Delicious Homemade Pizza—with a crispy crust, flavorful sauce, and endless topping options. Perfect for a family dinner or a fun weekend project!
Ingredients
Dough
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 1/4 cups warm water (110°F)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Pizza Sauce
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Toppings (Suggestions)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Pepperoni slices
- Fresh basil leaves
- Sliced vegetables (mushrooms, bell peppers, onions)
- Cooked sausage or bacon
- Olives, spinach, or arugula
Instructions
1. Prepare the Dough:
- In a small bowl, mix warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
- In a large bowl, combine flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture and olive oil. Stir until a dough forms.
- Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let rise in a warm spot for 1-1.5 hours, until doubled in size.
2. Prepare the Sauce:
- In a small saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, sugar, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and let cool.
3. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If using a pizza stone, place it in the oven to heat.
4. Assemble the Pizza:
- Punch down the risen dough and divide it into 2 equal portions for two pizzas.
- Roll each portion into a 12-inch circle on a floured surface. Transfer to a pizza pan or parchment paper for easy transfer.
- Spread a thin layer of sauce over the dough. Sprinkle cheese evenly, then add your favorite toppings.
5. Bake:
- Transfer the pizza to the oven (or onto the hot pizza stone). Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
6. Serve:
- Remove the pizza from the oven, let cool for 2-3 minutes, slice, and enjoy!
Pro Tips
- Crispier Crust: Brush olive oil on the edges of the dough before baking.
- Make It Cheesy: Add grated Parmesan to the crust before baking.
- Storage: Store leftover pizza in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for the best results.
- Customizable: Use gluten-free flour or vegan cheese to suit dietary preferences.
This homemade pizza is versatile, fun to make, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser! 🍕
