Description
This perfect homemade pizza recipe guides you through creating a delicious, flavorful pizza from scratch, featuring a soft and chewy dough, a savory tomato sauce simmered with herbs and spices, and a melty blend of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Customize with your favorite toppings and enjoy a classic Italian feast made right in your oven.
Ingredients
Scale
Dough
- 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
- 1 1/2 cups warm water (110°F/45°C)
- 1 tsp sugar
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp garlic powder (optional, for extra flavor)
Tomato Sauce
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Toppings
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil leaves (optional, for garnish)
- Additional toppings of your choice (e.g., pepperoni, bell peppers, mushrooms, olives, onions, etc.)
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast and sugar in warm water (110°F/45°C). Let it sit for 5 minutes until frothy to activate the yeast.
- Mix the Dough: In a large bowl, combine the flour, salt, and garlic powder if using. Add the yeast mixture and olive oil, stirring to combine all ingredients.
- Knead the Dough: Knead the mixture on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until the dough becomes smooth and elastic, ensuring proper gluten development.
- Let the Dough Rise: Shape the dough into a ball, cover it with a damp cloth, and place it in a warm area. Let it rise for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it doubles in size.
- Prepare the Sauce: While the dough rises, heat olive oil in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add tomato sauce, oregano, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes if desired. Season with salt and pepper, and let it simmer gently for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Preheat the Oven and Shape Dough: Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release air. Divide it into two equal portions. Roll each portion out on a lightly floured surface into thin circles or your preferred shape.
- Assemble the Pizza: Place the dough onto a pizza stone or baking sheet. Evenly spread the prepared tomato sauce on the dough, then sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses over the top. Add any additional toppings of your choice.
- Bake: Bake the pizzas in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the crust turns golden brown and crisp and the cheese is bubbling with slight browning.
- Serve: Remove from the oven. Optionally garnish with fresh basil leaves, slice, and serve immediately for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- For best results, ensure the water for activating yeast is warm but not hot to avoid killing the yeast.
- You can prepare the dough the night before and refrigerate it for a slower rise, which enhances flavor.
- Using a pizza stone helps achieve a crispier crust but is optional.
- Customize toppings to your liking, keeping in mind that overloading can impact cooking time and crust texture.
- If you prefer a spicier sauce, increase the red pepper flakes slightly.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
