Description
This easy Homemade Pizza recipe features a crisp, golden crust topped with rich tomato sauce, melted mozzarella cheese, and your favorite fresh toppings. Using a simple homemade dough and baking in a hot oven ensures a delicious pizzeria-style pizza right at home, perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
For the Dough
- 3 cups (360 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 cup (240 ml) warm water
- 2 ¼ teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Pizza
- ¾ cup pizza sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional
- Your favorite toppings, such as pepperoni, mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, olives, or cooked sausage
- Fresh basil, for serving
- Extra olive oil, for drizzling
Instructions
- Activate the yeast: Combine warm water, active dry yeast, and sugar in a small bowl. Let it stand for 5–10 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Make the dough: In a large bowl, mix all-purpose flour and salt. Pour in the yeast mixture along with olive oil, and stir until a rough dough forms.
- Knead the dough: Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Knead it for 5–7 minutes until it’s smooth, elastic, and no longer sticky.
- Let it rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a clean towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
- Preheat the oven: Heat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If you have a pizza stone or steel, place it in the oven and preheat for at least 30 minutes to ensure a crisp crust.
- Shape the dough: Divide the risen dough into two equal portions. Roll or stretch each portion into a round pizza crust approximately 10-12 inches in diameter.
- Add toppings: Spread pizza sauce evenly over each crust leaving a small border around the edges. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese, dried oregano, garlic powder, and your choice of toppings on top.
- Bake the pizza: Transfer pizzas to the hot pizza stone, steel, or a baking sheet. Bake for 10–14 minutes, or until the crust turns golden brown and the cheese is bubbling and slightly browned.
- Finish and serve: Remove the pizzas from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil leaves, sprinkle optional red pepper flakes, and drizzle with olive oil. Slice and serve warm.
Notes
- For the best crust texture, use a pizza stone or steel and preheat it thoroughly before baking.
- Refrigerate the dough overnight for enhanced flavor and texture.
- Avoid using too many wet toppings, which can result in a soggy crust.
- Use bread flour instead of all-purpose flour if you prefer a chewier crust.
- Store leftover pizza in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat it in a skillet or oven for best results.
- The dough can be frozen for up to 3 months; thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before use.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian, American
