Homemade Pizza Recipe

Making homemade pizza from scratch is a fun and rewarding experience. From the dough to the toppings, you can customize every aspect to your liking. Whether you prefer a thin crust or a thick one, a classic margherita, or a loaded meat-lovers pizza, this recipe will guide you through the process of creating a delicious pizza that rivals any pizzeria.

Homemade Pizza Recipe

Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Resting Time for Dough: 1-1.5 hours
Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
Total Time: 1.5-2 hours (including dough resting time)
Servings: 2-3 large pizzas (depending on size)

Ingredients:

For the Dough:

• 2 ½ teaspoons active dry yeast
• 1 ½ cups warm water (about 110°F/43°C)
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for rolling)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (plus extra for greasing)
• 1 ½ teaspoons salt

For the Sauce:

• 1 can (15 oz) crushed tomatoes (or 1 ½ cups fresh tomatoes, blended)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste (optional for richer sauce)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Toppings (Customize to your liking):

• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (or a blend of mozzarella and provolone)
• Pepperoni, sausage, mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, olives, bacon, etc.
• Fresh basil leaves (optional, for garnish)
• Red pepper flakes (optional for a little heat)
• Parmesan cheese (optional, for sprinkling)

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir to dissolve the sugar and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes, or until the mixture becomes frothy. If it doesn’t froth, your yeast may be expired, and you’ll need to try again with fresh yeast.
2. Combine dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Make a well in the center.
3. Add wet ingredients: Once the yeast mixture is frothy, pour it into the well of flour, along with the olive oil. Stir everything together with a spoon until the dough starts to come together.
4. Knead the dough: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead it for about 7-10 minutes, or until the dough is smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky but not sticky. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour (a tablespoon at a time).
5. Let the dough rise: Lightly grease a large bowl with a little olive oil, place the dough in the bowl, and cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Let it rest and rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.

Step 2: Prepare the Sauce

1. In a saucepan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
2. Add the crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, and tomato paste (if using). Stir everything together and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes on low heat to thicken. Taste and adjust with salt and pepper as needed.
3. Remove from heat and set aside. If you prefer a smooth sauce, you can blend it for a finer texture.

Step 3: Preheat the Oven

1. Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven while it preheats to get it super hot for a crispy crust. If not, a regular baking sheet works just fine.

Step 4: Shape the Dough

1. Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release air bubbles. Divide the dough into 2 or 3 portions, depending on the size of the pizzas you want to make.
2. On a lightly floured surface, roll each portion of dough into a round shape. Use a rolling pin or your hands to stretch it into your desired thickness. If you like a thin crust, roll it out thinner, or keep it thicker for a more traditional pizza.

Step 5: Assemble the Pizzas

1. Transfer the dough to a parchment paper-lined baking sheet or pizza peel (if using a stone) to make transferring it into the oven easier.
2. Spread the sauce: Spoon and spread the tomato sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges for the crust.
3. Add cheese: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly over the sauce. You can add a mix of cheeses if you prefer, like provolone or cheddar, for added flavor.
4. Add toppings: Layer your favorite toppings such as pepperoni, sliced bell peppers, onions, olives, mushrooms, and more. Be creative! You can also add some fresh herbs like basil or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a little spice.

Step 6: Bake the Pizzas

1. Carefully transfer the pizza (with the parchment paper if using) into the preheated oven.
2. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and crispy and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Keep an eye on the pizza in the last few minutes to avoid burning.
3. Once done, remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for a minute or two before slicing.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

1. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese if desired.
2. Slice and serve immediately, enjoying your homemade pizza with your favorite sides or a crisp salad!

Tips for Success:

• Hot oven: For a crispier crust, make sure your oven is fully preheated to 475°F (245°C) or higher. If using a pizza stone, allow it to heat up in the oven for at least 30 minutes.
• Flour substitution: If you prefer a different type of flour, you can use whole wheat flour for a heartier pizza, or try bread flour for a slightly chewier crust.
• Customize the sauce: If you like a sweeter sauce, you can add a teaspoon of sugar to balance the acidity of the tomatoes. You can also add red pepper flakes to your sauce if you prefer some heat.
• Crispy crust: For an extra-crispy crust, brush the edges of the dough with a little olive oil before baking.

Nutritional Information (Per Slice, based on 8 slices per pizza):

Calories: 250-300 kcal
Protein: 12g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 4g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 20mg
Sodium: 400mg
Iron: 10% of the Daily Value (DV)

Conclusion:

This Homemade Pizza recipe is a delicious and customizable way to enjoy pizza at home. Whether you go for a classic margherita, a veggie-loaded masterpiece, or a meat-lovers dream, the homemade crust and sauce will elevate your pizza game. Plus, you can adjust the toppings to fit any preference, making it the perfect meal for everyone at the table! Enjoy a pizza night with family or friends and savor every cheesy, crispy bite.