Craving a hot, cheesy slice of pizza without leaving home? This easy homemade pizza recipe is your answer.
Skip the delivery fees and embrace the joy of crafting a fresh, mouthwatering pizza from scratch. With just a few simple ingredients and tools, you can make a pie that’s crisp, cheesy, and packed with your favorite toppings. Whether you’re cooking for the family or just for yourself, this recipe brings the pizzeria experience straight to your kitchen.
Why Homemade Pizza Beats Takeout
✅ Save Money
A medium pizza from a pizzeria costs anywhere from $12 to $20. But with homemade pizza? You can whip up a full pie for under $10 using pantry staples and your favorite toppings.
✅ Customize Everything
Control the quality of ingredients and tailor the flavors exactly how you like them—gluten-free, organic, vegetarian, spicy, or meat-loaded.
✅ Family Fun
Pizza night is more than dinner—it’s bonding time. Knead the dough, spread the sauce, and let everyone add their favorite toppings for a fun family activity.
Essential Tools for Homemade Pizza
| Tool | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Pizza Stone | Creates a crisp, evenly-baked crust |
| Mixing Bowl | For combining and kneading dough |
| Pizza Peel | Transfers uncooked pizza to the oven safely |
| Pizza Cutter | Slices pizza cleanly and quickly |
A pizza stone or steel is the secret to getting that restaurant-style crust. And don’t skip the pizza peel—it makes transferring your pie to the oven a breeze.
Perfect Homemade Pizza Dough Recipe
Ingredients:
- 2¼ tsp active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm water
- 2½ cups all-purpose or bread flour
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- Optional: 1 tsp sugar (for extra browning)
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, mix yeast and warm water. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
- Add flour, salt, and olive oil. Stir until a dough forms.
- Knead on a floured surface for 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 30–60 minutes.
- Once doubled in size, punch down the dough and roll it into your desired shape.
Pro Tip: Want a chewier crust? Use bread flour instead of all-purpose.
Easy Homemade Pizza Sauce
Classic Marinara Sauce
- 1 can crushed tomatoes
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Fresh basil (optional)
- Salt & pepper to taste
Sauté garlic in olive oil, add tomatoes and seasonings, then simmer for 15 minutes until thickened.
Want to switch it up? Try these alternatives:
- Pesto: Basil, pine nuts, Parmesan, olive oil
- Alfredo: Cream, butter, Parmesan, garlic
- BBQ Sauce: Sweet and smoky for meat-lovers
Best Cheese Blends for Pizza
Start with low-moisture mozzarella for the perfect melt. Boost flavor with:
- Parmesan or Romano – for sharpness
- Ricotta – for creaminess
- Cheddar, Gouda, or Feta – for unique flavor twists
Mix and match to suit your taste!
Top Pizza Topping Ideas
Classic Combo
- Pepperoni, mushrooms, onions
Vegetarian Delight
- Spinach, roasted red peppers, feta
Meat Lovers’ Dream
- Sausage, bacon, ground beef
Get creative! Try artichoke hearts, caramelized onions, or even pineapple if you’re adventurous.
Shaping & Rolling Pizza Dough
- Flour your surface and stretch from the center outwards.
- Use your hands or a rolling pin for even thickness.
- Leave edges slightly thicker for that chewy crust.
Avoid overworking the dough—it should be soft and springy.
How to Bake the Perfect Pizza
- Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C)
- Place your pizza stone or baking sheet inside to heat for at least 30 minutes
- Transfer pizza to the hot surface using your peel
- Bake for 12–15 minutes until crust is golden and cheese is bubbly
- Rotate once halfway through baking for even results
Baking Sheet vs. Pizza Stone:
A pizza stone gives you that crisp pizzeria crust. Baking sheets are more convenient but may result in a softer base.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
Storage:
Refrigerate leftover pizza slices in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Reheating Tips:
- Oven: 400°F for 5–7 minutes
- Skillet: Medium heat, flip once, crisp both sides
- Avoid the microwave if you want to keep the crust crispy!
Final Thoughts
Making homemade pizza is easier than you think—and way more fun than ordering out. From dough to toppings, you control every delicious detail. Whether you’re a beginner or a pizza pro, this easy homemade pizza recipe is sure to become a go-to favorite.
So preheat that oven, roll out your dough, and let the pizza magic begin!
Easy Homemade Pizza Recipe Card
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 1 hour 30 mins (includes rising)
Servings: 2–3 pizzas
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 2¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1½ cups warm water (110°F)
- 3½ cups all-purpose or bread flour
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp sugar (optional)
For the Sauce:
- 1 cup crushed tomatoes
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Salt, pepper, oregano to taste
Toppings (Choose Your Favorites):
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella
- Pepperoni, mushrooms, onions, olives, bell peppers, etc.
Instructions
- Activate Yeast: In a bowl, mix warm water and yeast. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
- Make the Dough: Add flour, salt, olive oil, and sugar. Mix and knead for 5–7 minutes until smooth.
- Let it Rise: Place dough in an oiled bowl. Cover and let rise for 1 hour or until doubled.
- Preheat Oven: Set oven to 475°F (245°C). If using a pizza stone, place it in the oven while preheating.
- Shape Dough: Punch down and divide dough. Roll into desired shape on a floured surface.
- Add Sauce & Toppings: Spread sauce, sprinkle cheese, and layer toppings.
- Bake: Place pizza on a hot stone or baking sheet. Bake for 12–15 minutes or until golden and bubbly.
- Serve: Let cool slightly, slice, and enjoy!
Tips
- Use a pizza stone for a crispy crust.
- Add herbs like basil or oregano for flavor.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days.
