Jessica Alba’s Secret to a Perfect Pizza

Jessica Alba was on the Rachel Ray Show today and gave recipe secrets to making the perfect pizza. The business-mogul mom happily shared three versions of this family-favorite meal and, be warned, there’s even a spicy option. Take a peek and find your preference below.

Ingredients:

For the Dough:

1. 1 packet instant yeast
2. 2 cups warm water (about 115°F)
3. 5 cups organic bread flour, divided
4. 2 tablespoons sea salt
5. Olive oil

Toppings:

• DIY Tomato Sauce (Simmer 2 pounds chopped tomatoes, a couple of sliced garlic cloves, olive oil, salt, a pinch of oregano and sugar for 30 minutes. Purée.)
• Veggie Option: Mushrooms, roasted red bell peppers (diced), broccoli, fresh basil or rosemary; with or without cheese
• Classic Option: Fresh tomato sauce, nitrate-free pepperoni; with or without cheese
• Spicy Option: Jalapeños, nitrate-free chorizo sausage, deep-fried sage leaves; with or without cheese

Preparation:

• Mix a packet of instant yeast and 1/2 cup of flour in warm water. Let sit for 15 minutes until it all turns spongy (“proofed”).
• When yeast has proofed, add remaining flour slowly, 1/2 cup at a time, mixing thoroughly with wooden spoon as you go.
• When all flour is mixed in, add salt.
• Knead wet, tacky dough into ball with one hand; move to a floured cutting board or wood surface; knead with 2 hands for 8-10 minutes.
• Put kneaded dough in a large bowl, coat with olive oil, cover with plastic wrap, stick it in the fridge for at least 8 hours and up to 30 hours.
• Preheat oven at maximum heat about half an hour before you want to cook pies.
• Remove dough from fridge, punch it down, then cut and shape into round balls to make individual pizzas 1-2 hours before cooking.
• Place balls gently into big casserole dish or covered fiberglass pizza dough box, let dough come to room temperature. Gently stretch and shape balls into individual pies.
• Dust pizza stone or oiled baking sheet with cornmeal or flour to prevent pies from sticking. Place pies one at a time on stone or sheet.
• Cook plain pie dough for 1 minute, then add toppings and bake about 15 min until dough is golden and crispy and cheese is melted.
• Kids tip: Cut dough into shapes with cookie cutters before cooking.

Watch the video clip of Jessica in action!