Description
This homemade pizza recipe offers a deliciously crispy crust topped with savory pizza sauce, melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, and optional pepperoni. Perfect for a customizable pizza night, this easy-to-make dough yields a flavorful and satisfying classic Italian favorite.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Dough
- 2.25 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
- 1 packet instant yeast (approximately 2 1/4 teaspoons)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (plus extra for greasing)
- 0.75 cup warm water (about 110°F)
For the Toppings
- 1 cup pizza sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 0.5 cup sliced pepperoni (optional)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano (for garnish)
- 0.5 teaspoon dried basil (for garnish)
Instructions
- Combine Dough Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the all-purpose flour, instant yeast, salt, and sugar. Stir in olive oil and warm water until a shaggy dough forms, ensuring the ingredients are well incorporated.
- Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. This process helps develop the gluten for a tender crust.
- Let the Dough Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm spot until it doubles in size, approximately 1 hour.
- Preheat the Oven and Roll Dough: Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). Punch down the risen dough to release air, then roll it out on a floured surface into a 12-inch circle to fit your pizza stone or baking sheet.
- Add Toppings: Transfer the rolled dough to your baking surface. Spread pizza sauce evenly over the dough, sprinkle with shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheeses, and arrange pepperoni slices on top if desired.
- Bake the Pizza: Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes until the crust turns golden brown and cheese is bubbling and slightly browned.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the pizza from the oven and sprinkle dried oregano and basil on top as garnish. Slice and serve hot for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- For a crispier crust, use a pizza stone preheated in the oven.
- Feel free to customize toppings by adding vegetables or different cheeses.
- If you prefer a thinner crust, roll the dough out more thinly but reduce the baking time slightly to avoid burning.
- Ensure the water is warm (around 110°F) to properly activate the yeast without killing it.
- Leftover dough can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours or frozen for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of pizza
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
Keywords: homemade pizza, pizza dough, Italian recipe, easy pizza, classic pizza, mozzarella cheese pizza
