Ultimate Homemade Pizza Recipe

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 Ultimate Homemade Pizza Recipe

Crispy crust, gooey cheese, and your favorite toppings—all made fresh from scratch. Perfect for pizza night, family dinners, or a fun weekend cook-off.

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Rising Time: 1 hour

Cook Time: 10–12 minutes

Total Time: ~1 hour 30 minutes

Servings: 1 large pizza (serves 2–4)

Ingredients:

For the Dough:

2 ½ cups all-purpose flour

1 tsp sugar

1 tsp salt

2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)

1 cup warm water (around 110°F / 45°C)

2 tbsp olive oil (plus more for greasing)

For the Toppings:

½ cup pizza sauce (store-bought or homemade)

2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Your choice of toppings, such as:

Pepperoni

Sliced mushrooms

Bell peppers

Onions

Black olives

Cooked sausage

Fresh basil or arugula (optional after baking)

‍ Instructions:

1. Make the Dough

  1. In a large bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5–7 minutes until it becomes foamy.
  2. Add flour, salt, and olive oil. Mix with a wooden spoon or your hands until a dough starts to form.
  3. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 8–10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic.
  4. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm spot until doubled in size (about 1 hour).

2. Preheat & Prep

  • Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C).
  • If using a pizza stone, place it in the oven now to heat up.
  • If using a baking sheet, lightly oil or dust it with cornmeal to prevent sticking.

3. Shape the Dough

  • Punch down the risen dough.
  • Roll it out on a floured surface to your desired thickness (thin & crispy or thick & fluffy).
  • Transfer to your baking tray or pizza peel (if using a pizza stone).

4. Add Toppings

  1. Spread pizza sauce evenly across the dough.
  2. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella over the top.
  3. Add your chosen toppings.

    Tip: Don’t overload it—too many toppings can make the crust soggy.

5. Bake

  • Bake in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes, or until:
    • The crust is golden brown
    • The cheese is melted and slightly bubbly
  • For extra browning, turn on the broiler for the last 1–2 minutes (watch closely!).

6. Cool & Serve

  • Let the pizza sit for a few minutes before slicing.
  • Garnish with fresh basil or a drizzle of olive oil if desired.
  • Slice and enjoy hot!

❓ Q&A – Tips & Troubleshooting

Q: Can I make the dough ahead of time?

A: Yes! After the first rise, wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Let it come to room temp before using.

Q: What’s the best flour to use?

A: All-purpose works great, but for a chewier texture, try bread flour. For Neapolitan-style, use Tipo 00 flour.

Q: Can I freeze the dough?

A: Yep! After kneading, wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and let rise before use.

Q: My crust is too soggy—what went wrong?

A: Common causes:

  • Too much sauce or toppings
  • Oven not hot enough
  • Dough too thick Try preheating your baking sheet or stone to help crisp the base.

Q: Can I make it without yeast?

A: Yes! Substitute with baking powder and Greek yogurt for a quick dough (results will be more biscuit-like).

Q: Can I use store-bought dough?

A: Absolutely! It’s a great shortcut. Let it sit at room temp for 20 minutes before rolling out.

Bonus Topping Ideas:

  • BBQ Chicken (BBQ sauce, chicken, red onion, cilantro)
  • Margherita (fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, basil)
  • White Pizza (ricotta, mozzarella, garlic, spinach)
  • Breakfast Pizza (scrambled eggs, bacon, cheese)

 

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