Homemade pizza is a fun and delicious way to customize your favorite toppings on a crispy crust. Here’s a simple recipe for making pizza from scratch, including the dough, sauce, and tips for baking.
Homemade Pizza Recipe
Ingredients:
For the dough:
- 2 ¼ tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast
- 1 ½ cups warm water (110°F or 45°C)
- 3 ½ to 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp salt
For the pizza sauce:
- 1 cup tomato sauce (or crushed tomatoes)
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Toppings (optional, customize as desired):
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Pepperoni, sausage, ham, or other meats
- Sliced bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, olives, etc.
- Fresh basil or arugula for garnish
Instructions:
To Make the Dough:
- Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.
- Mix the dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine 3 ½ cups of flour and salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture and olive oil. Stir until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough: Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes, adding more flour as needed until the dough is smooth and elastic.
- Let the dough rise: Place the dough in an oiled bowl, cover with a damp towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-1 ½ hours, or until doubled in size.
- Punch down the dough: Once risen, punch the dough down to release air. Divide it in half for two pizzas or keep it whole for one large pizza.
To Make the Pizza Sauce:
- Sauté garlic: Heat olive oil in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Cook the sauce: Add the tomato sauce, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Stir and simmer for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to develop. Remove from heat and set aside.
Assembling the Pizza:
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven while it heats up.
- Shape the dough: Roll out the dough on a floured surface to your desired thickness. For a crispier crust, roll it thin; for a chewier crust, keep it thicker. Transfer the dough to a pizza stone or a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Add sauce and toppings: Spread a thin layer of sauce over the dough. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly on top. Add your desired toppings (pepperoni, veggies, etc.).
- Bake: Place the pizza in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and serve: Remove the pizza from the oven. Garnish with fresh basil or arugula if desired, slice, and enjoy!
Tips:
- For extra flavor, brush the crust with olive oil and sprinkle with garlic powder before baking.
- You can use store-bought dough or sauce if you’re short on time.
This homemade pizza is perfect for a pizza night with friends and family!