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The Best Easy Homemade Pizza Recipe for Family Night

A thick slice of homemade pizza being pulled away, showing incredible cheese stretch and a fluffy crust.
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Make a delicious, classic homemade pizza from scratch. This recipe focuses on a reliable, easy pizza dough that yields a satisfying crust perfect for your favorite toppings.

Ingredients

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  • 1 packet active dry yeast (about 2 1/4 teaspoons)
  • 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
  • 1 cup warm water (105°F to 115°F)
  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil, plus more for the bowl
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup simple homemade pizza sauce
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • Your favorite pizza toppings (e.g., pepperoni, mushrooms)

Instructions

  1. Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, dissolve the sugar in the warm water. Sprinkle the yeast over the top and let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes until foamy.
  2. Mix the dough: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Pour in the yeast mixture and the 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Mix with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms.
  3. Knead the dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for 5 to 7 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
  4. First rise: Lightly grease a clean bowl with olive oil. Place the dough in the bowl, turning to coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel. Let the dough rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
  5. Preheat and prepare: About 30 minutes before the dough is ready, place a pizza stone or baking sheet in your oven and preheat to 475°F (245°C). This helps achieve a crispy crust pizza.
  6. Shape the dough: Gently punch down the risen dough. On a lightly floured surface, stretch or roll the dough into a 12-inch circle or desired shape for your sheet pan pizza idea.
  7. Assemble the pizza: Transfer the dough to a piece of parchment paper or a lightly oiled pizza peel. Spread the homemade pizza sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border. Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese and add your chosen toppings.
  8. Bake: Carefully slide the pizza (with the parchment paper, if using) onto the preheated stone or baking sheet in the oven. Bake for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
  9. Cool and serve: Remove the pizza from the oven. Let it cool for 5 minutes before slicing. Enjoy your homemade pizza!

Notes

  • For a chewier pizza dough, allow the dough to cold-proof in the refrigerator for 12 to 24 hours after the initial rise.
  • If you prefer a white garlic pizza sauce, substitute the tomato sauce with a simple mixture of olive oil, minced garlic, and grated Parmesan cheese.
  • To make this a quick weeknight pizza, use store-bought dough, but follow the shaping and baking instructions.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookingbycarla.com/best-easy-homemade-pizza-recipe/