If you’ve ever wanted a delicious, bubbly pizza that tastes straight out of a wood-fired oven but made entirely at home, this Homemade Pizza Recipe is about to be your new favorite go-to. With a crisp-yet-chewy crust, classic melty cheeses, and all your favorite toppings piled high, it transforms pizza night into something special—without the need for fancy equipment. Whether you love a classic pepperoni, veggie-packed supreme, or something uniquely your own, there’s endless room to make it your own masterpiece. Let’s get you started on perfect, flavorful pizza straight from your very own kitchen!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Homemade Pizza Recipe is in its simplicity: each ingredient is carefully chosen for maximum flavor and that perfect chewy bite. Fresh and basic pantry staples mean you get a better-than-takeout pizza every single time.
- Active Dry Yeast (2¼ teaspoons/1 packet): Kickstarts your dough so it rises beautifully and bakes up chewy and light.
- Warm Water (1½ cups, 110°F): Helps activate the yeast, ensuring your crust gets that airy lift.
- Sugar (1 tablespoon): Feeds the yeast and encourages a lovely golden crust.
- All-Purpose Flour (3½ cups): Creates a tender, yet sturdy base—the canvas for all your toppings.
- Olive Oil (2 tablespoons, plus more for brushing): Adds richness and helps brown the edges for that irresistible flavor.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Brings out the flavor of the dough—never skip it!
- Pizza Sauce (1 cup): The soul of pizza! Use your favorite store-bought or homemade blend.
- Mozzarella Cheese (2 cups, shredded): Melts beautifully into gooey pools and covers each bite in cheesy goodness.
- Parmesan Cheese (½ cup, grated): Sprinkled for a punch of sharp, nutty flavor right on top.
- Your Choice of Toppings: Classic pepperoni, vibrant bell peppers, earthy mushrooms, tangy olives—the sky’s the limit!
- Italian Seasoning (1 teaspoon): Adds an herby aroma that perfumes the whole pie.
- Olive Oil for Brushing: Give those crusty edges a golden finish you’ll want to tear into immediately.
How to Make Homemade Pizza Recipe
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
Begin your Homemade Pizza Recipe journey by combining warm water, sugar, and yeast in a small bowl. Watch as the yeast comes to life, creating a frothy layer—that’s when you know it’s ready. This step is key to developing texture in your crust and takes just 5 to 10 minutes, but the anticipation makes it all the more exciting!
Step 2: Mix and Knead the Dough
In a spacious mixing bowl, add your flour and salt, then pour in the foamy yeast mixture and olive oil. Stir it all together until it forms a shaggy dough, then turn it out onto a floured countertop. Knead with happy hands for 7–8 minutes, feeling the dough become smooth and elastic. This is the moment when the magic starts—building the perfect pizza foundation.
Step 3: Let the Dough Rise
Transfer your dough ball to a lightly oiled bowl, cover it, and let it nap in a warm spot for about an hour. The dough will double in size, becoming pillowy and ready for shaping. The smell alone at this stage is enough to make your mouth water!
Step 4: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Dough
Heat your oven to a blazing 475°F (245°C), placing a pizza stone inside if you’re using one. This high heat gives your crust that classic pizzeria crisp. Punch down the risen dough to release air, then divide it for two thinner pizzas or keep it whole for one satisfyingly thick crust. Roll out your dough as thick or thin as you like on a floured surface, then transfer it to your baking sheet or preheated stone.
Step 5: Build Your Pizza
Now the fun really begins! Spread a generous layer of pizza sauce over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border for that perfect edge. Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly, then go wild with your favorite toppings. Finish with a shower of Italian seasoning and lightly brush the exposed crust with olive oil for an unbeatable golden crunch.
Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection
Slide your pizza into the hot oven and bake for 12–15 minutes. Watch as the cheese melts and bubbles, the edges turn golden, and your kitchen fills with the intoxicating aroma of homemade pizza. Let it cool just long enough to grab a slice, then serve hot and enjoy every bite.
How to Serve Homemade Pizza Recipe
Garnishes
Take your Homemade Pizza Recipe to the next level with a handful of fresh basil leaves, a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil, or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes. A dash of flaky sea salt just before serving highlights every delicious bite. Don’t be shy—pile on those finishing touches for color, fragrance, and flavor.
Side Dishes
Balance your cheesy, hearty pizza with a simple green salad tossed in a zesty vinaigrette, or some classic garlic knots for the ultimate comfort combo. Roasted vegetables or antipasto platters also make fantastic accompaniments, turning pizza night into a feast for everyone at the table.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re entertaining or just want a little extra flare, try cutting your pizzas into fun shapes—rectangles for easy snacking or heart shapes for a special occasion. Serve your slices on a rustic wooden board with small bowls of dipping sauces (think garlic butter, spicy marinara, or creamy ranch) to add a playful, shareable touch that’s sure to delight.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers from your Homemade Pizza Recipe, keep them fresh by storing slices in an airtight container, separated by parchment or wax paper. Place in the refrigerator and enjoy within three days for the best flavor and texture.
Freezing
Want pizza night anytime? Freeze your pizza dough after its first rise! Simply wrap tightly in plastic and store in a freezer bag for up to three months. You can also freeze fully baked pizza slices—ensure they’ve cooled, then wrap and store individually. Thaw overnight in the fridge and you’re ready for a quick, homemade treat.
Reheating
For the crispiest results, reheat pizza slices in a preheated oven at 375°F for about 8 minutes, or pop them on a hot skillet for a couple of minutes per side. Avoid the microwave, which makes the crust soggy, unless you’re in a real rush—then just enjoy every gooey bite!
FAQs
Can I make the dough in advance?
Absolutely! Prepare the dough, let it rise, then refrigerate tightly covered for up to 24 hours. Bring to room temperature before shaping and baking to ensure the best rise and texture.
How do I get a really crispy crust?
For extra crispiness, try prebaking the rolled-out dough for 5 minutes before adding sauce and toppings. Baking on a pizza stone or steel also helps draw out moisture and crisps up the base beautifully.
What’s the best way to customize the Homemade Pizza Recipe?
Get creative with your toppings! Mix and match cheeses, try roasted veggies, or experiment with unique sauces. This recipe is endlessly adaptable, so it’s all about what you love most.
Can I make the dough gluten-free?
Yes, simply swap in your favorite gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Be mindful that texture and rise might be slightly different, but homemade gluten-free pizza is absolutely achievable and delicious!
Do I need special equipment to make this Homemade Pizza Recipe?
Not at all! A pizza stone or steel will yield an amazing crust, but a regular baking sheet does the job wonderfully, too. No pizza peel or fancy tools required—just enthusiasm and a hungry appetite.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a slice of pure comfort and joy, you simply have to try making this Homemade Pizza Recipe. It’s easier than you think, comes together with simple ingredients, and lets you explore endless topping possibilities. Gather your loved ones, roll up your sleeves, and whip up a pizza that’s uniquely and deliciously yours. Happy pizza night!
Print
Homemade Pizza Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
- Yield: 2 12-inch pizzas 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Learn how to make a delicious homemade pizza from scratch with this easy recipe. Customize your toppings and enjoy a perfect family dinner that everyone will love.
Ingredients
For the dough:
- 2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1½ cups warm water (110°F)
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 3½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
For the sauce and toppings:
- 1 cup pizza sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Your choice of toppings (pepperoni, bell peppers, mushrooms, onions, olives, etc.)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Olive oil for brushing
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
- In a large mixing bowl, add the flour and salt. Pour in the yeast mixture and olive oil, then stir until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 7–8 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Preheat the oven to 475°F (245°C). If using a pizza stone, place it in the oven while preheating.
- Punch down the dough and divide it in half for two 12-inch pizzas, or keep whole for a thicker crust. Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to your desired thickness.
- Transfer to a baking sheet or pizza stone.
- Spread pizza sauce evenly over the dough, sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan, then add your favorite toppings.
- Sprinkle Italian seasoning over the top and lightly brush the crust edges with olive oil.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes or until the crust is golden and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Slice and serve hot.
Notes
- For a crispier crust, prebake the rolled dough for 5 minutes before adding toppings.
- You can freeze the dough for later—wrap tightly after the first rise.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus 1 hour rising)
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 of a pizza)
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
