Description
Old English Pizza is a hearty, rustic pizza with a thick yet crispy crust, a rich, tangy tomato sauce infused with Worcestershire flavors, and a bold blend of English cheeses like cheddar and Red Leicester. This homemade classic delivers a perfect balance of crispy edges and a soft, cheesy center. Whether you’re a pizza enthusiast or trying it for the first time, this recipe will transport you back to traditional European-style baking with every bite!
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (7g) active dry yeast
- 1 ¼ cups warm water
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp sugar
For the Sauce:
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
For the Toppings:
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Red Leicester cheese
- ½ cup sliced pepperoni (optional)
- ½ cup cooked crumbled sausage (optional)
Instructions
Prepare the Dough – In a bowl, dissolve the yeast and sugar in warm water. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy. Add flour, olive oil, and salt, mixing until a dough forms. Knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth. Cover and let rise for 1 hour.
Make the Sauce – Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Sauté onions and garlic until softened. Add crushed tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 15 minutes until thick. Set aside.
Preheat the Oven – Set your oven to 220°C (430°F) and place a pizza stone or baking sheet inside to heat.
Shape the Dough – Roll out the risen dough into a thick, round base. Place on parchment paper or a lightly greased pizza tray.
Assemble the Pizza – Spread the sauce evenly over the dough. Sprinkle cheddar and Red Leicester cheese on top. Add pepperoni or sausage if using.
Bake the Pizza – Transfer to the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly.
Slice and Serve – Remove from the oven and let the pizza rest for a few minutes before slicing. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- For an extra crispy crust, bake the pizza on a preheated pizza stone.
- Substitute Red Leicester with Gouda or Monterey Jack if unavailable.
- If you like a spicier kick, add crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- Let the dough ferment overnight in the fridge for deeper flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: English
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 35mg