Name: Homemade Pizza Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet); 1 teaspoon sugar; ¾ cup warm water (110°F); 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 cup canned crushed tomatoes; 1 garlic clove (minced); 1 teaspoon dried oregano; ½ teaspoon dried basil; Salt and pepper to taste; 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese; ½ cup pepperoni slices or your choice of toppings; 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese; Chopped fresh basil or red pepper flakes for garnish (optional)

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If there’s ever a dish that instantly turns your kitchen into the heart of the home, it’s Homemade Pizza. It’s as much about the fun of making it as it is about that first warm, cheesy bite—crisp at the edges, tender in the middle, irresistibly aromatic from bubbling sauce and fresh basil. Whether you’re mastering a Saturday night classic or creating your own flavor adventure, Homemade Pizza brings people together and transforms the simplest ingredients into pure joy.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Homemade Pizza shines brightest with the basics: honest, quality staples that make each bite unforgettable. Every component, from yeast to cheese, plays a starring role in texture, flavor, or that signature pizza aroma we all crave.

Active dry yeast: This is the secret to a light, chewy, perfectly risen crust; don’t skip letting it get nice and foamy.
Sugar: Just a teaspoon wakes up the yeast and helps with browning for a beautifully golden base.
Warm water (110°F): The ideal temperature gets the yeast going—too hot or cold can delay your pizza night.
All-purpose flour: Gives great texture and a deliciously classic, slightly chewy bite to your pizza crust.
Salt: Enhances the flavor of every layer from crust to sauce; mandatory for proper seasoning.
Olive oil: Adds moisture and a subtle richness to the dough, making it easy to handle and full of flavor.
Canned crushed tomatoes: The best shortcut for a fresh, sweet, tangy sauce—choose a good-quality brand for perfect results.
Garlic clove (minced): Adds a mellow, aromatic kick that makes your sauce pop.
Dried oregano: Brings that instantly recognizable Italian pizzeria warmth to your sauce.
Dried basil: For a subtle herbal note that rounds out the tomato and cheese beautifully.
Salt and pepper: A simple sprinkle is all you need to balance your vibrant sauce.
Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melty, stretchy, and undeniably homey—the soul of any Homemade Pizza.
Pepperoni slices or your choice of toppings: Make it your own with classic pepperoni, veggies, or whatever you love most.
Grated Parmesan cheese: Sprinkle on after baking for a salty, nutty finish.
Chopped fresh basil or red pepper flakes (optional): Add these for fresh color or a little kick right before serving.

How to Make Homemade Pizza

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

Start by combining your active dry yeast and sugar with the warm water in a small bowl. Let this mixture sit for 5 to 10 minutes until it gets delightfully foamy on top—this simple step ensures your dough rises beautifully and gives your crust that incredible pizza shop texture.

Step 2: Make and Knead the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Pour in the foamy yeast mixture along with the olive oil. Stir until a rough dough forms, then knead on a floured surface for about 5 to 7 minutes. You’re aiming for a dough that’s smooth, supple, and a bit springy to the touch—it’s satisfying and really connects you to the whole Homemade Pizza-making process!

Step 3: Let the Dough Rise

Shape your dough into a ball and pop it into a lightly oiled bowl. Cover with a towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm spot for about 45 minutes, or until it has doubled in size. This patience pays off with an airy, toothsome crust every time.

Step 4: Mix Up the Sauce

While the dough rises, stir together the canned crushed tomatoes, minced garlic, oregano, basil, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Let this rest so the flavors build (and your kitchen starts to smell amazing). Freshness is key—it’s simple, but the taste is pure Homemade Pizza bliss.

Step 5: Shape and Top Your Pizza

Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). Gently punch down the risen dough and roll it out into a 12-inch circle on a floured surface. Transfer it onto a pizza pan or baking sheet. Spread your sauce evenly across the base, then top generously with mozzarella, your favorite toppings, and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide your loaded pizza into the hot oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes. You’re looking for a golden crust and bubbling, slightly browned cheese. If you love an extra-crispy underside, a preheated pizza stone works wonders here. Once it’s out, let it cool just a minute before slicing—those molten cheese strings are worth the wait.

How to Serve Homemade Pizza

Garnishes

Scatter fresh basil over the hot pizza for a burst of color and garden-fresh flavor, or add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like extra zip. Finishing with Parmesan brings extra savoriness and a little bit of pro pizzaiolo style.

Side Dishes

Homemade Pizza turns into a full-blown feast with the right sides. Think crisp, lightly dressed salads, roasted garlic knots, or a simple antipasto platter. It’s the sort of meal that begs for sharing—and dipping!

Creative Ways to Present

Cut into classic triangles, rustic squares, or playful strips for dipping. Try serving mini personal pizzas if you have more dough, or set up a toppings bar for a DIY pizza party the whole table will love. With Homemade Pizza, every dinner feels personalized and festive.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Have some slices left? Store cooled Homemade Pizza in an airtight container or wrap in foil. It keeps well in the fridge for up to three days—perfect for next-day lunches or midnight cravings.

Freezing

Homemade Pizza freezes like a dream. Wrap individual slices tightly, pop them into a freezer bag, and tuck them in the freezer for up to two months. You’ll thank yourself when those pizza emergencies hit!

Reheating

To keep that crust crisp, reheat slices in a hot oven or toaster oven (400°F for about 5–7 minutes). The stovetop works too—just place a slice in a covered skillet over medium-low heat until the cheese remelts. Skip the microwave if you can; your future self will appreciate it.

FAQs

Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose for the crust?

Absolutely! Whole wheat flour adds a nutty flavor and a boost of fiber. You might want to start with half whole wheat, half all-purpose to keep the crust tender and not too dense.

What’s the best way to get a crispy bottom crust?

Using a preheated pizza stone or baking steel makes a big difference. If you don’t have one, bake your pizza on the lowest rack and use a perforated pizza pan for maximum crunch.

How can I make this Homemade Pizza ahead of time for a party?

Easy! Make the dough and sauce a day ahead and assemble just before baking. You can also par-bake the crust for 5 minutes, cool, then top and finish baking when guests arrive for fresh, hot Homemade Pizza in minutes.

What are some fun vegetarian topping ideas?

Try roasted bell peppers, caramelized onions, artichoke hearts, sliced mushrooms, spinach, or olives. Mix and match with your favorite cheeses for endless Homemade Pizza possibilities.

Is this recipe suitable for kids to help make?

Definitely! Kids love pouring ingredients, kneading dough, and adding toppings. It’s a wonderful way to get the whole family involved and make pizza night an event everyone looks forward to.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing like pulling a bubbling, golden Homemade Pizza straight from your oven. It’s simple, endlessly customizable, and always delicious. If you’ve never made pizza from scratch, grab these easy ingredients and treat yourself—you’ll never look at delivery the same way again.

Homemade Pizza Recipe

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4.7 from 30 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Yield: 1 12-inch pizza (about 4 servings) 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Learn how to make a delicious Homemade Pizza from scratch with this easy-to-follow recipe. From making the perfect pizza dough to choosing your favorite toppings, this recipe will guide you through creating a classic pizza at home.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Dough:

2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
1 teaspoon sugar
¾ cup warm water (110°F)
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon olive oil

For the Sauce:

1 cup canned crushed tomatoes
1 garlic clove (minced)
1 teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon dried basil
Salt and pepper to taste

For the Toppings:

1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup pepperoni slices or your choice of toppings
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
Chopped fresh basil or red pepper flakes for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Prepare the Dough: Dissolve yeast and sugar in warm water, let sit until foamy. Combine flour, salt, yeast mixture, and olive oil to form a dough. Knead until smooth, let rise.
Make the Sauce: Mix all sauce ingredients in a bowl.
Assemble and Bake: Roll out dough, transfer to pan, spread sauce, add toppings. Bake at 475°F until golden.
Finish and Serve: Sprinkle with Parmesan and fresh basil, slice, and enjoy!