How Joshua Weissman Makes His Perfect Pizza: Every Choice, Every Step | Epicurious

When it comes to making pizza at home, you have a lot of decisions to make. The sauce, the cheese(s), the toppings and add-ons, plus the base it all gets piled onto: everything has to work in harmony to come together into the perfect slice. Today on Epicurious Joshua Weissman explains his choices and process every step of the way as he makes his perfect pizza.
Joshua Weissman: Texture Over Taste cookbook releases October 17
Director: Charlie Jordan
Director of Photography: Shirley Chan
Editor: Manolo Moreno
Talent: Joshua Weissman
Director of Culinary Production: Kelly Janke
Creative Producer: Christie Garcia
Culinary Producer: Kat Boytsova
Culinary Assistant: Christopher Liu
Line Producer: Jen McGinity
Associate Producer: Shelby Boamah; Amy Haskour
Production Manager: Janine Dispensa
Production Coordinator: Elizabeth Hymes
Talent Booker: Meredith Judkins
Camera Operator: Erron Francis
Sound Mixer: Rachel Suffian
Production Assistant: Brianna Figueroa
Post Production Supervisor: Andrea Farr
Post Production Coordinator: Scout Alter
Supervising Editor: Eduardo Araujo
Additional Editor: JC Scruggs
Assistant Editor: Billy Ward
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[@opopgoo]

Was fully waiting for him to be like “these cheeses are fine if you don’t have time but let’s make our own”

[@MFatty88]

😂 I was literally about to write this same comment I was thinking the same thing lol

[@rimshatariq4615]

shall we?

[@IAMDARTHVADERBITCH]

​@@MFatty88same

[@user-cm3ro6ln4t]

"This is a pizza not a garden salad" such inspirational quote.

[@colinstu]

then he proceeds to cover it chives and basil and honey dressing… LOL.

[@sony967]

that quote was so funny. but i will garden my pizza every day. i lomf fresh spinach

[@lorenzoniccoli99ln]

A garden salad would've been more pizza than this lol

[@dgdigital2659]

If you haven't tried a Detroit style chicken Caesar salad pizza you should it's delicious

[@user-cm3ro6ln4t]

Dang 124 likes thanks guys :-)

[@basil127]

Didn't expect weissman in epicurious

[@TheTinkerersWife]

Yeah, shocking. He's on awash with thst f word he loves, did ypu notice?

[@potatopatch5202]

@@TheTinkerersWifehuh?

[@Hybris51129]

Exactly, what's next? Uncle Roger? Guga?

[@twigcapra.]

Didn't expect epicurious on papa

[@LeMayJoseph]

Same

[@zawardoll]

Even Josh cannot resist the allure of the single pre-packaged pepperoni taste.

[@Greydawg]

He didn't eat a pre-packaged pepperoni here but I can't resist them, either.

[@zawardoll]

For some reason when he said it was poorly slices, I thought he meant it was the presliced.

[@peterkossits4794]

Yeah, I buy these specifically for homemade pizza but end up snacking on them almost every night.

[@kiyasuihito]

I find it hilarious that this channel allowed Josh to roast all these probably sponsored brands. We need more of that honesty in the world.

[@operatorchakkoty4257]

*in the USA but yeah...

[@Greydawg]

7:51 I know some people are gonna bite my head off for this, but I'm afraid a LOT of people will have absolutely no idea *you can buy these San Marzano tomatoes in a can & they're remarkably fresh.* I'm afraid seeing them here in a bowl like this (especially after just reviewing several major brand products), many people would have no idea these tomatoes are canned & should otherwise be a staple ingredient.

[@dantethunderstone2118]

Most people will also not taste a difference between San Marzano and any any other canned plum tomato, Josh’s sauce would be cheaper than the pre-made ones

[@DuelScreen]

I've seen those mentioned by name in a lot of cooking videos so I think a lot of people already know about them. They don't exist in my area though.

[@dantethunderstone2118]

@@DuelScreen most of the time they just mean canned plum tomatoes

[@arliejefferson]

@@dantethunderstone2118 Cheap canned crushed tomatoes, such as Safeway Select, are reconstituted and taste very different. Some also have added tomato puree which makes a very watery sauce.

[@cjaquilino]

San Marzano tomatoes are more brand marketing and hype than something you can easily find in the "real" D.O.P. version online or in store at the decent price in the US. Food historians, like Luca Cesare and Alberto Grandi have pointed this out. Tomatoes are native to the Americas, not worse here. Same for 00 flour. Supposedly it's crucial to pizza napoletana but both Pilsbury and General Mills predate the Caputo brand and 00 style flour itself. All branding and marketing BS.

[@vagentzero]

I've never been the biggest fan of Weissman's channel -- it feels performative in a distracting way -- but when he leans into being an educator, he really shows his stuff. Solid video! Would love to see more.

[@colinstark8459]

His older stuff is more like this.

[@wafflemansfx]

Me too. I find his own videos have gotten more and more obnoxious as time's went on, but I actually only clicked on this to see if he'd chill out more on a channel that wasn't his own, and I've got to say that I much prefer this type of video with him. He was engaging and enthusiastic without being obnoxious. EDIT: I went and watched his recent "college food" video and either that one's an outlier too, or he's pulled way back on the obnoxious stuff, because that one was also much better than the videos that had originally made me stop watching.

[@YumiFaeldo]

Totally agree. Boy really got skills though, sometimes I watch his videos just to get what’s important. Skip the distraction :)

[@greenvendetta88]

@@wafflemansfxhe always comes off pretentious to me. Like he’s talking down to people. It’s not very welcoming

[@Zathren]

Different folks, different strokes I guess. I think Joshua leaned into the the crazy humor because most of his fans like it.

[@TheBroncosguy]

Joshua earlier: I want this to be a classical, traditional perfect pizza. Joshua later: What? You guys don't put hot honey on your pizzas? Weirdos.

[@dynaoof62]

Bro, it's his personal perfect pizza, do you want ketchup on a perfect pizza?????

[@arthurcatrambone1982]

Love Josh in this setting. On his channel the editing is fun but it can be a bit much. His natural charisma and passion really shine here

[@JoshinDallas]

He is insufferable on his own channel at this point

[@ASHERCOLLINDIAS]

Never saw this collab coming but i am glad it happened. Joshua is a true educator who loves to give in-depth details on how to improve. This was a solid video!

[@crypticsavage0456]

the white background is literally a flashbang. MY EYES!!!! PLEASE!!!!

[@terry5749]

To me: This video is a visual version of Joshua Weissman’s latest cookbook in which he breaks down the elements of tasty food into categories with examples. Great video, excellent cookbook. 🎉

[@vastttyl8161]

When I was watching this I was remembering him talking about eating pizza for the first time after 3 years of not

[@faridafiq9639]

WHERE IS THE B ROLL

[@Babs33]

😂

[@Herbet-]

Hehe I get that joke

[@fr33dumb55]

Looked up a recipe to make my own dough and followed Josh’s advice, thin crispy pizza with great toppings that are local, thank you for the video.

[@crystalmadrigal.03]

Love love love the detail and thought put into this video and his choices for the perfect pizza.

[@Shaxzara]

Non of us expected this but all of us needed this

[@sunnymoon8161]

The reasons why I love Epicurious: They have great, likable chefs, The food they make is awesome, They are clear with the explenations, You actually learn something, Frank, Emily, Lorenzo.

[@dariabernstein2299]

FEL is THE holy trinity of a great video 😤

[@MorticiaAddams23]

I've been watching Josh for years, pre-cabinet for those that know. I'm so happy to see him on Epicurious! Bravo, Josh.

[@js-racing9646]

Honestly my favorite topping is prosciutto crudo (italian cured ham), Parmigiano Reggiano, Arugala( rucola) and chopped tiny Roma tomatoes with a bit of freshly ground salt and a touch of freshly ground pepper.

[@elliygxoxo]

The collab we all needed!! ❤

[@the-secrettutorials]

Thats easily his best video ever! Love it

[@MysteriousBeingOfLight]

it's very nice to see calm Josh on this channel

[@Reborn-Legend]

Thank you nephew Joshua nice to see you on here

[@arliejefferson]

Nothing wrong with plain uncooked crushed tomatoes as a sauce, especially with the strong flavors in the toppings.

[@vladimirkrasniy]

For SanMarzano it’s even better not to cook it!

[@claudiopastore]

​@vladimirkrasniy I had a small heart attack when he put them on the pot to cook with the "pepperoni". There's no need to complicate such a simple thing like pizza sauce.

[@Rodrigohmachado]

Its a different taste. Raw have a metallic, little spicy and freshness taste. Cooked you can get rid of the metallic, add more flavor with garlic, onion, some pepper, but it looses freehness. I think the raw one is better for a plain mozzarela pizza, for example. But for like bacon pizza, cooked is better.

[@ph1shstyx]

@@Rodrigohmachado This has always been my view as well. Just a basic, especially a margherita where it's just fresh mozzarella, tomato, basil, and crust, you want each ingredient to shine itself and combine together. You also cook this style way hotter than a normal oven pizza. If i'm adding a bunch of toppings (onion, mushroom, pepperoni is my favorite combo) I like to cook the sauce with a bit of onion and garlic

[@charlesmnadeau]

I'm so hungry for that pizza NOW. Great job.

[@martingarcia2800]

I love how he wants a "fun" pizza and then chooses the most ordinary ingredient .

[@Rosa_AI]

it was optional after all xD

[@shabraken2061]

how is he making the average person feel lesser?@@Aoi9584

[@blueanimul]

@@Aoi9584💀

[@bendeguzszabo9839]

@@Aoi9584 bro just made a pepperoni pizza, what is this hate? xD

[@prajwalkrishnabhat5539]

​@@Aoi9584did you really feel lesser seeing this video?

[@Hortonscakes]

Papa fans love cuppies! Yaaaaah boyyyyyy! We love Papa Josh!

[@flaviahelena8211]

my two fav channels together omg

[@MrMafio92]

Sto sbavando 🤤. E lo dico da italiano, da cultore del cibo e degli ingredienti nel mondo, da piccolo cuoco, e da tecnico della trasformazione agroalimentare. È una specialità!

[@mxrtinx3875]

Wait I love thisss! Josh is on epicurious omgggg😭

[@knndyskful]

Cool to see Josh on Epicurious 👍

[@clearskyy]

adding this to my favorites, I have to make this!

[@Bamfviola666]

One of the first videoes ive seen of this guy where i actually agree on pretty much all of these ^^ I make ALOT of pizza and spend a loooong time trying to perfect my pizzas

[@samsungfan2008]

The collab we didn't expect but needed

[@ekaterinastacey3132]

Moral of the story; use high quality classic real ingredients.

[@Hammerstein46]

when I carefully prepare each ingredient and take my time, then the pizza is garbage. But, when I'm in rush, surprisingly then it's fantastic taste.

[@Captainalexstars94er]

Im very Suprise that joshua weissman join the Epicurious show LET'S GOOOOO! 🎉🎉🎉

[@commonsensecorner7275]

Thanks for the chuckles! Although, I’m lactose intolerant, I don’t eat the pigs and sensitive to gluten. Ironically, I get black/green/kalamata olives on my pizza, along with mushrooms, pineapples, spinach. I’ve been putting barbecue sauce on top, but now I’m interested in the honey without the hot.

[@MysteriousBeingOfLight]

The simpler the better, you go Joshua

[@marknalberta]

Chef Frank and Uncle Joshua are the best people on this channel

[@WszechWiadro]

I wanted this collab for so long

[@simonhellumhentze6569]

All of that flour on the peel was literally soul crushing

[@stancexpunks]

Delighted to see my fav chili pepper, red Fresno pepper, included here!

[@rosanostefani8382]

Sensacional e sempre inovador

[@cameronberg6846]

Bro we make the exact same pizza, ingredients and everything, I don’t use pepperoni cause I prefer just a plain cheese and sauce, but aye to make the same exact pizza as a top tier chef without knowing his recipe or anything, I gotta give myself some props😂

[@rosanostefani8382]

Perfeição vem do sabor e da qualidade e na higiene do seu preparo. Parabéns. Me deu fome

[@arturom9006]

Be prepared for the Italian Rage Squad 🤌🏽🤌🏽🤌🏽

[@josianefrancisco4950]

Ameiiii o vídeo !!

[@JoeyLeBlancMusic]

MOM JOSHUA MADE IT 🥺😭💕

[@russellthescout9639]

I love how they made Josh make the pizza while nick did the breakfast sandwich. Lil ol' switcheroo.

[@user-ty3hq6vw7b]

Such a great colab

[@mariannysouzaleite864]

Adorei o vídeo!

[@beastmry]

He's so much better when outside his channel

[@CadetDenny]

❤❤ was waiting for josh to draw a face on the plastic for the dough 😂😊😊

[@Bastenit]

He's so gentle here tho😂

[@GR_T4K0]

LESSGOOO JOSHUAAAAAAA

[@WyattUTFT]

I lightly season and immersion blend a can of whole tomatoes. uncooked, and makes a great and very easy sauce

[@TorinBell]

- Pepperoni - chives - Monterey Jack - low moisture mozzarella - parmigiana - raos marinara -basil

[@NIL6300]

Love this guy

[@psytron939]

"I Haaaatee Black Olives on a pizza" And just like that, im a fan

[@carlosamaro3355]

This dudes sodium levels must be off the charts.

[@itsmenm5175]

To be honest, i dont even know what store bought pepperoni tastes like, but it sure tastes like what the word pepperoni sounds like

[@adrianejacqueline7178]

Amo pizza! Explicação gente!😮😋😋😋😋👏👏👏

[@krissy012p]

I don't know that I could ever make that commitment for a pizza dough. I would sure love to eat it, though! I'm very curious about the hot honey (had never heard of it)/fresh basil/fresh chives combo. I want to give that a try! The cheese combo is perfection - definitely doing that next time.

[@randomoneforstuff3696]

Try the Trader Joe's Garlic Herb pizza dough. It's only $1.49 (can stretch up to a large 16" pizza if you want thin crust) and tastes much better than the standard one!

[@johnmorris7152]

its not that much commitment youre just lazy

[@krissy012p]

@@johnmorris7152 Just wanted to say thank you for taking time out of your day to tell me this. The issue surely isn't because I'm a mother, a full-time teacher, I run a business with my husband, and I have friends and family I like to check in with. I really need to step it up! 😅🤣😂

[@nmugamer9072]

Yes absolute laziness, got to step that game up you know :D@@krissy012p

[@sony967]

hold on epicurious and joshua ? yooooooo

[@GregJonson]

I'm playing this video as I eat my frozen pizza, hoping it will make it taste better.

[@cookie010400]

I would’ve never expected this but I’m so happy to see him here! Huge Josh fan 🙋🏼‍♀️

[@mrsasfandyarali._]

Same

[@sheenadenae3156]

Now I’ve got to try some Monterey Jack cheese on my pizza!!! An also the hot honey, and better pepperoni!

[@ThreePeekBTW]

I love Josh! His breakdowns of ingredients and the process to achieve great results is 10/10! My goat

[@JuhnaNemiko]

I like how this video doesn't have the meme-yness of Weissman's regular videos.

[@VannieEats]

I love any type of pizza ❤

[@BillHicks420]

Can never go wrong with pizza. Love your channel, Vannie!

[@Molniyamcqueen]

Wow, it’s like his first time here? Great video, informative and easy to watch

[@Jason-rg5xl]

Cooking a pizza sauce is really a waste of time. Just blend together some canned tomatoes, olive oil, salt, pepper and tomato paste if you prefer a thicker sauce. Let it refrigerate a couple hours and you have an incredible sauce. The sauce cooks with the pizza! There is no need to double cook your sauce. You can add some garlic and basil as well if you like.

[@akarichan7]

We love Joshua Weissman!! So funny to hear him not insult everyone and edit himself in echos and zooms😂.

[@prometheus3951]

doesnt insult anyone but whatever snowflake

[@peterkossits4794]

That was fun. Forgot green pepper! Nice crunch. It's fresh. And it won't overpower. Thanks for the tip on the Monterey Jack. I'm happy with everything in my pizzas except the cheese.

[@zacharywhitney7295]

Half expected Weissman to age his own pepperoni in true Weissman form.

[@jjjacer]

I still love red pepper flakes on my pizza but i probably use enough that most bites do register the heat of them.

[@CrazyHLady]

YAY JOSH 🎉🎉🎉👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@Love2Banime]

AMAZING! They brought in Josh to make food stuff.

[@BigCizzle120]

I’m feeling this new parallax chef Infographic style.

[@anneZev]

my favourite topping pre pan fried egg plant. so yum on pizza

[@wellingtonbarbosa2207]

Amei o vídeo 👏

[@ProfessorPoliwag]

Excellent video

[@itssharktime6560]

The trilogy is complete (Babish, Nick, Weissman)

[@Fragu1308]

Honestly, I really wanna see Rose cook. Would really want to see a Level 4 dish! I know, totally irrelevant to this video, but I needed to get it out of me!

[@Mantheon]

Cheddar have its place on a BBQ chicken pizza, but you take a medium tasting one(a sharp cheddar is gonna overpower everything) and mix it with mozzarella with a ratio to your preference

[@AlexandraAndStuff]

I wonder how is that shredding going Joshua

[@Square1986]

Awesome video! 👍

[@Philoder]

I love Josh, such a nice dude ❤️

[@johnthorn6260]

>Spends 11 minutes delineating what is and isn't a specialty pizza >Puts hot honey on a pizza

[@oriffel]

can you freeze the sauce once its made?

[@asolitaryartistonline7125]

First Nick DiGiovanni and now Joshua Weissman! Woah whoo!! Please keep it up Epicurious!!

[@t.farias9336]

perfect choice of fermenty boi for this one

[@PerfectSoundRS]

I can confirm that black olives are incredible on pizza

[@XionAurion01]

How much time does the unused dough last in the fridge before going bad?

[@PoucoHabilidoso]

How is honey not overpowering ? 😂

[@aleks4098]

Dude just making things up

[@twigcapra.]

Boof it

[@GT-qv1gl]

ketchup-brained americans basically

[@buildsgc1103]

Honey is overpowering to you????? 😂

[@cr0wn9001]

Honey and hot honey are 2 very different things.

[@aybeesii123]

Surprised Joshua didn’t opt to age his own pepperoni 🤭🤭

[@krzeszewski]

legend

[@jameserickson1330]

I’m glad you said no to Pullsbury. I had to use it once and it was awful. In fact it actually tasted sweet…not something wanted in pizza dough

[@charliekrengel1344]

On a whim one day I did a blend of low moisture mozzarella and aged sharp white cheddar, never going back for a homemade pizza