Description
This Perfect Homemade Pizza recipe guides you through creating a delicious, classic pizza from scratch, featuring a crispy homemade dough, flavorful tomato sauce, and a blend of cheeses topped with your favorite ingredients. Ideal for a cozy meal for two, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality pizza in the comfort of your home.
Ingredients
Scale
Dough
- 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
- 1 1/2 cups warm water (110°F/45°C)
- 1 tsp sugar
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp garlic powder (optional)
Tomato Sauce
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Toppings
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil leaves (optional, for garnish)
- Additional toppings of your choice (e.g., pepperoni, bell peppers, mushrooms, olives, onions, etc.)
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast and sugar in warm water (110°F/45°C). Let it sit for 5 minutes until the mixture is frothy, indicating that the yeast is active.
- Mix and Knead: In a large bowl, combine flour, salt, and garlic powder if using. Add the yeast mixture and olive oil, stirring to combine. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- Let Dough Rise: Shape the dough into a ball, place it in a lightly oiled bowl, and cover with a damp cloth. Let it rise in a warm spot for 1 to 1.5 hours until doubled in size.
- Prepare the Sauce: While the dough rises, heat olive oil in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add tomato sauce, oregano, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes if using. Season with salt and pepper, then simmer the sauce gently for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 475°F (245°C) and allow it to fully preheat for optimal baking temperature.
- Shape the Pizza Base: Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release air, divide into two equal parts. Roll each portion into a thin circle or your preferred shape on a lightly floured surface.
- Assemble the Pizza: Place the rolled dough onto a pizza stone or baking sheet. Spread the prepared tomato sauce evenly over the base, then sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Add your favorite toppings as desired.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
- Serve: Remove pizza from the oven. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired. Slice and enjoy your homemade pizza fresh and hot.
Notes
- Make sure the water for yeast activation is warm but not hot, as high temperatures can kill the yeast.
- You can substitute all-purpose flour with bread flour for a chewier crust.
- If you don’t have a pizza stone, use a baking sheet and preheat it to mimic the effect.
- Customize toppings to your preference, such as vegetarian options or meats.
- For a crispier crust, bake on the lowest rack of the oven or use a pizza stone.
- Leftover pizza can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven for best results.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pizza (half of the recipe)
- Calories: 700
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 90g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
