Easy Pizza Recipe: Homemade Deliciousness in Minutes
Making pizza at home doesn't have to be a culinary marathon! This easy pizza recipe delivers restaurant-quality taste in a fraction of the time. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a fun family activity, this recipe is adaptable to your favorite toppings. Let's get started!
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe uses readily available ingredients, making it perfect for beginner cooks.
For the Pizza Dough:
- 1 cup warm water (105-115°F)
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Pizza Sauce:
- 1 (15-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Toppings: (Get creative!)
- Your favorite cheese: Mozzarella is classic, but provolone, parmesan, or a blend work wonderfully.
- Vegetables: Onions, peppers, mushrooms, olives, spinach – the possibilities are endless!
- Meats: Pepperoni, sausage, ham, bacon – whatever you crave.
Easy Pizza Recipe Instructions:
Step 1: Make the Pizza Dough
- In a large bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let stand for 5-10 minutes until foamy. This proves the yeast is active and ready to work its magic!
- Add flour and salt to the yeast mixture. Stir until a shaggy dough forms.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes, or until smooth and elastic. Add a little more flour if needed to prevent sticking.
- Add olive oil to the dough and knead for another minute to incorporate.
- Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
Step 2: Prepare the Pizza Sauce
- While the dough is rising, combine crushed tomatoes, minced garlic, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper in a saucepan.
- Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened.
Step 3: Assemble and Bake Your Pizza
- Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C).
- Punch down the risen dough and roll it out to your desired thickness and shape.
- Transfer the dough to a pizza pan or baking sheet.
- Spread the pizza sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border for the crust.
- Sprinkle with your choice of cheese and toppings.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 4: Enjoy Your Homemade Pizza!
Let the pizza cool slightly before slicing and serving. Enjoy your delicious, homemade creation!
Tips for Pizza Perfection:
- For a crispier crust: Pre-bake the crust for 5-7 minutes before adding toppings.
- Don't overload with toppings: Too many toppings can make the crust soggy.
- Experiment with flavors: Get creative with your toppings and create your own signature pizza!
- Use a pizza stone: For an extra-crispy crust, bake your pizza on a pizza stone.
This easy pizza recipe is a great starting point for your pizza-making adventures. With a little practice, you'll be crafting delicious, personalized pizzas in no time! Happy baking!
