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Easy Homemade Pizza Recipe for Family Pizza Night

A thick, golden slice of homemade pizza showing a fluffy crust and bubbly, browned cheese and sauce.
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Learn how to make the best homemade pizza with a simple, no-fuss dough that works for quick weeknight dinners or weekend baking. This recipe focuses on achieving a crispy crust and allows for endless customization of your favorite toppings.

Ingredients

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  • 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1 cup warm water (about 105-115°F)
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil, plus more for greasing
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup pizza sauce from scratch (or store-bought)
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • Your favorite toppings (pepperoni, vegetables, cooked chicken)

Instructions

  1. Activate the yeast: In a large bowl, dissolve the sugar in the warm water. Sprinkle the yeast over the top and let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes until foamy.
  2. Mix the dough: Add the flour, olive oil, and salt to the yeast mixture. Mix with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms.
  3. Knead: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for 5 to 7 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. If you are short on time, knead for 3 minutes for a quicker, slightly less chewy crust.
  4. First rise: Lightly grease a clean bowl with olive oil. Place the dough in the bowl, turning to coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean towel and let it rise in a warm place for 60 to 90 minutes, or until doubled in size. For a faster result, use the 1-hour dough method.
  5. Preheat and prepare: Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If using a pizza stone, place it in the oven while preheating. If using a sheet pan, lightly grease it or line it with parchment paper.
  6. Shape the crust: Punch down the risen dough gently. Divide it in half for two medium pizzas or use it all for one large sheet pan pizza. Stretch or roll the dough to your desired thickness and shape on your prepared surface.
  7. Assemble: Spread the pizza sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border for the crust. Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese, then add your chosen toppings.
  8. Bake: Carefully transfer the pizza to the preheated stone or place the sheet pan in the oven. Bake for 10 to 15 minutes, rotating halfway through, until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
  9. Serve: Remove from the oven, let it cool for a few minutes, slice, and enjoy your homemade pizza masterpiece.

Notes

  • For a crispier crust, use a pizza stone and let the dough rest for an overnight cold fermentation in the refrigerator instead of the 1-hour rise.
  • If you want a thicker, softer crust, use the sheet pan pizza directions and let the dough rest directly in the pan while the oven preheats.
  • Make your own simple pizza sauce by simmering crushed tomatoes with garlic powder, oregano, and a pinch of salt for 15 minutes.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://yumdrizzle.com/homemade-pizza-easy-recipe-family-dinner/