Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Homemade Pizza is incredibly satisfying to make and eat. You can control the ingredients, choose healthier options, and create the exact flavor combinations you love. Whether you’re making individual pizzas for a pizza night or baking a big one for the family, this recipe is simple, fun, and always hits the spot.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the dough:
all-purpose flour
warm water
active dry yeast
olive oil
sugar
salt
For the sauce and toppings:
pizza sauce (homemade or store-bought)
shredded mozzarella cheese
Parmesan cheese (optional)
toppings of choice: pepperoni, bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, olives, sausage, basil, etc.
olive oil (for brushing crust)
dried oregano or Italian seasoning (optional)
Directions
- Make the dough: In a bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
- Add flour, salt, and olive oil. Mix until dough forms, then knead on a floured surface for about 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1–1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
- Preheat oven to 475°F (245°C). If using a pizza stone, place it in the oven during preheat.
- Roll out dough on a floured surface to your desired thickness. Transfer to a parchment-lined baking sheet or pizza peel.
- Spread pizza sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border. Top with mozzarella and your favorite toppings.
- Brush edges of the crust with olive oil and sprinkle with dried herbs if desired.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbling and slightly browned.
- Let cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes one 12–14-inch pizza (serves 2 to 4 people).
Prep time: 15 minutes
Rising time: 1 hour
Cook time: 12–15 minutes
Total time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Variations
- Thin Crust: Roll the dough thinner and bake slightly less.
- Deep Dish: Use a deep pan and more dough for a thick, chewy crust.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free flour or a gluten-free pizza dough recipe.
- White Pizza: Skip the red sauce and use garlic-infused olive oil with ricotta and mozzarella.
- Vegan: Use plant-based cheese and veggie toppings.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftover pizza slices in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat in a skillet over medium heat (covered) for a crisp crust or bake in a 375°F (190°C) oven until warmed through.
Microwaving works in a pinch but may result in a softer crust.
To freeze, wrap fully baked and cooled pizza slices in foil or freezer-safe bags for up to 2 months. Reheat from frozen in the oven.
FAQs
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the dough up to 24 hours ahead and store it in the fridge after the first rise.
What flour is best for pizza dough?
All-purpose flour works great, but bread flour gives a chewier texture. You can also use 00 flour for an authentic Neapolitan-style crust.
Can I use store-bought dough?
Absolutely. It’s a great shortcut for a quicker meal.
Do I need a pizza stone?
No, but it helps achieve a crispier crust. A preheated baking sheet works well too.
Can I freeze pizza dough?
Yes, wrap the dough tightly after the first rise and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before using.
What sauce should I use?
Classic tomato-based pizza sauce works best, but pesto, Alfredo, or BBQ sauce are great alternatives.
How do I prevent soggy crust?
Preheat your oven well, avoid overloading with toppings, and use minimal sauce to prevent sogginess.
Can I grill pizza?
Yes, grill the dough directly on the grates for 2–3 minutes per side, then add toppings and grill until cheese melts.
What cheese works best?
Mozzarella is classic, but you can add provolone, Parmesan, cheddar, or goat cheese for variety.
How thick should I roll the dough?
Roll it ¼ inch thick for a standard crust, thinner for crispiness, or thicker for a pan-style pizza.
Conclusion
Homemade Pizza is a fun and delicious way to bring everyone together around the table. With a simple dough, customizable toppings, and oven-fresh flavor, this recipe is endlessly adaptable and always satisfying. Whether you like it classic or creative, you’ll never need delivery again with this go-to pizza recipe in your back pocket.
PrintHomemade Pizza
Homemade Pizza is a delicious and customizable dish with a crisp, chewy crust, savory sauce, melted cheese, and your favorite toppings. Perfect for family dinners or pizza nights at home.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 1 12–14-inch pizza (serves 2 to 4)
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Ingredients
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Instructions
In a bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.,Add flour, salt, and olive oil. Mix to form a dough, then knead on a floured surface for 8–10 minutes until smooth.,Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1–1.5 hours until doubled in size.,Preheat oven to 475°F (245°C). Place a pizza stone or baking sheet in the oven if using.,Roll out the dough on a floured surface to your desired thickness and shape.,Transfer dough to a parchment-lined baking sheet or pizza peel.,Spread pizza sauce evenly over the dough, then top with mozzarella and your chosen toppings.,Brush crust edges with olive oil and sprinkle with herbs if desired.,Bake for 12–15 minutes, until crust is golden and cheese is bubbly.,Cool slightly, slice, and serve.
Notes
For thin crust, roll the dough thinner and bake for a shorter time.,Use bread flour or 00 flour for a chewier or more authentic crust.,Customize with white sauce, pesto, or BBQ sauce instead of tomato sauce.,Dough can be made ahead and refrigerated or frozen after the first rise.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 pizza
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 570mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 13g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
