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### Instructions:
#### 1. **Prepare the Dough:**
The first step is to prepare the dough for your stuffed pizza. In a large bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy. This step activates the yeast.
Next, add the flour, salt, and olive oil to the yeast mixture. Stir until a dough begins to form. Once it starts coming together, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and elastic.
Place the dough in a greased bowl and cover it with a clean towel. Allow it to rise for about 1-1.5 hours, or until it doubles in size. The dough is now ready to be shaped!
#### 2. **Preheat the Oven:**
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that your pizza cooks perfectly and the crust gets nice and golden.
#### 3. **Assemble the Stuffed Pizza:**
Once the dough has risen, punch it down to remove any air bubbles. Roll the dough out on a lightly floured surface into a large circle, approximately 12-14 inches in diameter.
Grease a 9-inch round or deep-dish pizza pan with olive oil. Transfer the rolled dough into the pan, pressing it against the sides to ensure it fits snugly. Let the dough hang over the edges slightly.
Now, it’s time to layer the filling. Start by spreading a thin layer of tomato sauce (if using) onto the dough, leaving about 1 inch from the edges. Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the sauce.
Add a layer of diced tomatoes, followed by the sliced ham. Season the filling with oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to taste. Finish by adding the remaining mozzarella cheese over the top.
#### 4. **Seal and Bake:**
Carefully fold the edges of the dough over the filling, pinching the dough together to seal the pizza. You may need to gently stretch the dough as you fold it over to completely cover the filling.
Brush the top of the dough with olive oil and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese for an extra touch of flavor and a golden, crispy crust.
Bake the stuffed pizza in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly and melted. Keep an eye on it during the last few minutes of baking to prevent over-browning.
#### 5. **Serve and Enjoy:**
Remove the stuffed pizza from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes before slicing. This gives the cheese a chance to set and prevents the fillings from spilling out.
Slice the stuffed pizza into wedges and serve while it’s still warm. The combination of gooey cheese, savory ham, and juicy tomatoes inside a crispy crust will have your taste buds dancing.
### Tips for the Perfect Stuffed Pizza:
– **Customize Your Fillings:** You can easily customize the filling to suit your tastes. Add veggies like mushrooms, bell peppers, or onions, or experiment with different meats like sausage or pepperoni.
– **Make it Ahead:** You can prepare the dough ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Let it come to room temperature before rolling it out. You can also assemble the pizza in advance, refrigerate it, and bake it when ready.
– **Use Fresh Ingredients:** Fresh, ripe tomatoes will give your pizza an incredible burst of flavor, but if they are out of season, canned diced tomatoes are a great alternative.
### Final Thoughts:
Stuffed Pizza with Tomato and Ham is a delicious, satisfying meal that’s perfect for a casual dinner or special occasion. The rich, savory fillings and crispy crust create a comforting dish that’s easy to make and even easier to enjoy. The beauty of this recipe is that it’s highly customizable—feel free to add your favorite pizza toppings and experiment with different cheeses or meats. With this stuffed pizza in your kitchen, you’ll have a dish that rivals even your favorite pizza joint!
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