I can still smell the first time I learned to coax a golden crust from a hot oven, the dough sticky on my fingertips and my kitchen filling with warm tomato and melted cheese as my kids argued over who got the biggest slice, which is the sort of evening that made me fall in love with a simple Homemade Pizza Recipe and keep coming back to it on slow weeknights and cozy weekends.
Why You’ll Love It
This recipe fits into real life because it is forgiving and humble, the kind you can make after work or on a relaxed Sunday, and it turns pantry staples into something everyone rallies around, kids and guests included, with a chewy crust, bright tomato sauce, and bubbling cheese that feels like an event without needing a lot of fuss.
Serves 4
Prep Time: 20 minutes |
Cook Time: 12 minutes |
Total Time: 32 minutes
Ingredients
- 3 1/2 cups (420 g) bread flour or all purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons fine sea salt
- 1 packet active dry yeast (7 g)
- 1 1/4 cups warm water (300 ml) about 105 115 F
- 2 tablespoons olive oil plus extra for drizzling
- 1 cup tomato pizza sauce or crushed tomatoes seasoned with salt and oregano
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 8 10 fresh basil leaves, torn
Instructions
- Proof the yeast by mixing warm water and sugar in a bowl, sprinkle the yeast on top, let sit 5 minutes until foamy.
- In a large bowl combine flour and salt, make a well and pour in the yeast mixture and olive oil, stir until a shaggy dough forms.
- Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead 8 to 10 minutes until smooth and elastic, or use a stand mixer with a dough hook for 6 minutes.
- Place dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a clean towel or plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm spot until doubled, about 1 hour.
- Preheat the oven to its highest temperature, ideally 475 500 F, and place a pizza stone or inverted baking sheet inside to heat for 30 minutes.
- Divide the dough into two pieces for two medium pizzas, gently stretch or roll each into a 10 12 inch circle on a floured surface.
- Transfer one dough round to a piece of parchment or a floured pizza peel, spread a thin layer of tomato sauce leaving a small border, sprinkle with mozzarella and a little Parmesan, drizzle with a teaspoon of olive oil and scatter torn basil leaves.
- Slide the pizza onto the hot stone or baking sheet and bake 10 12 minutes until the crust is blistered and cheese is bubbling and golden.
- Remove, let rest 2 minutes, slice and serve warm.
Recipe Variations
- Classic Margherita: Use only tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella slices, and plenty of fresh basil for a bright, simple pie.
- Veggie Friendly: Top with thinly sliced bell peppers, red onion, mushrooms and a sprinkle of goat cheese for added tang.
- Spicy Pepperoni Twist: Add pepperoni and a light dusting of red pepper flakes for extra heat and savory flavor.
- Quick Weeknight: Use store bought dough or pre made crust and follow topping and bake instructions to shave time.
Make Ahead: The dough can be made up to 48 hours ahead and stored in the refrigerator in a lightly oiled bowl covered tightly, bring to room temperature before shaping; you can also freeze shaped dough balls wrapped well for up to 1 month, and the sauce can be made 3 days ahead or frozen for longer storage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dough without yeast or with instant yeast
You can use instant yeast and mix it directly into the flour without proofing, but for a no yeast option consider a thin crust using baking powder which will be different in texture.
How do I get a crisp crust when baking at home
Use a preheated pizza stone or heavy inverted baking sheet and bake at the highest safe oven temperature, avoid over topping and slide the pizza directly onto the hot surface.
Can I use regular mozzarella or fresh mozzarella
Both work well, fresh mozzarella gives a creamier, wetter melt so use thinner slices and blot excess moisture, shredded low moisture mozzarella bakes reliably and gives even coverage.
Homemade Pizza Recipe
This recipe fits into real life because it is forgiving and humble, the kind you can make after work or on a relaxed Sunday, and it turns pantry staples into something everyone rallies around, kids and guests included, with a chewy crust, bright tomato sauce, and bubbling cheese that feels like an event without needing a lot of fuss.
Ingredients
- 3 1/2 cups (420 g) bread flour or all purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons fine sea salt
- 1 packet active dry yeast (7 g)
- 1 1/4 cups warm water (300 ml) about 105 115 F
- 2 tablespoons olive oil plus extra for drizzling
- 1 cup tomato pizza sauce or crushed tomatoes seasoned with salt and oregano
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 8 10 fresh basil leaves, torn
Instructions
- Proof the yeast by mixing warm water and sugar in a bowl, sprinkle the yeast on top, let sit 5 minutes until foamy.
- In a large bowl combine flour and salt, make a well and pour in the yeast mixture and olive oil, stir until a shaggy dough forms.
- Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead 8 to 10 minutes until smooth and elastic, or use a stand mixer with a dough hook for 6 minutes.
- Place dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a clean towel or plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm spot until doubled, about 1 hour.
- Preheat the oven to its highest temperature, ideally 475 500 F, and place a pizza stone or inverted baking sheet inside to heat for 30 minutes.
- Divide the dough into two pieces for two medium pizzas, gently stretch or roll each into a 10 12 inch circle on a floured surface.
- Transfer one dough round to a piece of parchment or a floured pizza peel, spread a thin layer of tomato sauce leaving a small border, sprinkle with mozzarella and a little Parmesan, drizzle with a teaspoon of olive oil and scatter torn basil leaves.
- Slide the pizza onto the hot stone or baking sheet and bake 10 12 minutes until the crust is blistered and cheese is bubbling and golden.
- Remove, let rest 2 minutes, slice and serve warm.
Conclusion
There is a quiet pleasure in turning simple ingredients into a pie that gathers people around the table, and this Homemade Pizza Recipe delivers that comfort without drama, teaching you a reliable dough and straightforward topping approach you can riff on for years, so give the dough a gentle knead, experiment with toppings that make you smile, and trust that the next warm slice will bring the house together.
