If there’s one dish that brings people together and fills the kitchen with joy, it’s Homemade Pizza. The crackle of a golden crust, gooey layers of cheese, and the chance to pile on everyone’s favorite toppings make this a weekly ritual at my house. Whether you’re crafting it for a lively pizza night or just craving something soulful on a quiet weekend, this pizza is about delicious memories as much as flavor. With a few pantry staples and a bit of kneading, you’ll have a pizza that tastes worlds better than takeout—but is utterly simple to make at home.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in Homemade Pizza truly pulls its weight—there’s nowhere to hide here! The right balance makes the difference between a bland slice and a pie that’s positively crave-worthy. Here’s what you’ll need, and why each one is so important:
- Active dry yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons): The magic behind a light, fluffy dough; make sure it’s fresh for the best rise.
- Granulated sugar (1 teaspoon): Just enough to fuel the yeast and help nurture that golden crust.
- Warm water, 110°F/45°C (3/4 cup): Lukewarm water creates the perfect environment for yeast to bloom—anything too hot might kill it.
- All-purpose flour (2 cups): The classic base, giving the crust its wonderful chew.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Enhances flavor throughout every bite.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Adds tenderness to the dough and that signature pizzeria aroma.
- Pizza sauce (1/2 cup): Lays the foundation for flavor; use your favorite brand or a quick homemade version.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (1 1/2 cups): The cheese-stretch we all crave—go for part-skim for the best melt and flavor.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (1/4 cup): Brings a salty, umami punch to every bite.
- Dried oregano (1/2 teaspoon): Classic Italian fragrance that lingers beautifully after baking.
- Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon): Subtle, savory background flavor that really rounds out the taste.
- Desired toppings (pepperoni, peppers, mushrooms, olives, etc.): This is where you can make it uniquely yours!
- Cornmeal for dusting (optional): Creates a lovely crunch and prevents sticking if you use a pizza stone or peel.
How to Make Homemade Pizza
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
Start by dissolving the sugar in warm water, then sprinkle the yeast on top. Let this mixture sit for 5-10 minutes until it looks creamy and foamy across the surface. This step can feel a bit magical—if your kitchen smells slightly sweet and yeasty, you’re on the right track! If you don’t see bubbles, the yeast might be inactive and should be replaced before moving on.
Step 2: Mix and Knead the Dough
Combine your flour and salt in a large bowl. Pour in the yeast mixture and olive oil, then stir everything together until a scraggly dough forms. At this point, turn it out onto a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the dough is smooth, stretchy, and springs back when pressed lightly with your finger. It’s a mini workout, but I promise it’s worth it!
Step 3: First Rise
Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl and cover with a clean towel. Let it rise in a warm spot until doubled in size, which will take about 45-60 minutes. This rest transforms your dough into a pillowy base, and the anticipation just makes the end result taste even better!
Step 4: Preheat the Oven
Crank your oven up to 475°F (245°C). If you have a pizza stone, slide it in now to preheat and get roaring hot. A blazing oven is the secret to pizzeria-style crust with those irresistible bubbles and golden edges.
Step 5: Shape the Dough
Punch down the dough (this is my favorite part) and roll it out on a floured surface. You get to choose your adventure here—stretch it thin for more crisp, or leave it a bit thicker for a chewier bite. For transferring, use parchment on a baking sheet or a pizza peel sprinkled generously with cornmeal.
Step 6: Top Your Pizza
Spread your pizza sauce evenly over the dough, right up to the edges if you want full-on flavor with every bite. Sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan, then add your favorite toppings—let creativity lead the way. Finish with a shower of dried oregano and garlic powder for classic aroma and taste.
Step 7: Bake and Enjoy
Slide your pizza into the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes. Watch as the cheese bubbles and the crust turns gold and crisp. The heavenly smell will tell you it’s almost ready! Once out, let it cool just enough to slice—then get ready for a round of compliments at the table.
How to Serve Homemade Pizza
Garnishes
Breathe life into your Homemade Pizza with a sprinkle of chopped fresh basil or a handful of arugula just after baking. A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a dusting of crushed red pepper flakes can add another layer of flavor. For a restaurant-worthy finish, serve with a few shavings of Parmesan or even a swirl of garlic-infused oil.
Side Dishes
Homemade Pizza is hearty enough to star on its own, but paired sides can round out the meal beautifully. Think a zingy arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette, roasted garlic knots, or a bowl of marinated olives. Even a simple side of crisp veggies and dip gives contrast to the warm, cheesy slices.
Creative Ways to Present
For casual nights, slice it into squares for sharing or cut into thin strips for easy dipping in extra sauce. If you’re hosting, try making mini personalized pizzas so everyone can customize their own. Serving the pizza straight from a hot stone or rustic wooden board adds to the fun, and letting kids add their toppings can be a dinner activity in itself!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you somehow have slices left (it’s rare in my house!), let your Homemade Pizza cool to room temperature and then store it in an airtight container in the fridge. The crust stays pleasant for up to three days, and the flavors deepen as they meld together.
Freezing
To freeze, place individual slices between layers of parchment paper and tuck them into a freezer bag. Frozen Homemade Pizza can last up to two months and is perfect for satisfying late-night cravings or last-minute meals. It’s a great way to have delicious pizza at your fingertips anytime!
Reheating
For the tastiest leftovers, reheat slices in a hot oven (about 400°F/200°C) right on the rack or a baking sheet. In just a few minutes, the crust will regain its crisp, and the cheese will melt perfectly—almost like it just came out of the oven. Skip the microwave, unless you don’t mind losing a bit of that signature crunch.
FAQs
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for all or part of the all-purpose flour. I recommend using half whole wheat and half all-purpose, as it yields a dough that’s pleasantly nutty but still soft. Going all-in on whole wheat may result in a denser crust.
What’s the best way to make the crust extra crispy?
For a crispy crust, bake the pizza on a preheated pizza stone or steel, and don’t overload with sauce or cheese. Dusting your baking surface with cornmeal also adds crunch and prevents sticking.
How do I keep my Homemade Pizza from getting soggy?
Make sure your sauce isn’t too watery, and avoid piling on too many juicy toppings. Pat veggies like mushrooms and peppers dry before adding, and bake the pizza at a high temperature so the moisture rapidly evaporates.
What other cheeses can I use?
Mozzarella is classic, but feel free to add provolone, fontina, gouda, or even a sprinkle of feta for a tangy kick. Mixing a few types of cheese can build layers of melty texture and extra depth.
Can I make the dough ahead?
Absolutely! Prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance, cover tightly, and store in the refrigerator. When you’re ready for pizza night, bring it back to room temperature before shaping and baking for the best results.
Final Thoughts
Every bite of Homemade Pizza is pure comfort and joy, whether you’re in it for the gooey cheese, crispy edges, or the fun of adding your personal touch. It’s a dish that’s just as much about togetherness as it is about taste, and I can’t wait for you to experience the magic in your own kitchen. Give it a try—the only thing you’ll wish is that you started making Homemade Pizza sooner!
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Homemade Pizza Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes (includes rise time)
- Yield: 1 large pizza (8 slices) 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Learn how to make a delicious Homemade Pizza from scratch with this easy recipe. Perfect for a fun family dinner or a cozy pizza night at home!
Ingredients
Dough:
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup warm water (110°F/45°C)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Toppings:
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- desired toppings (pepperoni, sliced bell peppers, mushrooms, olives, etc.)
- cornmeal for dusting (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: Dissolve sugar in warm water, sprinkle yeast on top, let sit until foamy.
- Mix Dough: Combine flour and salt in a bowl, add yeast mixture and olive oil, stir to form a dough.
- Knead and Rise: Knead dough on floured surface, let rise until doubled in size.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat to 475°F (245°C), place pizza stone if using.
- Roll out Dough: Roll out dough, transfer to baking sheet or pizza peel.
- Add Toppings: Spread sauce, cheeses, desired toppings, oregano, and garlic powder.
- Bake: Bake for 12-15 minutes until golden and bubbly.
- Serve: Let cool slightly, slice, and enjoy!
Notes
- For extra crispiness, bake the pizza on a preheated pizza stone.
- Add fresh basil or arugula after baking for a fresh touch.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 370mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
