Homemade Pizza
Ingredients
- 2 ¼ teaspoons instant yeast
equal to 1 packet. See notes
- ¾ cup warm water
105-115° F
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose or bread flour)
plus up to 1/3 cup as needed (250-290 g
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
plus more for bowl/crust
- ½ cup pizza sauce
- 1 ½ cups mozzarella cheese
whole milk low moisture
- pizza toppings
as desired
- Roughly chopped parsley
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Red pepper flakes
Directions
- 1
In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast and sugar in the warm water. (The warm water and sugar activates the yeast.) Cover with plastic wrap and set aside for 5 minutes.
- 2
In a large bowl, add the salt, garlic powder, and 1/2 of the flour. Stir to combine. Add the warm water/yeast mixture and the olive oil. Use a wooden spoon to stir well, then gradually stir in the remaining cup of flour. Continue to stir until an elastic ball has formed, slightly sticking to the sides of the bowl.
- 3
Dust your hands with flour and knead the dough in the bowl for 3-5 minutes. If the dough becomes too sticky, gradually add additional flour in small dustings, up to 1/3 cup additional. If you poke the dough with your finger and it slowly comes back, it’s ready to rise. Shape into a ball.
- 4
Drizzle a separate large glass bowl with a little olive oil and use a pastry brush to distribute the oil on the bottom and sides. Add the ball of dough. Cover with plastic wrap and allow it to rise for 30-60+ minutes, until doubled in size. (This gives time to for the gluten to develop, which allows the dough to stretch without breaking.) You can also let it rise in the fridge overnight.
- 5
Preheat oven to 450° F during the last 30+ minutes to ensure it has plenty of time to get fully up to temperature. Place the pizza pan (or stone) in the oven as it preheats.
- 6
Gently punch down the dough and knead it 5 times to smooth it out.
- 7
Spread the dough into an even 12-inch circle, either with your hands or with a rolling pin. (I also like to use my fingers to form a crust along the edge.)
- 8
Remove the pizza pan from the oven and sprinkle it with a thin, even layer of flour. Transfer the dough onto it.
- 9
Use a fork to gently poke holes in the dough to prevent the crust from bubbling up as it bakes. Drizzle it with 1 tablespoon olive oil and use a pastry brush to spread it out over the dough.
- 10
Top with pizza sauce, cheese, and toppings.
- 11
Bake for 13-15 minutes. Even if the cheese is melted, give the crust enough time to cook and crisp on the bottom, resist the urge to remove it too early, but don’t let it get too brown on the top. Mine takes 15 minutes exactly.
- 12
Remove the pizza from the oven and use a spatula to lift the crust to check the bottom, ensuring it’s slightly browned and crisp.
- 13
Garnish with parsley, grated Parmesan, and red pepper flakes if desired. Slice and serve!
Homemade Pizza
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Ratings & Reviews
Based on 7 ratings
Rating Breakdown
About this Recipe
Tired of lackluster takeout? Imagine biting into a slice of perfectly golden, crispy-edged pizza, generously topped with your favorite ingredients, all made in your own kitchen. This Homemade Pizza recipe makes that dream a delicious reality, promising a satisfying meal that rivals your favorite pizzeria.
What makes this recipe truly special is its foundation: a fantastic homemade dough. Crafted with instant yeast, warm water, a touch of sugar, and a blend of all-purpose or bread flour, it's designed to be both forgiving and flavorful. The addition of olive oil and a whisper of garlic powder in the dough itself creates a crust that's rich and aromatic, ready to bake up into pure perfection. It’s a simple process that yields incredible results, transforming basic ingredients into something extraordinary.
Expect a pizza experience that's both comforting and customizable. The crust will be wonderfully crisp on the outside with a satisfying chew, providing the ideal canvas for a vibrant pizza sauce and gooey, melted whole milk low-moisture mozzarella cheese. Each bite offers a harmonious blend of textures and savory flavors, from the robustness of the cheese to the freshness of your chosen toppings. It's a truly hands-on, rewarding cooking experience that culminates in a meal everyone will love.
This recipe is incredibly versatile, inviting you to experiment with your culinary creativity. Feel free to swap out the classic mozzarella for a blend of provolone and cheddar, or add a sprinkle of smoked gouda for a different twist. Beyond the suggested parsley, Parmesan, and red pepper flakes, consider adding cooked crumbled sausage, sliced bell peppers, mushrooms, or olives to your desired pizza toppings. The dough’s robust flavor also holds up beautifully to vegetarian options like roasted vegetables or a pesto base.
Homemade pizza is perfect for casual family dinners, lively game nights, or a fun weekend project. Serve it hot from the oven, garnished with freshly chopped parsley, a generous dusting of freshly grated Parmesan cheese, and a pinch of red pepper flakes for those who enjoy a little heat.