Red Sauce Pizza from Mod Pizza features a vibrant tomato-based red sauce spread over a thin, crispy crust, topped with melted mozzarella cheese and a blend of fresh, flavorful herbs, delivering a classic and satisfying pizza experience with a perfect balance of tangy, cheesy, and savory notes.
Equipments
- Pizza oven
- Pizza peel
- Rolling pin
- Mixing bowl
- Sauce ladle
- Cheese grater
- Cutting board
- Chef’s knife
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Dough scraper
- Baking tray (if not using a pizza stone)
- Pizza cutter
- Cooling rack
Ingredients
- 2 cups (250g) bread flour
- 1 teaspoon active dry yeast
- 3/4 cup (180ml) warm water
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup (240ml) tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 cup (100g) shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh basil leaves (optional)
Use bread flour for the dough to achieve the ideal thin and crispy crust that holds the toppings well. Ensure your tomato sauce is vibrant and balanced with the right mix of dried oregano, basil, garlic powder, and onion powder to replicate the classic tangy and savory flavor profile. Fresh mozzarella cheese should be shredded finely for even melting and a gooey texture. Warm water activates the yeast properly, so maintain the temperature around 110degF (43degC) for optimal dough rise. Your Red Sauce Pizza from Mod Pizza copycat menu will shine when these ingredient details are followed carefully, delivering a satisfying and authentic taste.
Instructions
- Gather all equipment and ingredients.
- In a mixing bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit until foamy (5-10 minutes).
- Add bread flour, salt, and olive oil to the yeast mixture.
- Mix until a dough forms, then knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1-2 hours until doubled.
- Preheat pizza oven to 500°F (260°C) or highest setting.
- Punch down dough and shape it into a ball.
- Roll out dough on a floured surface with a rolling pin to desired thickness.
- Transfer dough to a floured pizza peel or baking tray.
- Spread tomato sauce evenly over the dough using a sauce ladle.
- Sprinkle oregano, basil, garlic powder, and onion powder over the sauce.
- Evenly distribute shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauced dough.
- (Optional) Add fresh basil leaves.
- Slide pizza into oven with pizza peel or place tray in oven.
- Bake for 8-12 minutes until crust is golden and cheese is bubbly and browned.
- Remove pizza from oven using peel or tray.
- Transfer pizza to a cooling rack for a couple of minutes.
- Slice pizza with a pizza cutter.
- Serve and enjoy.
Substitution
Red Sauce Pizza from Mod Pizza copycat menu offers a flavorful blend of tangy tomato sauce and melted mozzarella atop a crispy, thin crust, enhanced by herbs like oregano and basil. You can substitute bread flour with all-purpose flour in a pinch, though the texture may be slightly less chewy. If fresh mozzarella is unavailable, shredded pre-packaged mozzarella works well to maintain the cheesy topping's consistency. When a pizza stone isn't accessible, a baking tray lined with parchment paper provides an effective alternative for baking. Using warm water activates the yeast effectively, but avoid water that's too hot to prevent killing the yeast and hindering dough rise.
Tips
Make sure your yeast is fresh and the water temperature is between 100-110degF (37-43degC) to activate it properly, ensuring a good dough rise. When kneading, aim for a smooth, elastic texture to develop gluten, which creates the perfect chewy crust. Use plenty of flour on your work surface and pizza peel to prevent sticking when rolling and transferring the dough. You should monitor the pizza closely in the oven since cooking times can vary; look for a golden crust and bubbly, browned cheese before removing it.
Nutritions
Red Sauce Pizza from Mod Pizza provides a delicious source of carbohydrates from 2 cups of bread flour, fueling your energy levels. The tomato sauce, made from 1 cup of tomato sauce and seasoned with oregano, basil, garlic, and onion powders, supplies antioxidants like lycopene and vitamins A and C. Mozzarella cheese contributes approximately 22 grams of protein and calcium per cup, supporting muscle function and bone health. Including olive oil adds healthy monounsaturated fats, promoting heart health in your meal.
Storage
Store leftover Red Sauce Pizza by placing slices in an airtight container or wrapping them tightly with aluminum foil or plastic wrap. Refrigerate your pizza within two hours of baking to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth. When reheating, use a pizza oven or conventional oven at 375degF (190degC) for 5-7 minutes to restore a crispy crust and melted cheese.
Variation or Alternatives
You can experiment with the red sauce by adding a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy kick or substituting some of the tomato sauce with roasted red peppers for a smoky depth. Try incorporating fresh minced garlic instead of garlic powder to enhance the sauce's aroma and intensity. For a different crust texture, consider using bread flour combined with a portion of semolina flour, which gives a slightly crunchier base. Swap mozzarella for a blend of mozzarella and fontina cheese to introduce a creamier, nuttier flavor profile.
Allergies
The Red Sauce Pizza contains common allergens such as wheat from the bread flour and dairy from the mozzarella cheese, which may cause reactions in individuals with gluten or lactose intolerance. Tomato sauce may also trigger allergies or sensitivities in some people due to its acidic components and spices like garlic and onion powder. If you have any known food allergies, carefully review the ingredient list to ensure your safety.
Why this recipe?
Mod Pizza's Red Sauce Pizza features a perfectly balanced tomato sauce that combines tangy, sweet, and savory flavors, enhancing the fresh mozzarella and premium toppings. The crust offers a satisfying crispy exterior with a soft, chewy interior, making every bite enjoyable. You will appreciate how the bold, rich sauce elevates the overall taste, making it a standout favorite for many pizza lovers. Attempting a copycat recipe allows you to recreate this distinctive, satisfying flavor experience right in your kitchen.