Making pizza at home can be a fun and rewarding experience. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create delicious homemade pizza that suits your taste. This recipe includes a straightforward way to make both the pizza dough and the pizza itself, giving you full control over toppings and flavors.
Why Make This Recipe
Homemade pizza allows you to customize your toppings and use fresh ingredients. It can also be a great activity to do with family or friends. You can experiment with different flavors, and it’s often healthier than store-bought options. Plus, there’s nothing quite like the smell of fresh pizza baking in your oven!
How to Make Homemade Pizza
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup warm water (110 degrees)
- 1 1/4 cup room temperature water
- 1 tbsp active dry yeast
- 1 tsp granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoon coarse kosher sea salt
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cups all-purpose flour (plus more as needed for the work surface)
Directions:
- In a 2-cup liquid measuring cup, add 1/2 cup warm water and mix in the yeast. Sprinkle the sugar on top. Let it sit for 5–7 minutes until it puffs up.
- Add the olive oil and room temperature water to the yeast mixture. Whisk gently to combine.
- In the bowl of a stand mixer with the paddle attachment, mix the salt and flour. Pour in the water mixture. When the dough starts forming a ball, switch to the dough hook.
- Knead the dough on low speed for 4–5 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough ball in a large, greased bowl (using olive oil is best). Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and let it rise for 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
- Once risen, punch down the dough to deflate it. Turn it onto a lightly floured surface and divide it into two or three balls, depending on how many pizzas you want.
- Roll out each dough ball on a floured surface. Transfer it to a pizza pan and fold the edges over to make a crust.
- Add your favorite toppings on the pizza and bake it at 450 degrees Fahrenheit (232 degrees Celsius) for 8–12 minutes or until fully cooked.
How to Serve Homemade Pizza
Homemade pizza is best served hot out of the oven. Slice it into wedges for easy sharing. Pair it with a fresh salad or a side of garlic bread for a complete meal. Don’t forget to add your favorite dipping sauces on the side!
How to Store Homemade Pizza
If you have leftovers, let the pizza cool completely. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze slices wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake in the oven until warmed through.
Tips to Make Homemade Pizza
- Use high-quality ingredients, especially for the toppings.
- If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour as you knead.
- Let your pizza stone heat up for better crust texture.
- Experiment with different types of cheese and sauces.
Variation
You can make various types of pizzas with this dough. Try adding herbs like oregano or basil to the dough for extra flavor. You can also use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour for a healthier option.
FAQs
Q: Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
A: Yes, you can use instant yeast. Just mix it directly with the flour without needing to activate it in warm water.
Q: Can I make the dough ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance. After it has risen, store it in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze it for longer storage.
Q: What toppings can I use?
A: You can use any toppings you like! Some popular choices include tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, pepperoni, bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, and fresh herbs. Be creative!
Homemade Pizza
Ingredients
For the Pizza Dough
- 0.5 cup 1/2 cup warm water (110 degrees) This water should be warm to activate the yeast.
- 1.25 cup 1 1/4 cup room temperature water
- 1 tbsp 1 tbsp active dry yeast Can substitute with instant yeast.
- 1 tsp 1 tsp granulated sugar Helps to activate the yeast.
- 1.5 tsp 1 1/2 teaspoon coarse kosher sea salt
- 2 tbsp 2 tbsp olive oil Used for greasing the bowl.
- 4 cups 4 cups all-purpose flour Plus more for the work surface as needed.
For Toppings
- Your favorite toppings (e.g., tomato sauce, cheese, pepperoni, etc.) Feel free to get creative with your toppings!
Instructions
Prepare the Dough
- In a 2-cup liquid measuring cup, add 1/2 cup warm water and mix in the yeast. Sprinkle the sugar on top. Let it sit for 5–7 minutes until it puffs up.
- Add the olive oil and room temperature water to the yeast mixture. Whisk gently to combine.
- In the bowl of a stand mixer with the paddle attachment, mix the salt and flour. Pour in the water mixture.
- When the dough starts forming a ball, switch to the dough hook.
- Knead the dough on low speed for 4–5 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough ball in a large, greased bowl and cover it tightly with plastic wrap. Let it rise for 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
Shape the Dough
- Once risen, punch down the dough to deflate it. Turn it onto a lightly floured surface and divide it into two or three balls.
- Roll out each dough ball on a floured surface and transfer it to a pizza pan.
- Fold the edges over to make a crust.
Bake the Pizza
- Add your favorite toppings on the pizza.
- Bake it at 450 degrees Fahrenheit (232 degrees Celsius) for 8–12 minutes or until fully cooked.
