Easy homemade pizza is a delicious and fun meal that everyone can enjoy. It’s surprisingly simple to make, and you can customize it with your favorite toppings. Here’s a basic recipe to get you started:
Ingredients:
- For the dough:
- 1 1/2 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 1/4 cups warm water (105°F to 115°F)
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- For the sauce:
- 1 (15-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
- For the toppings:
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Your favorite toppings, such as pepperoni, sausage, mushrooms, onions, peppers, olives, etc.
Instructions:
- Make the dough: In a large bowl, combine the yeast, sugar, and warm water. Let sit for 5 minutes, until the yeast is foamy. Stir in the flour, salt, and olive oil until a dough forms. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 5 minutes, until smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour.
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Make the sauce: While the dough is rising, combine the crushed tomatoes, olive oil, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and red pepper flakes (if using) in a saucepan. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
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Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
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Assemble the pizza: Once the dough has doubled in size, roll it out on a lightly floured surface to a 12-inch circle. Transfer the dough to a greased pizza pan or baking sheet. Spread the sauce over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border around the edge.
- Add toppings: Top the pizza with your favorite toppings. I used mozzarella cheese, pepperoni, sausage, mushrooms, and onions.
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Bake the pizza: Bake the pizza for 15-20 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
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Slice and serve: Let the pizza cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Tips:
- For a chewier crust, let the dough rise for an additional 30 minutes after rolling it out.
- You can use store-bought pizza dough if you’re short on time.
- Get creative with your toppings! There are endless possibilities.
- Leftover pizza can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Enjoy your delicious homemade pizza!
Here are some additional tips for making easy homemade pizza:
- If you don’t have a pizza stone, you can bake the pizza on a baking sheet. Just preheat the baking sheet in the oven for 10 minutes before adding the pizza.
- You can also grill your pizza for a smoky flavor. Just preheat your grill to medium-high heat and cook the pizza for 5-7 minutes per side, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- For a vegan pizza, use vegan cheese and toppings.
- Make it a family activity! Let everyone help assemble their own pizzas.
With a little practice, you’ll be a homemade pizza pro in no time!
