Nothing beats the smell of fresh pizza baking in your oven—except maybe the taste of that first hot, cheesy bite. Making pizza at home is easier than you think, and it lets you customize every detail, from the crust thickness to the toppings. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned home cook, this guide will walk you through the steps to make a delicious homemade pizza.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Dough:
- 2 ¼ tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast
- 1 ½ cups warm water (about 110°F/45°C)
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp salt
For the Sauce:
- 1 can (15 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Toppings (Customize as you like!):
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Pepperoni slices, mushrooms, onions, bell peppers, olives, or any other favorites
- Fresh basil or arugula (optional garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Make the Dough
- In a bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until it gets foamy.
- Add flour, olive oil, and salt. Mix until it forms a rough dough.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place it in an oiled bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
2. Prepare the Sauce
- In a saucepan over medium heat, sauté the garlic in olive oil for 1 minute.
- Add crushed tomatoes, oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Preheat Your Oven
- Set your oven to 475°F (245°C). If you have a pizza stone, place it inside while the oven heats.
4. Shape the Dough
- Punch down the risen dough and divide it in half if making two pizzas.
- Roll or stretch the dough into a circle (or rectangle) about ¼ inch thick.
- Place it on a parchment-lined baking sheet or pizza peel.
- Read also: How to make Kesar Gulab jamun
5. Add Sauce and Toppings
- Spread a thin layer of sauce over the dough.
- Sprinkle evenly with cheese and then your favorite toppings.
6. Bake
- Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbling.
- For a crispier crust, bake directly on a hot pizza stone or steel.
7. Serve and Enjoy
- Let the pizza cool for a couple of minutes, slice it up, and dig in!
- Garnish with fresh basil or a drizzle of olive oil if desired.
Tips for the Best Homemade Pizza
- Want a crispier crust? Use bread flour instead of all-purpose flour.
- No time to make sauce? Use store-bought marinara or pesto.
- Leftover dough? Freeze it in an airtight bag for later use.
Making pizza at home is not just about food—it’s an experience. So put on your favorite music, get your hands a little messy, and enjoy the satisfaction of crafting your own pizza masterpiece from scratch.