Name: Homemade Pizza Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 1 h 35 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast; 1 teaspoon sugar; 1 1/4 cups warm water (110°F); 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup pizza sauce; 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; toppings of choice such as pepperoni, mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, olives, or fresh basil

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Ready to taste the magic of Homemade Pizza fresh from your own oven? This foolproof recipe transforms simple pantry ingredients into a bubbling, golden delight that rivals your favorite pizzeria. Whether you love your crust chewy or crisp, your cheese stretchy, or your toppings piled high, this Homemade Pizza captures the spirit of Italian comfort food and lets you get creative with every slice. Get your friends and family involved, roll up your sleeves, and enjoy the satisfaction of pizza night made truly from scratch!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients is the first step in crafting an unforgettable Homemade Pizza. Each one has a special part to play, from building the soft, flavorful dough to crowning your pizza masterpiece with bubbly cheese and colorful toppings.

Active dry yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons): This tiny powerhouse gets the dough rising and creates that classic pizzeria texture.
Sugar (1 teaspoon): Just a touch feeds the yeast and helps the dough develop a lovely golden hue as it bakes.
Warm water (1 1/4 cups, 110°F): The perfect temperature to wake up your yeast and get your dough started on the right foot.
All-purpose flour (3 1/2 cups): Reliable and versatile, flour forms the backbone of your pizza crust.
Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Adds moisture, flavor, and helps your crust bake up beautifully golden and tender.
Salt (1 teaspoon): Brings out the flavors in every bite, balancing the dough and the toppings.
Pizza sauce (1/2 cup): A good, thick sauce sets the stage for all your tasty toppings and keeps the crust luscious.
Shredded mozzarella cheese (2 cups): The melty stretch and creamy flavor are pizza essentials—don’t skimp!
Grated Parmesan cheese (1/4 cup): A sprinkle of this adds savory depth and the perfect golden finish.
Your favorite toppings (pepperoni, mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, olives, fresh basil): Here’s where you can personalize each Homemade Pizza to suit your cravings or raid the fridge for hidden gems.

How to Make Homemade Pizza

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

This is where the magic begins. Combine the warm water, active dry yeast, and sugar in a small bowl and give it a gentle stir. Let it sit undisturbed for about 5 to 10 minutes until it turns foamy and looks alive—this means your yeast is working its bubbly wonders and your dough will rise beautifully.

Step 2: Prepare the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt to evenly distribute the flavors. Pour in the yeast mixture and olive oil, then stir with a sturdy spoon until a shaggy dough starts to come together. Get your hands in there and knead until it forms a smooth, elastic ball—about 6 to 8 minutes on a floured surface. This is pizza therapy at its best!

Step 3: Let It Rise

Drizzle a little olive oil into a big bowl, place your ball of dough inside, and turn it to coat lightly. Cover with a clean towel or plastic wrap and let it snooze in a warm spot until doubled in size (about 1 to 1 1/2 hours). This slow rise will give your Homemade Pizza its irresistible chew.

Step 4: Shape and Top the Pizza

Now the fun begins! After your dough has risen, punch it down to release some of the air and roll it out on a floured surface until you have a 12-inch round. Place it onto your pizza pan or baking sheet, then smooth on the pizza sauce in an even layer. Blanket with shredded mozzarella and a scattering of Parmesan, then top with your choice of colorful vegetables, pepperoni, or herbs. This is where you can let your Homemade Pizza personality shine.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Preheat your oven to a piping hot 475°F to get that crispy, golden crust. Slide your pizza into the oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes until the cheese is bubbling and starting to brown, and the crust is just the right shade of golden. For an extra-crisp base, you can pre-bake the dough for 5 minutes before adding sauce and toppings.

Step 6: Slice and Serve

Once your Homemade Pizza emerges from the oven, let it rest for a couple of minutes—just enough to let the cheese set. Then, slice it up, grab your favorite plate, and get ready to dig into your homemade creation!

How to Serve Homemade Pizza

Garnishes

A finishing flourish makes all the difference. Sprinkle your Homemade Pizza with fresh basil leaves, crushed red pepper flakes, or a drizzle of olive oil for restaurant-worthy flair. A scattering of arugula or a dusting of extra Parmesan also takes it to new heights.

Side Dishes

Serving your pizza alongside a crisp Caesar salad, garlic knots, or a simple tomato-cucumber salad makes dinner feel like an Italian feast. For movie nights, I adore pairing pizza with a bowl of tangy marinated olives or roasted vegetables for a little variety.

Creative Ways to Present

Get playful with how you present your Homemade Pizza! Try slicing it into bite-sized squares for party appetizers, or serve mini individual pizzas so everyone can customize their own. A rustic wooden board adds charm for casual gatherings, while a big platter works perfectly for family dinner.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with a few extra slices (lucky you!), simply cool them completely and store in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh and delicious for up to 3 days, ready for a speedy lunch or snack attack.

Freezing

You can freeze both the dough and the baked Homemade Pizza! To freeze dough, wrap tightly in plastic and pop it in a freezer bag for up to a month—just thaw in the refrigerator overnight before using. For leftover pizza, freeze slices on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag once solid to prevent sticking.

Reheating

For best results, reheat slices in a hot oven (about 400°F) for 8 to 10 minutes until crisp and melty. If you’re short on time, a hot skillet on the stovetop also brings back the cheese’s ooze and the crust’s crunch in just a few minutes.

FAQs

Can I make the pizza dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! Making the dough in advance is a game changer. Cover and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours, then let it come to room temperature before shaping and baking your Homemade Pizza.

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

For a crispier crust, preheat your oven fully and try pre-baking the rolled-out dough for about 5 minutes before adding sauce and toppings. Baking on a preheated pizza stone or an inverted baking sheet also works wonders!

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

You can swap in whole wheat flour for up to half of the total flour for a heartier flavor and extra fiber. Your Homemade Pizza will taste a little more rustic but will still have a great chewy bite.

What other cheeses can I use besides mozzarella?

Mozzarella is a classic, but don’t be afraid to get creative! Try provolone, gouda, fontina, or even a sprinkle of goat cheese for new flavor twists in your Homemade Pizza.

How do I prevent soggy pizza?

To keep your Homemade Pizza crisp, avoid overloading with sauce and toppings, and be sure your oven is nice and hot before baking. Drain juicy toppings like fresh mushrooms or tomatoes before adding them to the pie.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve never experienced the joy of a piping hot, gooey, crispy Homemade Pizza coming out of your own oven, trust me—it’s an absolute must! With this easy recipe and a little love, you’ll find yourself reaching for it on both busy weeknights and festive weekends. Give it a try and get ready to savor every perfectly cheesy, saucy bite!

Homemade Pizza Recipe

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4.7 from 18 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
Yield: 1 large pizza (8 slices) 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. This classic Italian favorite is perfect for family pizza night or anytime you’re craving a slice of cheesy goodness.

Ingredients

Scale

Dough:

2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
1 teaspoon sugar
1 1/4 cups warm water (110°F)
3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon salt

Toppings:

1/2 cup pizza sauce
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
toppings of choice such as pepperoni, mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, olives, or fresh basil

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Instructions

Prepare the Dough: Dissolve yeast and sugar in warm water, let stand until foamy. Combine flour and salt, add yeast mixture and olive oil to form a dough. Knead until smooth, then let rise.
Roll Out the Dough: Preheat oven, roll out dough on a floured surface, transfer to pan, and top with sauce, cheeses, and toppings.
Bake the Pizza: Bake until crust is golden and cheese is bubbly. Slice and serve hot.