Short Description

This homemade pizza recipe delivers a delicious, crispy crust with a perfectly balanced combination of sauce, cheese, and toppings. Whether you prefer a classic cheese pizza or a fully loaded version with your favorite ingredients, this recipe is easy to customize and perfect for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple Ingredients – Uses pantry staples for the dough and fresh toppings of your choice.
• Customizable – Add your favorite toppings to create your perfect pizza.
• Perfect Texture – A crisp yet chewy crust that bakes beautifully in a home oven.
• Cost-Effective – Make restaurant-quality pizza at a fraction of the price.
• Fun to Make – Great for a family activity or a homemade pizza night.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Dough:

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1 tsp salt
• 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
• 1 cup warm water
• 2 tbsp oil

For the Toppings:

• 1/2 cup pizza sauce
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• Toppings of your choice (pepperoni, mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, sausage, etc.)

Directions

Preparing the Dough:

1. In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast and sugar in warm water. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until foamy.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture and oil.
3. Mix until a dough forms, then knead on a floured surface for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
4. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.

Assembling the Pizza:

1. Preheat the oven to 475°F (245°C).
2. Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to your desired thickness. Transfer to a greased baking sheet or pizza stone.
3. Spread the pizza sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
4. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce.
5. Add your desired toppings.
6. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
7. Remove from the oven, let it cool slightly, then slice and serve.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: Makes 1 large pizza (8 slices)
• Preparation time: 1 hour 15 minutes (including dough rising time)
• Cooking time: 12-15 minutes

Variations

• Thin Crust Pizza – Roll the dough thinner and bake at a higher temperature for a crispier crust.
• Stuffed Crust – Add cheese to the edges of the dough and fold over for a cheesy crust.
• White Pizza – Replace pizza sauce with a garlic and olive oil base, then add cheese and toppings.
• BBQ Chicken Pizza – Use BBQ sauce instead of tomato sauce and top with cooked chicken, red onions, and cilantro.
• Vegetarian Pizza – Load up on bell peppers, mushrooms, olives, tomatoes, and spinach for a healthy option.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store leftover pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven for best results.
• Reheating:
  • Oven: Preheat to 375°F (190°C) and bake for 8-10 minutes.
  • Skillet: Heat on medium until the crust crisps up, covering for a few minutes to melt the cheese.
  • Microwave: Heat for 30-45 seconds, though this may soften the crust.

FAQs

Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Yes, you can substitute instant yeast in the same quantity and skip the proofing step.

How do I make the crust crispier?

Bake on a preheated pizza stone or place the pizza directly on the oven rack for the last few minutes.

Can I use whole wheat flour for the dough?

Yes, but it may result in a denser crust. You can use half whole wheat and half all-purpose flour for a balanced texture.

What can I use instead of pizza sauce?

You can use marinara sauce, pesto, garlic butter, or even Alfredo sauce for a unique flavor.

How do I prevent a soggy crust?

Make sure not to overload the pizza with sauce or toppings, and pre-bake the crust for a few minutes before adding toppings.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can refrigerate the dough for up to 24 hours or freeze it for up to 2 months.

What cheese works best for homemade pizza?

Mozzarella is the best choice, but you can mix in cheddar, provolone, or parmesan for extra flavor.

Can I cook pizza in a skillet instead of an oven?

Yes, cook the rolled-out dough in a hot skillet for 2-3 minutes per side, then add toppings and cover until the cheese melts.

What’s the best way to roll out pizza dough?

Use a floured surface and roll from the center outward. If the dough is too elastic, let it rest for a few minutes before rolling again.

Can I make a gluten-free version?

Yes, use a gluten-free flour blend and ensure all ingredients are gluten-free. The dough may need additional hydration and binding agents like xanthan gum.

Conclusion

Homemade pizza is an easy and delicious way to enjoy a restaurant-quality meal at home. With a simple dough recipe and endless topping options, this pizza is customizable and perfect for any occasion. Whether you prefer a classic cheese pizza or an adventurous flavor combination, this recipe ensures a crispy, flavorful crust with every bite

Homemade Pizza Recipe

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• Author: Olivia
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Yield: 1 large pizza (8 slices) 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian
• Diet: Vegan

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Description

Make delicious homemade pizza with a soft, chewy crust and your favorite toppings! This easy pizza recipe features a simple, flavorful dough, rich tomato sauce, gooey mozzarella cheese, and any toppings you love. Perfect for a family pizza night!

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Ingredients

Units USM Scale 1x2x3x

For the Dough:

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1 tsp salt
• 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
• 1 cup warm water (about 110°F / 45°C)
• 2 tbsp oil (olive oil preferred)

For the Toppings:

• 1/2 cup pizza sauce
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• Toppings of your choice (pepperoni, mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, sausage, etc.)

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Instructions

Prepare the Dough:

1. In a small bowl, mix warm water and sugar, then sprinkle the yeast on top. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
2. In a large bowl, combine flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture and oil.
3. Mix until a dough forms, then knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
4. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a towel, and let it rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.

2. Assemble the Pizza:

5. Preheat the oven to 475°F (245°C).
6. Roll out the dough on a floured surface to your desired thickness.
7. Transfer to a greased or parchment-lined pizza pan or baking sheet.
8. Spread the pizza sauce evenly over the dough.
9. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top.
10. Add your favorite toppings.

3. Bake the Pizza:

11. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
12. Remove from the oven and let it cool for a couple of minutes.
13. Slice and enjoy your homemade pizza!

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Notes

• For a crisper crust, pre-bake the dough for 5 minutes before adding toppings.
• Substitute whole wheat flour for a healthier alternative.
• Add garlic powder, oregano, or Italian seasoning to the dough for extra flavor.
• If using instant yeast, skip the proofing step and mix it directly with the dry ingredients.