Dude Food Fire's Signature Cheesesteak Pizza

Step into the realm of artisan pizza making with this comprehensive guide. The power of a perfectly baked pizza isn't just in the harmony of flavors, but in the love and dedication poured into crafting each component from scratch. The way you knead the dough, simmer the sauce, and layer the cheese can all make a difference in crafting the ultimate pizza masterpiece.

The Dough: Backbone of the Perfect Pizza

Dough is a fundamental part of pizza, serving as the base and carrying the weight of the toppings. For our recipe, we've taken special care to craft a mixture that will create a crispy yet pliable crust, providing a balanced texture and taste.

Ingredients for the Dough:

• ¼ cup whole wheat flour
• 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour (plus additional for rolling out)
• 2 teaspoons fresh yeast or 2 ¼ ounce package instant or rapid rise yeast
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 2 teaspoons sugar or 1 teaspoon honey
• 2 teaspoons olive oil
• 1 1/3 cup lukewarm water

Combine your flours, yeast, salt and sugar in a mixer with a dough hook attachment. Set the speed to low, then gradually add the water and oil. Mix for approximately 10 minutes, until your dough is smooth and firm to the touch. Roll the dough out and form into three separate balls, each weighing roughly 10 ounces. Cover with a damp towel and set in a warm spot until they have doubled in size - about 2 to 2 ½ hours. After the first rise, they're ready to roll out, top, and bake.

Super Easy Pizza Sauce: All About That Flavor Base

Every pizza needs a scrumptious sauce to bring out the flavors of its toppings. We have created a sauce that combines Italian tomatoes and a selection of spices to create a full-bodied, tangy flavor that will elevate your pizza experience.

Ingredients for the Sauce:

• 1 28-ounce can crushed Italian tomatoes, undrained
• 1 14.5-ounce can petite diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 tablespoon Dude Food Fire Mama Dini Spice Blend
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon fine sea salt
• 2 teaspoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, crushed
• 3 teaspoons granulated garlic

Mix all the ingredients, whisking everything together for three minutes. Cover and refrigerate for at least four hours to allow the flavors to blend. You can also freeze this sauce for up to three months, making it a handy component for your pizza adventures.

(Alfa 5 Minuti 23" Outdoor Countertop Wood-Fired Pizza Oven)  

Pizza Cheese Blend: Enhancing Texture and Taste

A unique cheese blend brings added depth and creaminess to our pizza, ensuring every bite is a delight.

Ingredients for the Cheese Blend:

• 1/3-pound whole milk mozzarella, grated
• 1/3-pound provolone, grated
• 1/3-pound muenster, grated
• 1 cup finely grated parmesan

Combine all the cheeses together and set aside.

Pizza Toppings: Caramelized Onions and Cast Iron Filets

For the caramelized onions, you'll need:

• 2 large onions, preferably sweet, like Vidalia
• 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter
• 1/2 teaspoon of salt
• 1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar

(For the Bella Outdoor Living Bella Grande 36" Outdoor Wood-Fired Pizza)

Oven cast-iron filets, gather:

• 2 filet mignons, about 1.5 to 2 inches thick
• Kosher salt, to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 sprigs of fresh rosemary
• 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter

Prepare Your Onions:

Peel and thinly slice the onions. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onions and salt, stirring well to coat. Cook for about 40-50 minutes, stirring occasionally until they turn a rich golden brown. Towards the end, deglaze the pan with balsamic vinegar and let it cook down until it's completely absorbed. Keep in mind that true caramelization takes time – do not rush this process.

Cook Your Filets:

While the onions are caramelizing, begin preparing your filets. Season them liberally with kosher salt and black pepper. In a cast-iron skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. When the oil is shimmering, add the filets. Cook them for 4-5 minutes on each side for medium-rare or longer based on your preferred level of doneness. In the final minute, add the garlic, rosemary, and butter to the skillet, basting the filets continually with the aromatic butter.

The Finishing Touches:

Now that your bases are ready, it's time to layer. Spread your dough with your homemade pizza sauce, then add your pizza cheese blend. Follow this with cast iron filets for a meaty texture, and top everything off with caramelized onions for a touch of sweetness.

Finally, it's time to bake your pizza. A wood-fired oven is ideal for getting that authentic, smoky flavor. However, a conventional oven can still create a beautiful, golden-brown pizza.

Embrace the process of making homemade pizza. It's not just about eating delicious food - it's about the joy and satisfaction that comes from creating a delicious pizza from scratch.