Homemade Pizza Recipe – Easy & Authentic

This homemade pizza recipe creates authentic Italian-style pizza at home in 90 minutes. The homemade pizza recipe includes easy dough, flavorful sauce, and perfect toppings. Simple ingredients, better than delivery.

Homemade Pizza Recipe

Costs less than delivery. Control all ingredients – healthier, no preservatives. Fresh ingredients taste superior. Fun family activity.

Needs flour, water, yeast, salt, and olive oil. Proper kneading creates a chewy texture. Rising develops air bubbles for light crust. The dough should be soft and slightly sticky.

Simple tomato sauce with crushed tomatoes, garlic, herbs. Thin layer – don’t overload. Fresh mozzarella melts best. Less is more for authentic pizza.

How to make Homemade Pizza – Step by Step

Key Steps:

1. Activate yeast in warm water (110°F)
2. Mix flour, salt, add yeast mixture and oil
3. Knead 8-10 minutes until smooth
4. Rise 1-2 hours until doubled
5. Shape and stretch dough
6. Top sparingly
7. Bake at highest temp (475-500°F)

Equipment

• Large mixing bowl
• Measuring cups/spoons
• Pizza stone or baking sheet
• Pizza peel or parchment paper
• Pizza cutter
• Kitchen towel

Ingredients

Dough:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
• 1 cup warm water (110°F)
• 1 tsp sugar
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 1/2 tsp salt

Sauce:

• 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp oregano
• 1 tsp basil
• Salt and pepper

Toppings:

• 2 cups shredded mozzarella
• Fresh basil
• Pepperoni, mushrooms, peppers (optional)

Instructions

1. Mix warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
2. Combine flour and salt. Make well, add yeast mixture and oil.
3. Stir until dough forms. Knead on a floured surface for 8-10 minutes.
4. Place in oiled bowl, cover. Rise 1-2 hours until doubled.
5. While rising, make sauce: Cook garlic in oil for 1 minute. Add tomatoes, herbs. Simmer for 15-20 minutes.
6. Preheat the oven to 475-500°F with pizza stone for 30 minutes.
7. Punch down dough. Divide into 2-3 portions. Rest 10 minutes.
8. Stretch each portion into a 12-inch circle. Don’t use a rolling pin.
9. Place on floured peel or parchment. Spread thin sauce layer.
10. Add mozzarella and toppings sparingly. Brush the crust with oil.
11. Slide onto a hot stone. Bake for 10-15 minutes until golden.
12. Cool 2-3 minutes. Slice and serve.

Notes

Storage: Refrigerate dough 3 days or freeze 3 months. Bring to room temp before using.

Quick Option: Use store-bought dough.

Crispy Crust: Highest oven temp. Preheat the stone for 30 minutes. Par-bake dough 5 minutes before topping.

Toppings Order: Sauce, cheese, then other toppings.

Pizza Stone: Creates crispier crust. Must preheat fully.

Nutrition

Per slice (8 slices):

 285 calories

12g protein

38g carbs

 9g fat

Conclusion

Homemade pizza is simple and better than delivery. Easy dough, quick sauce, endless topping options. Master this recipe and customize forever.

FAQs

Can I make dough without yeast?

 Yes. Use 2 cups flour, 2 tsp baking powder, 3/4 cup water, 2 tbsp oil. No rising needed but different texture.

Why isn’t my dough rising? 

Expired yeast or wrong water temperature. Use 110°F water and fresh yeast.

How to prevent soggy crust? 

Less sauce, don’t overload toppings. High temp (475-500°F). Preheat the stone properly.

Can I freeze the dough? 

Yes. After the first rise, wrap portions tightly. Freeze 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight.

Best cheese for pizza? 

Fresh mozzarella for authentic flavor. Low-moisture mozzarella for less water. Mix with parmesan for complexity.