Homemade Pizza Recipe – Easy & Delicious Guide

Nothing beats the taste of a freshly made pizza straight out of the oven, especially when it’s homemade. With a crispy crust, tangy tomato sauce, gooey cheese, and your favorite toppings, a homemade pizza is not only delicious but also customizable to suit your taste. Whether you’re making it for a casual dinner, a family gathering, or a weekend treat, this Homemade Pizza Recipe will guide you through every step to achieve the perfect pizza right in your kitchen.

This recipe is simple, using everyday ingredients, and does not require any fancy equipment. You will learn how to make pizza dough from scratch, prepare a flavorful pizza sauce, and bake your pizza to perfection. Follow along and get ready to enjoy a restaurant-quality pizza made at home!

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving – 1 Slice)

• Calories: 250 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Protein: 10g
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Cholesterol: 20mg
• Sodium: 500mg
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 3g

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Active Time: 20 minutes
• Resting Time: 1 hour (for dough rising)
• Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
• Cuisine: Italian
• Course: Main Course
• Servings: 4 (Makes one large pizza or two medium pizzas)
• Calories per Serving: 250 kcal

Equipment Needed

• Large mixing bowl
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Rolling pin
• Baking sheet or pizza stone
• Parchment paper
• Pizza cutter
• Oven

Ingredients

For the Pizza Dough:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• ¾ cup warm water (110°F)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

For the Pizza Sauce:

• 1 cup canned crushed tomatoes
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon sugar
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

For the Toppings:

• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup sliced pepperoni (optional)
• ½ cup sliced bell peppers, mushrooms, or any preferred veggies
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Fresh basil leaves (for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Pizza Dough

1. In a small bowl, mix warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture and olive oil.
3. Mix until a dough forms, then knead on a floured surface for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
4. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise for 1 hour until it doubles in size.

Step 2: Make the Pizza Sauce

1. In a saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add crushed tomatoes, oregano, garlic powder, salt, sugar, and black pepper.
3. Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Set aside to cool.

Step 3: Assemble the Pizza

1. Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If using a pizza stone, place it in the oven while preheating.
2. Punch down the risen dough and roll it out into a 12-inch circle on a floured surface.
3. Transfer the dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet or a preheated pizza stone.
4. Spread an even layer of pizza sauce over the dough, leaving a small border for the crust.
5. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce.
6. Add your choice of toppings such as pepperoni, bell peppers, or mushrooms.

Step 4: Bake the Pizza

1. Place the pizza in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
2. Remove from the oven and let it cool for a couple of minutes.
3. Garnish with fresh basil leaves, slice, and serve hot.

Tips for the Best Homemade Pizza

• Use a pizza stone: It helps achieve a crispy crust by evenly distributing heat.
• Preheat the oven well: A high temperature ensures the best results.
• Don’t overload with toppings: Too many toppings can make the crust soggy.
• Experiment with flavors: Try different cheeses, sauces, and toppings to create your signature pizza.

Variations

1. Margherita Pizza

• Use fresh mozzarella and fresh basil with a light tomato sauce base.

2. BBQ Chicken Pizza

• Replace tomato sauce with BBQ sauce, add cooked chicken, red onions, and cheddar cheese.

3. Vegetarian Delight

• Load up with veggies like olives, mushrooms, onions, and spinach for a healthy alternative.

4. Meat Lover’s Pizza

• Add sausage, bacon, pepperoni, and ham for a protein-packed meal.

Conclusion

Making your own pizza at home is not only fun but also allows you to customize it exactly how you like it. Whether you prefer a classic cheese pizza, a veggie-loaded delight, or a meat-lover’s feast, this Homemade Pizza Recipe gives you a perfect base to experiment with. Once you try this recipe, you may never want to order takeout pizza again. Enjoy your homemade masterpiece with family and friends!

Now that you know how to make the perfect homemade pizza, it’s time to put your skills to the test. Happy baking!