Grandma Pizza Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Thin yet airy crust with a crispy bottom
• Simple, fresh ingredients with bold flavor
• No complicated shaping required
• Perfect for family dinners or gatherings
• Bakes quickly in a standard sheet pan
• Delicious served hot or at room temperature

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the dough:
3 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon sugar
2 1/4 teaspoons instant yeast
1 cup warm water
2 tablespoons olive oil

For the topping:
1 cup crushed tomatoes
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh basil leaves (optional)

Directions

1. In a large bowl, combine flour, salt, sugar, and yeast. Add warm water and olive oil. Mix until a soft dough forms.
2. Knead for about 5–7 minutes until smooth. Cover and let rise for 1–2 hours, or until doubled in size.
3. Generously oil a 9×13-inch sheet pan. Transfer the dough to the pan and gently stretch it to the edges. If it resists, let it rest for 10 minutes, then stretch again.
4. Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C).
5. In a small bowl, mix crushed tomatoes with garlic, olive oil, salt, and oregano.
6. Sprinkle mozzarella evenly over the dough, spreading it close to the edges.
7. Spoon the tomato mixture over the cheese in small dollops and gently spread it across the surface.
8. Sprinkle grated Parmesan over the top.
9. Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the edges are crispy.
10. Remove from the oven and top with fresh basil if desired. Let cool slightly before slicing into squares.

Servings and timing

Servings: 8–10 squares
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Rise Time: 1–2 hours
Cook Time: 15–20 minutes
Total Time: Approximately 2 hours 30 minutes

Variations

Pepperoni Grandma Pizza: Add sliced pepperoni on top before baking.

Garlic Lover’s: Brush the dough with garlic-infused olive oil before adding cheese.

Veggie Version: Top with thinly sliced onions, bell peppers, or mushrooms.

White Grandma Pizza: Skip the tomato sauce and use ricotta, mozzarella, and garlic instead.

Spicy Twist: Add red pepper flakes to the sauce or drizzle with hot honey after baking.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover grandma pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

To reheat, place slices in a 375°F (190°C) oven for 8–10 minutes until warmed through and crispy. You can also reheat in a skillet over medium heat to maintain a crisp crust. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can soften the texture.

Pizza can be frozen for up to 2 months. Wrap slices tightly and reheat from frozen in the oven.

FAQs

What makes grandma pizza different from other pizzas?

It has a thinner crust than Sicilian pizza, is baked in a rectangular pan, and typically features cheese under the sauce.

Do I need a special pan?

No, a standard 9×13-inch sheet pan works perfectly.

Why is the sauce placed over the cheese?

This method helps prevent the crust from becoming soggy and creates a balanced texture.

Can I use store-bought dough?

Yes, store-bought dough works well if you’re short on time.

How do I get a crispy bottom?

Generously oil the pan and bake on the lower oven rack for extra crispness.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can refrigerate the dough overnight and let it come to room temperature before stretching.

What type of mozzarella is best?

Low-moisture mozzarella melts evenly and prevents excess moisture.

Can I add meat toppings?

Absolutely. Cooked sausage, bacon, or pepperoni are great additions.

How do I prevent the dough from shrinking?

Let it rest for a few minutes if it resists stretching. This relaxes the gluten.

Can grandma pizza be served cold?

Yes, it tastes great at room temperature, making it ideal for gatherings.

Conclusion

Grandma pizza is a simple yet incredibly satisfying classic that delivers crispy edges, a tender crust, and vibrant tomato flavor in every square slice. Easy to prepare and perfect for sharing, this recipe brings comforting, homemade charm straight to your kitchen. Whether you keep it traditional or customize it with your favorite toppings, grandma pizza is sure to become a family favorite.

Grandma Pizza Recipe

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Grandma pizza is a classic Italian-American rectangular thin-crust pizza baked in a sheet pan. With its crispy bottom, airy interior, cheese layered under vibrant tomato sauce, and simple fresh flavors, it’s a comforting and crowd-pleasing favorite.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
• Yield: 8–10 squares
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian-American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

• For the dough:
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 2 1/4 teaspoons instant yeast
• 1 cup warm water
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• For the topping:
• 1 cup crushed tomatoes
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 1/2 cups shredded low-moisture mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil leaves (optional)

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Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine flour, salt, sugar, and yeast. Add warm water and olive oil, mixing until a soft dough forms.
2. Knead for 5–7 minutes until smooth. Cover and let rise 1–2 hours until doubled in size.
3. Generously oil a 9×13-inch sheet pan. Transfer dough to the pan and gently stretch to the edges. If it resists, let rest 10 minutes and stretch again.
4. Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C).
5. Mix crushed tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, salt, and oregano in a small bowl.
6. Sprinkle mozzarella evenly over the dough, spreading close to the edges.
7. Spoon tomato mixture over the cheese and gently spread across the surface.
8. Sprinkle grated Parmesan evenly on top.
9. Bake 15–20 minutes until crust is golden and edges are crispy.
10. Remove from oven, garnish with fresh basil if desired, and let cool slightly before slicing into squares.

Notes

• Generously oil the pan to achieve a crispy bottom crust.
• Bake on the lower oven rack for extra crispness.
• Let dough rest if it shrinks while stretching.
• Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freeze tightly wrapped slices for up to 2 months.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 square
• Calories: 310 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 480 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 13 g
• Cholesterol: 20 mg