There’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of creating your own homemade pizza, from mixing the dough to adding your favorite toppings. While ordering pizza may be tempting, homemade pizza offers a delicious and customizable experience that no delivery can match. Today, we’ll break down the steps to crafting a delicious pizza with a golden, crispy crust, flavorful sauce, and mouth-watering toppings that will have everyone reaching for seconds!
This recipe will give you a dough that’s both crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, and we’ll also share three classic pizza styles for inspiration: the fresh and simple Margherita, the rich and cheesy Bianca, and the beloved Pepperoni. Ready to become a homemade pizza pro? Let’s get started!
Ingredients for the Dough (Makes 4 Large Pizzas)
- Warm Water: 2 ½ cups (600 mL)
- Sugar: 1 teaspoon
- Active Dry Yeast: 2 teaspoons
- All-Purpose Flour: 7 cups (875 g), plus extra for dusting
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: 6 tablespoons, plus more for greasing
- Kosher Salt: 1 ½ teaspoons
- Semolina Flour: ¼ cup (30 g) (optional, for dusting)
For the Tomato Sauce
- Canned Whole Tomatoes: 28 oz (795 g)
- Kosher Salt: 1 tablespoon
Topping Ideas
- Margherita Pizza: Tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella, and basil leaves
- Bianca (White) Pizza: Olive oil, ricotta cheese, mozzarella, pesto, and dried oregano
- Pepperoni Pizza: Tomato sauce, mozzarella, spicy pepperoni, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Step 1: Preparing the Dough
- Bloom the Yeast: In a bowl, combine warm water with sugar and sprinkle in the yeast. Let it sit for about 10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
- Mix the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt, and make a well in the center. Pour in the olive oil and bloomed yeast mixture. Stir until the dough starts to come together.
- Knead the Dough: Turn the dough onto a clean, lightly floured surface. Knead for 10-15 minutes until the dough becomes soft, smooth, and slightly bouncy. This kneading step is crucial for the dough’s texture, so take your time!
- First Rise: Grease a large bowl with olive oil, place the dough in, and turn to coat. Cover with plastic wrap and let it rise for at least 1 hour (or up to 24 hours in the fridge for a more developed flavor).
Step 2: Preparing the Sauce
While the dough rises, prepare the sauce. In a bowl or blender, add salt to the canned tomatoes and blend until smooth. This no-cook tomato sauce keeps the flavors fresh and simple. You can also add fresh basil, a pinch of sugar, or garlic if desired.
Step 3: Shaping the Dough
Divide and Rest: After the first rise, punch down the dough, turn it onto a lightly floured surface, and divide it into four equal portions. Shape each portion into a round, cover with a towel, and let them rest for another 30 minutes.
Form the Pizza Base: To shape the dough, use your fingers to gently press and stretch it into a round, thin shape. Be careful not to overwork it—air bubbles are a good thing! For best results, make the dough a bit thinner than you think, as it will puff up in the oven.
Step 4: Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to the highest temperature it can reach, between 450-500°F (230-260°C). If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven to preheat as well; this will help create a crispy crust.
Step 5: Assemble and Bake
- Add Toppings: Sprinkle a bit of semolina flour on a baking sheet or pizza peel to prevent sticking. Place your pizza base on top, then add a thin layer of sauce and your chosen toppings. Less is more adding too many toppings can weigh down the crust and make it soggy.
- Bake: Carefully slide the pizza onto the preheated stone or baking sheet. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly.
Step 6: Enjoy!
Once your pizza is out of the oven, let it cool for a minute or two, then add any finishing touches like fresh basil, a drizzle of olive oil, or a sprinkle of Parmesan. Slice and enjoy!
Pizza Variations to Try
- Margherita: For a classic, top with tomato sauce, torn mozzarella, and basil leaves.
- Bianca (White Pizza): Skip the tomato sauce and drizzle with olive oil. Add ricotta, mozzarella, and a touch of pesto for a rich, savory treat.
- Pepperoni: Cover with tomato sauce, mozzarella, and spicy pepperoni slices, then finish with grated Parmesan for that extra burst of flavor.
Tips for Perfect Homemade Pizza Every Time
- Use High-Quality Ingredients: Fresh mozzarella, real olive oil, and good tomatoes make all the difference.
- Hotter is Better: Pizza bakes best at high temperatures, so let your oven get as hot as possible.
- Don’t Overload: Too many toppings can lead to a soggy crust; keep it light and simple for best results.
- Experiment with Flours: A little semolina flour on the peel and in the dough can add great texture to the crust.
Homemade pizza may require a bit of patience, but the rewards are well worth the effort. Enjoy the process, experiment with toppings, and soon you’ll have your very own “house special” pizza that everyone will love. Happy baking!
