Homemade Pizza Recipe:

Start with the Basics

Written by: Carlo Quisenberry

Table of Contents

For the Dough:
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour (additional for dusting)
- 1 packet (¼ oz) active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- ¾ cup warm water (110°F/45°C)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
For the Toppings:
- ½ cup pizza sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Your choice of toppings (e.g., pepperoni, sliced bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, olives, etc.)

Prepare the Dough:
- In a small bowl, dissolve yeast and sugar in warm water. Let it sit for about 10 minutes until frothy.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture and olive oil. Stir until a soft dough forms.
- On a floured surface, knead the dough for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic. Add more flour if the dough is too sticky.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven to heat up.
Shape the Dough:
- Punch down the risen dough and turn it out onto a floured surface. Divide the dough into 2 balls for two medium pizzas, or keep it whole for one large pizza.
- Roll out the dough to your desired thickness. Transfer it to a pizza peel dusted with cornmeal or to a baking sheet.
Add Toppings:
- Spread pizza sauce evenly on the dough, leaving a small border for the crust.
- Sprinkle mozzarella cheese over the sauce.
- Add your chosen toppings.
Bake the Pizza:
- Transfer the pizza to the preheated oven (or onto the pizza stone) and bake for 12-15 minutes or until the crust is golden and cheese is bubbly.
- For a crisper crust, bake the pizza directly on the pizza stone.
Serve:
- Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes.
- Slice and serve hot.

Enjoy your homemade pizza! Feel free to experiment with different toppings and sauces to find your favorite combination.