Homemade Pizza Recipe

A crispy, cheesy, and flavorful homemade pizza with a perfectly chewy crust, rich tomato sauce, and gooey melted cheese. This classic homemade pizza is easy to customize with your favorite toppings!

Ingredients:

For the Pizza Dough (Makes 1 Large Pizza or 2 Medium Pizzas)

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour (or bread flour for a chewier crust)
• 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) instant yeast (or active dry yeast)
• ¾ cup warm water (110°F / 43°C)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp sugar (feeds the yeast)
• 1 tsp salt

For the Pizza Sauce:

• 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce (or crushed tomatoes)
• 1 tbsp tomato paste (for richness)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp olive oil
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat!)

For the Toppings:

• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 10 slices pepperoni (or any protein: sausage, ham, grilled chicken, etc.)
• ½ cup sliced bell peppers
• ½ cup sliced mushrooms
• ¼ cup black olives, sliced
• ½ small red onion, thinly sliced
• ½ tsp dried oregano (for garnish)
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions:

1. Make the Pizza Dough

1. In a small bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy. (If it doesn’t foam, your yeast is inactive!)
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt.
3. Add yeast mixture and olive oil into the flour. Stir until a rough dough forms.
4. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
5. Transfer dough to a greased bowl, cover with a towel, and let rise for 1 hour until doubled in size.

2. Prepare the Pizza Sauce

1. In a small saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Stir in tomato sauce, tomato paste, oregano, basil, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
4. Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

3. Shape & Pre-Bake the Dough

1. Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If using a pizza stone, place it in the oven to heat up.
2. Punch down the risen dough and roll it out on a floured surface into a 12-inch circle.
3. Transfer dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet or pizza pan.
4. Lightly brush olive oil around the edges for a golden crust.
5. Bake the crust alone for 5-7 minutes (pre-baking prevents a soggy center).

4. Assemble the Pizza & Bake

1. Spread pizza sauce evenly over the pre-baked crust.
2. Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the sauce.
3. Add your favorite toppings (pepperoni, mushrooms, peppers, olives, etc.).
4. Bake for 12-15 minutes until cheese is bubbly and crust is golden brown.

5. Serve & Enjoy!

• Let pizza rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
• Sprinkle with dried oregano, red pepper flakes, or fresh basil for extra flavor.
• Serve with a side of garlic butter or ranch dressing!

Make-Ahead & Storage Tips:

• Make-Ahead: Pizza dough can be made up to 24 hours in advance and stored in the fridge.
• Storage: Store leftover pizza in the fridge for 3-4 days.
• Reheating: Warm in a skillet over medium heat or bake at 375°F (190°C) for 5 minutes.
• Freezing: Freeze uncooked pizza dough for up to 3 months.

Variations & Add-Ins:

• Spicy Pizza: Add jalapeños, spicy sausage, or hot honey drizzle!
• Veggie Lover’s Pizza: Use spinach, mushrooms, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes.
• Garlic Butter Crust: Brush crust with melted garlic butter before baking.
• Hawaiian Pizza: Add pineapple and ham for a sweet-savory combo.

This Homemade Pizza is crispy, cheesy, and full of flavor—perfect for a fun pizza night! Enjoy!

History:

The history of pizza dates back to ancient civilizations such as the Greeks and Egyptians who baked flatbreads topped with various ingredients. However, modern pizza as we know it today originated in Naples, Italy, during the 18th century. Neapolitan pizza was initially sold as street food and became popular due to its affordability and delicious flavor. Over time, pizza spread across the world, evolving into countless regional variations and becoming a beloved comfort food.

Benefits:

Homemade pizza offers several benefits compared to store-bought versions. You have complete control over the ingredients, making it easier to choose healthier options such as whole wheat flour for the crust or fresh vegetables for toppings. Additionally, by making pizza at home, you can reduce preservatives, artificial additives, and excess sodium that are often found in commercially produced pizzas. The act of preparing pizza together with family or friends also creates a fun and interactive experience!

Nutrition:

A slice of homemade pizza (with typical toppings like cheese, pepperoni, and vegetables) can provide a good balance of macronutrients. You’ll get protein from the cheese and meats, carbs from the dough, and healthy fats from the olive oil. Adding vegetables can increase the fiber content and provide essential vitamins and minerals. However, depending on the ingredients and portion size, pizza can also be high in calories, so it’s best enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Conclusion:

Homemade pizza is an excellent choice for a delicious, customizable, and fun meal. Whether you prefer classic toppings like pepperoni or a more adventurous creation, the possibilities are endless. Plus, making pizza at home allows you to create a healthier version and enjoy the satisfaction of crafting your own perfect pie. Grab your ingredients, get creative with your toppings, and enjoy a pizza night that’s as tasty as it is fun!