There’s something magical about making pizza from scratch. The smell of baking dough, gooey cheese, and bubbling sauce is pure happiness! Here’s how to craft your own delicious pizza at home.
1. Make the Dough (or Use Store-Bought)
Homemade Dough (makes 2 medium pizzas):
- 2 cups (250g) bread or all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup (180ml) warm water
- 1 teaspoon instant or active dry yeast
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, mix warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
- Add flour, salt, and olive oil.
- Mix until a shaggy dough forms, then knead for 5–8 minutes until smooth and elastic. (Or use a stand mixer with a dough hook.)
- Place dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place for 1–2 hours, until doubled.
Short on time?
Use store-bought pizza dough or even flatbread as your base!
2. Prepare Your Sauce
- Classic Quick Sauce:
- 1 cup canned crushed tomatoes
- 1–2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- Salt, pepper, and a pinch of dried oregano or basil
Mix ingredients in a bowl—no need to cook! For extra depth, simmer on the stove for 10–15 minutes.
3. Get Toppings Ready
Must-haves:
- Shredded mozzarella cheese
- Your favorite toppings: pepperoni, mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, olives, sausage, fresh basil, etc.
Pro tip: Less is more—don’t overload or you’ll get a soggy crust!
4. Preheat Your Oven HOT
- Preheat to 500°F (260°C) or as high as your oven goes—at least 450°F (230°C).
- If you have a pizza stone or steel, put it in the oven now. Otherwise, an upside-down baking sheet works too.
5. Shape the Dough
- Punch down the risen dough and divide in two.
- On a floured surface, gently stretch or roll into a 12-inch circle. Don’t worry about perfect shape—rustic is beautiful!
- Transfer to a piece of parchment paper or a floured pizza peel.
6. Assemble Your Pizza
- Spread a thin layer of sauce over the dough (leave a border for the crust).
- Sprinkle with mozzarella.
- Add your chosen toppings.
- Drizzle a little olive oil on the crust for extra golden crunch, if you like.
7. Bake!
- Slide pizza (with parchment) onto the hot stone or baking sheet.
- Bake 10–14 minutes, until the crust is golden and cheese is bubbly and starting to brown.
- (Ovens vary—keep an eye on it!)
8. Slice & Savor
- Let it cool for a minute or two.
- Slice, sprinkle with fresh basil or chili flakes, and dig in!
Extra Tips for Pizza Night
- For a crispy crust: Pre-bake the plain dough for 2–3 minutes before adding toppings.
- For chewy Neapolitan style: Use “00” flour and a high-hydration dough (more water).
- For a fun twist: Brush the crust with garlic butter before or after baking.
That’s it!
Homemade pizza is easy, fun, and totally customizable. Once you’ve mastered the basics, experiment with sauces, cheeses, and toppings.
