There is something so satisfying about pulling a hot, bubbling pizza out of the oven, the cheese stretching in long ribbons and the aroma of toasted crust filling your kitchen.
You can make this classic meal any night of the week, tailoring the toppings to your tastes, and it is a fun way to feed a crowd or meal prep for a few cozy dinners.
SaveI first started baking pizza at home after missing the chewy crust from my favorite local spot, and now it is a go to recipe for game nights and casual Fridays.
Homemade Pizza Recipe
Ingredients
Crust
Toppings
Instructions
- Activate the yeast
In a small bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast, let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes until frothy.
- Mix the dough
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour and salt, make a well in the center, add the yeast mixture and olive oil, and stir until a shaggy dough forms.
- Knead the dough
Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 8 to 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- First rise
Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
- Preheat the oven
About 30 minutes before baking, preheat your oven to 475°F, and if using a pizza stone, place it in the oven while preheating.
- Prepare the sauce
In a bowl, combine crushed tomatoes, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper, and mix until well blended.
- Shape the dough
Punch down the risen dough, divide it if needed, and roll or stretch it into your desired pizza size and thickness on a floured surface.
- Assemble the pizza
Transfer the dough to a pizza peel or baking sheet, spread a thin layer of sauce over the crust, sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan, and add any optional toppings.
- Bake
Slide the pizza onto the preheated stone or bake directly on a sheet, and cook for 10 to 12 minutes until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbling.
- Finish and serve
Remove from the oven, slice, and enjoy hot, garnished with fresh basil or a drizzle of olive oil if desired.
Substitutions and variations
- Use whole wheat flour for a nuttier crust texture.
- Swap crushed tomatoes for tomato sauce for a smoother finish.
- Use vegan cheese if you want a dairy free version.
- Add garlic powder or fresh garlic for extra depth of flavor.
- Replace oregano and basil with your favorite pizza herbs like thyme or rosemary.
Chloe's tips
- Keep your oven as hot as possible for a better crust.
- Use a pizza peel to transfer the dough easily.
- Pre baking the crust for 2 minutes can help prevent a soggy bottom.
- Let the dough rest for 10 minutes after shaping for easier stretching.
- Customize your sauce with a pinch of red chili flakes for a subtle kick.
How to store it
- Store leftover pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat slices in a hot skillet or under the broiler for a few minutes to restore crispness.
- You can freeze assembled pizza for up to 1 month and bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cook time.
Serving suggestions
Serve your homemade pizza hot, straight from the oven, with a simple side salad for a complete meal.
- Classic cheese slice
- Pepperoni lovers slice
- Vegetarian with bell peppers and olives
- Mini pizzas for easy individual portions
Frequently asked questions
Why is my dough tough?
Over kneading or not enough resting time can make the dough tough; knead until smooth but do not overwork it and allow proper rising time.
Can I make this gluten free?
Yes, use a gluten free flour blend designed for pizza and add xanthan gum if not included in the blend.
How do I get a crispy crust?
Preheat your oven and pizza stone or steel to the highest setting, and bake until the edges are golden.
How long does the dough keep in the fridge?
You can refrigerate the shaped dough for up to 24 hours; let it come to room temperature before stretching and baking.
Let's get cooking!
Making pizza at home is easier and more fun than you think, and the results are delicious every time.
