Homemade Pizza
Creamy cheese, a bubbly golden crust, and bright tomato sauce—this Homemade Pizza is the cozy, crowd-pleasing recipe you’ll come back to again and again.
Servings: 4 servings
Equipment
- Mixing Bowl
- Pizza Stone
- Baking Sheet
- Wooden Spoon
- Pizza Peel
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour room temperature
- 1 cup warm water about 105–115°F / 40–46°C
- 1 packet active dry yeast about 2 1/4 teaspoons, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon salt fine
Sauce Ingredients
- 1 can crushed tomatoes 14–15 ounces, shaken
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
Topping Ingredients
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese refrigerated
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese refrigerated
- 1 cup assorted toppings e.g., pepperoni, bell peppers sliced, onions thinly sliced, prepared as needed
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups flour, 1 packet active dry yeast, and 1 teaspoon salt. Whisk briefly to distribute the dry ingredients evenly.
- Gradually add 1 cup warm water while stirring with a wooden spoon or spatula until a rough dough forms and no dry flour remains. The dough will be slightly sticky.
- Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add flour a tablespoon at a time. If too stiff, add a teaspoon of water.
- Place the kneaded dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a clean towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- While the dough rises, prepare the sauce: mix the can of crushed tomatoes with 2 cloves minced garlic, 1 teaspoon oregano, and 1 teaspoon basil. Taste and adjust salt if needed.
- Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). If using a pizza stone, place it in the oven while it heats to ensure a crispy crust. If using a baking sheet, lightly oil it or sprinkle with cornmeal.
- After the dough has risen, punch it down gently and roll it out on a floured surface to your desired thickness. Transfer to a pizza peel or prepared baking sheet.
- Spread the prepared crushed tomato sauce over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges for the crust.
- Sprinkle 1 cup shredded mozzarella evenly over the sauce, then 1/2 cup grated Parmesan. Add 1 cup assorted toppings, arranging them evenly.
- Carefully slide the pizza onto the preheated pizza stone or place the baking sheet in the oven. Bake for 12–15 minutes, watching for a golden-brown crust and melted, bubbling cheese.
- Remove the pizza from the oven, let it cool for a few minutes to set, slice, and serve hot.
Notes
Store leftover slices in an airtight container or wrapped tightly for up to 3 days in the fridge. Freeze whole baked pizza or individual slices wrapped in foil and placed in freezer bags for up to 2 months.