When baking pizza, it is generally recommended to put the toppings on after stretching and shaping the dough. Here's the typical order of steps for making a pizza:
Prepare the dough: Allow the pizza dough to rise and rest. Once it has rested and doubled in size, you can start the pizza-making process.
Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to the highest temperature it can reach (usually around 500-550°F or 260-290°C). A hot oven helps achieve a crispy crust and properly cook the toppings.
Stretch or roll the dough: On a floured surface, gently stretch or roll out the dough to your desired pizza size and thickness. You can toss the dough if you're skilled, but stretching or rolling it works just as well for most home bakers.
Transfer the dough to the pizza stone or baking sheet: Once the dough is stretched or rolled out, transfer it to a pizza stone or a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or cornmeal to prevent sticking.
Add sauce and cheese: Spread a thin layer of pizza sauce on the dough, leaving a small border around the edges for the crust. Then, add a layer of cheese. Mozzarella is the classic choice, but you can also use other types of cheese or a mix of cheeses.
Add toppings: After the sauce and cheese, you can add your desired toppings like vegetables, meats, and other ingredients. Be mindful not to overload the pizza with too many toppings, as it can make it soggy and challenging to bake properly.
Bake the pizza: Slide the topped pizza into the preheated oven and bake until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned. The baking time will depend on your oven's temperature and the thickness of the dough but typically ranges from 10 to 15 minutes.
Remove from the oven and cool: Once the pizza is done, carefully remove it from the oven using a pizza peel or large spatula. Allow it to cool for a minute or two before slicing and serving.
Remember that the precise timing and temperature may vary based on your specific pizza recipe and oven, so it's a good idea to keep an eye on it while it bakes. Enjoy your homemade pizza!