Description
This Perfect Homemade Pizza recipe guides you through making a delicious, classic pizza from scratch, including a fresh yeast dough, flavorful tomato sauce, and the option to customize with your favorite toppings. Ideal for a cozy meal, this recipe yields two 12-inch pizzas with a golden crust and melted cheese topping.
Ingredients
Scale
For the 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, for extra flavor)
For the 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 and let it sit for 5 minutes until frothy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Mix and Knead Dough: In a large bowl, combine flour, salt, and optional garlic powder. Add the yeast mixture and olive oil, stirring to combine. Knead the dough for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Let Dough Rise: Shape the dough into a ball, cover with a damp cloth, and set it aside in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours, or 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 optional red pepper flakes. Season with salt and pepper, simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Preheat Oven and Shape Dough: Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). Once risen, punch down the dough and divide it into two equal parts. Roll each into a thin circle or desired shape on a lightly floured surface.
- Assemble Pizza: Place dough on a pizza stone or baking sheet. Spread sauce evenly, then top with mozzarella, Parmesan, and your chosen additional toppings.
- Bake: Bake pizzas in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes until crust is golden and cheese is bubbly and lightly browned.
- Serve: Remove from oven, garnish with fresh basil if desired, slice, and enjoy your homemade pizza!
Notes
- Ensure water used for yeast activation is warm but not hot to avoid killing the yeast.
- You can substitute all-purpose flour with bread flour for a chewier crust.
- Letting the dough rise in a warm, draft-free area will improve texture.
- Customize toppings to your preference; pre-cook any raw meats or vegetables.
- If you don’t have a pizza stone, a baking sheet works as a suitable alternative.
- For a crispier crust, bake the pizza on a preheated stone or steel.
- Store leftover pizza in the refrigerator and reheat in an oven or skillet to keep crust crisp.
