the oven. Bake for about 10-12 minutes, or until the crust starts to turn golden and crisp.<br />6. Add Cheese and Other Toppings:<br /><br />Remove the pizza, add cheese and any desired toppings, then return it to the oven for an additional 5-8 minutes, until the cheese melts and starts to bubble.<br />7. Finish and Serve:<br /><br />Once baked, let the pizza cool for a minute, then slice it into squares. Serve hot, drizzled with olive oil or sprinkled with fresh basil if desired.<br />Enjoy your authentic Roman-style pizza al taglio!