How to Make Homemade Pizza on a Budget

Making pizza at home doesn't have to be expensive. By purchasing ingredients on sale or near expiry, and using simple, fresh ingredients, you can create delicious pizzas without breaking the bank.

Ingredients and Costs

The key to making budget-friendly pizza is choosing the right ingredients and shopping smartly. A pound of flour, a sachet of dried yeast, and a couple of spoonfuls of olive oil will only cost you a dollar or two. Two packages of mozzarella will add around a couple of bucks. A tin of chopped tomatoes, salt, pepper, and dried oregano are relatively cheap at about 50 cents and a few pennies, respectively.

A total of 49-inch pizzas can be made from these ingredients. Including the cost of 1KW of power (pennies), you can create 4 tasty pizzas for less than a fiver. The ingredients for the dough are also inexpensive: 4 cups of flour, two teaspoons of salt, a teaspoon of sugar, a packet of yeast, 1 1/2 cups of water, and 2 tablespoons of oil. These will not cost you more than a dollar and can make two 14-inch pizzas.

The sauce can be as simple as a can of crushed tomatoes with salt, pepper, and dried oregano, or you can opt for a can or jar of pizza sauce, which is also very affordable.

Cheapest Part: Cheese

The most expensive part of a pizza is usually the cheese. To save money, shop around and try to get it on sale. A 1-pound block of mozzarella might be cheaper than a pound of shredded mozzarella. Shredding it yourself can further reduce costs.

DIY Pizza Making Methods

I often make homemade pizza from simple ingredients that are easy to find:

Naan bread from the grocery store can be a versatile base. Freshly sliced tomatoes are a must-have for flavor. Mozzarella cheese should be sliced rather than pre-shredded. A drizzle of olive oil adds extra flavor. Seasoning options include Italian seasoning or garlic. Toppings like pepperoni, mushrooms, and peppers can be added if desired.

Bake at 450 F on a hot pizza stone for about 8 minutes, until it looks amazing!

Alternative Base Options

For those who don#39;t have a pizza stone, there are alternative bases that can be used:

Tortillas, French bread, canned biscuits, or even canned pizza dough can be used for the crust. A tin of pasta sauce, the cheapest one available, can be used for the sauce. Premixed mozzarella cheese and pre-cut pepperoni from the grocery store are convenient choices.

For the base, French bread is particularly good. Cut 2 loaves open, cover them with olive oil, and toast them in the oven. After 10 minutes, add pasta sauce, cheese, and pepperoni slices, and sprinkle with fennel seeds. Bake at 375 degrees until the cheese melts. Serve with Guinness Extra Stout for a perfect finishing touch.

Conclusion

With these cost-effective tips, you can enjoy homemade pizza without spending a fortune. Whether you prefer a traditional dough or an innovative base, the key is to keep your ingredients simple and seek out deals. Bon Appétit!