Homemade Pizza

Forget delivery. This homemade pizza recipe beats any cardboard-box meal.

You create a crisp, chewy crust and choose your own top-notch toppings. The process is a fun, simple science project you can eat.

You mix flour, water, yeast, and salt. Then you wait for the magic of rising dough.

The result is a hot, bubbly pizza that you built from scratch. Your kitchen will smell like an Italian bakery, and your friends will be very impressed.

What Makes This Recipe So Great

This pizza has a crisp crust and a soft, airy center. You control the quality and quantity of every ingredient.

The fresh-from-the-oven taste is far superior to delivered pizza. You get a satisfying, customizable meal that pleases everyone.

Ingredient Notes

• Flour: Bread flour creates a chewier crust because of its higher protein content. All-purpose flour will also work well for a softer crust.

• Yeast: Instant yeast does not require proofing in water first. You can mix it directly with the dry ingredients. Active dry yeast needs to be dissolved in warm water first.

• Tomato Sauce: Use plain crushed tomatoes or a simple canned pizza sauce. Do not use a pasta sauce with heavy seasoning, as it can make the pizza soggy.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• You can customize the toppings for every person.

• The dough is simple to make and fun to shape.

• A pizza stone or hot pan creates a professional-quality crust.

How To Make Homemade Pizza

Ingredients

For the Pizza Dough:

• 3 cups bread flour
• 1 teaspoon instant yeast
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 1 cup warm water
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Toppings:

• 1/2 cup tomato sauce
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• Your favorite toppings like pepperoni, vegetables, or herbs

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Whisk the flour, instant yeast, and salt together in a large bowl.
2. Add the warm water and olive oil to the flour mixture.
3. Stir the ingredients until a shaggy dough forms.
4. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
5. Place the dough in an oiled bowl and cover it with a towel.
6. Let the dough rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
7. Preheat your oven to 475 degrees Fahrenheit with a pizza stone or baking sheet inside.
8. Punch the air out of the risen dough and divide it in half.
9. Roll each dough half into a 12-inch circle on a floured surface.
10. Place the dough circle on a piece of parchment paper.
11. Spread tomato sauce over the dough, leaving a border around the edge.
12. Sprinkle cheese and add your desired toppings.
13. Slide the pizza on the parchment paper onto the hot pizza stone or baking sheet.
14. Bake the pizza for 12-15 minutes until the crust is golden and the cheese bubbles.

Cook and Prep Times

• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 15 minutes
• Additional Time: 1 hour (rising)
• Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes

Nutrition Information

Servings: 2 pizzas (4 slices each)

• Calories: 285 per slice
• Fat: 8g
• Protein: 11g
• Carbohydrates: 41g

Helpful Tips

• Preheat your oven and baking surface for a full hour for the crispiest crust.

• Do not overload your pizza with sauce or toppings to prevent a soggy center.

• Let the baked pizza rest for two minutes before slicing for cleaner cuts.

Expert Tips for Perfect Results

1. For a flavorful crust, brush the outer edge with olive oil before baking.
2. Use a pizza peel or the back of a baking sheet to transfer the pizza easily.
3. Grate your own cheese from a block. Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that prevent proper melting.

Serving Suggestions

Cut the pizza into slices and serve it immediately. A simple side salad with a sharp vinaigrette balances the rich pizza.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Store leftover pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat slices in a hot skillet on the stove for a crisp crust.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

You can refrigerate the dough for up to 3 days. Let the cold dough sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before shaping it.

Why is my pizza dough tough?

You likely over-kneaded the dough or used too much flour. Knead the dough just until it becomes smooth and no longer sticky.

I don’t have a pizza stone. What can I use?

You can use a heavy, rimless baking sheet. Preheat the inverted baking sheet in the oven to mimic a pizza stone’s hot surface.

Final Thoughts

This homemade pizza recipe delivers a fantastic, restaurant-quality result.

The crust is the star, with a perfect crisp and chew. You can experiment with endless topping combinations for variety.

Making pizza at home becomes a fun and rewarding routine for any night of the week.