Description
This homemade pizza is crispy on the outside, soft inside, and packed with classic flavors. With a perfectly chewy crust, rich tomato sauce, gooey mozzarella, and your favorite toppings, it’s just like a pizzeria-style pizza—but made in your own kitchen!
Ingredients
Units
Scale
For the Pizza Dough: (or use store-bought for convenience)
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (or bread flour for a chewier crust)
- 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) instant yeast
- 1 1/4 cups warm water (110°F / 45°C)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
For the Pizza Sauce:
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (or 1 minced garlic clove)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar (balances acidity, optional)
For the Toppings:
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated (optional, for extra flavor)
- Pepperoni, mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, olives, etc. (choose your favorites!)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano (for extra Italian flavor)
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Dough (Skip if using store-bought dough)
- In a bowl, mix warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
- Add flour, salt, and olive oil, then mix until combined.
- Knead on a floured surface for 5-7 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
- Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
Step 2: Prepare the Pizza Sauce
- In a saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add crushed tomatoes, garlic, oregano, basil, salt, pepper, and sugar.
- Simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened.
Step 3: Shape the Pizza
- Preheat oven to 475°F (245°C). Place a pizza stone or baking sheet inside to preheat.
- Roll out the dough on a floured surface into a 12-inch circle.
- Transfer to a parchment-lined pizza peel or a baking sheet.
Step 4: Assemble the Pizza
- Spread a thin layer of pizza sauce over the dough.
- Sprinkle evenly with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Add your favorite toppings.
- Sprinkle dried oregano for an extra Italian touch.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
- Slide the pizza onto the preheated baking stone or baking sheet.
- Bake for 10-14 minutes, until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and slightly caramelized.
Step 6: Serve & Enjoy!
- Let cool for 2-3 minutes, then slice and serve hot!
- Drizzle with olive oil or chili flakes for extra flavor.
Notes
✔ Extra crispy crust? Bake directly on a preheated pizza stone.
✔ Want a thicker crust? Let the dough rest for 10 minutes after rolling before baking.
✔ Cheese lovers? Add burrata or provolone for an extra gooey texture.
✔ Gluten-free? Use gluten-free flour blend for the dough.