Classic Homemade Pizza: The Easiest Dough Recipe Ever!

classic homemade pizza is more than just a meal, it’s an experience. It’s the aroma of yeast and bubbling cheese that fills the kitchen, the laughter shared while stretching dough, and the satisfaction of creating something delicious from scratch. Growing up, Friday night meant classic homemade pizza night, a tradition filled with flour-dusted faces and friendly competition for the first slice.

This recipe isn’t just about following instructions, it’s about creating your own memories. Let’s embark on a delicious journey of crafting the perfect, satisfying classic homemade pizza!

Why You Will Love This classic homemade pizza Recipe

This classic homemade pizza recipe is all about comfort, ease, and incredible flavor. Forget takeout tonight! This recipe is simpler than you think, and the taste far surpasses anything storebought. The crust is perfectly chewy and crisp, and you can customize it with all your favorite toppings.

There’s something incredibly satisfying about kneading your own dough and seeing it transform into something edible. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to get kids involved in the kitchen. It’s a delicious memory in the making! This is a good use of your “pizza dough recipe” skills to create a one-of-a-kind meal!

Ingredients Needed for This classic homemade pizza Recipe

For the Dough:

• 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 cups warm water (105 degrees F to 115 degrees F)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil, plus more for greasing

For the Sauce:

• 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Toppings:

• 8 ounces mozzarella cheese, shredded
• Your favorite toppings (pepperoni, sausage, mushrooms, onions, peppers, olives, etc.)

How to Make This classic homemade pizza Recipe

1. 1. Prepare the dough: In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. Add the warm water and olive oil and mix until a shaggy dough forms. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes, or until smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time.

1. 2. Let the dough rise: Lightly grease a large bowl with olive oil. Place the dough in the bowl, turning to coat. Cover with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let rise in a warm place for at least 1 hour, or until doubled in size. A “pizza dough recipe” is only as good as its rise!

1. 3. Make the sauce: While the dough is rising, prepare the sauce. In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute, or until fragrant. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring to a simmer and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until slightly thickened.

1. 4. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 450 degrees F (232 degrees C). Place a pizza stone or baking sheet in the oven while it preheats.

1. 5. Shape the dough: Punch down the risen dough and turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Divide the dough in half (or into smaller portions if you want smaller pizzas). Roll out each portion of dough to your desired thickness and shape.

1. 6. Assemble the pizza: Carefully transfer the dough to a pizza peel or cutting board dusted with cornmeal. Spread the tomato sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border for the crust. Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese and top with your favorite toppings.

1. 7. Bake the pizza: Slide the pizza onto the preheated pizza stone or baking sheet in the oven. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly. For a super crispy crust, try putting it under the broiler for the last minute or two.

1. 8. Cool slightly and serve: Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

How to Serve This classic homemade pizza Recipe

Serve your classic homemade pizza hot and fresh straight from the oven. A sprinkle of fresh basil or oregano elevates the presentation and flavour. This pizza is fantastic on its own or paired with a crisp green salad.

For a crowd, offer a variety of toppings so everyone can customize their own slice. Consider serving with a side of creamy garlic dipping sauce or a drizzle of balsamic glaze.

How to Store This classic homemade pizza Recipe

Refrigeration: Leftover pizza can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Wrap slices individually in plastic wrap or place in an airtight container.
Freezing: To freeze pizza, allow it to cool completely. Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. Frozen pizza can be stored for up to 2-3 months.
Reheating: Reheat refrigerated pizza in the oven at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 5-10 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat it in a skillet on the stovetop or in the microwave. For frozen pizza, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Tips to Make This classic homemade pizza Recipe

• For a crispier crust, use a pizza stone or baking steel.
• Don’t overcook the pizza. The crust should be golden brown and the cheese melted and bubbly.
• Use high quality ingredients for the best flavor.
• Let the dough rise in a warm place for optimal results.
• Experiment with different toppings to find your favorite combinations.
• Make it a family activity! The creation of this “pizza dough recipe” can become a team effort!

Helpful Notes for This classic homemade pizza Recipe

Active dry yeast needs warm water (105°F to 115°F) to activate properly. If the water is too hot, it can kill the yeast. If it’s not warm enough, it may not activate.

For a thicker crust, don’t roll out the dough as thinly. For a thinner crust, roll it out thinner.

If you don’t have a pizza stone, you can use a baking sheet. Preheat the baking sheet in the oven while it preheats for best results using this Recipes Charming

Variation of This classic homemade pizza Recipe

Consider a Margherita pizza variation with fresh mozzarella, basil leaves, and a drizzle of olive oil. For a seasonal twist, add roasted vegetables like butternut squash or Brussels sprouts in the fall.

You can also try making a white pizza with ricotta cheese, garlic, and herbs. Get creative and customize your classic homemade pizza to your liking!

Conclusion

Making a classic homemade pizza is a rewarding experience that brings people together. This recipe provides a foundation for you to create your own pizza masterpiece. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different toppings and flavors until you find your perfect combination. We encourage you to try this recipe and share your creations with us. Enjoy the deliciousness of a classic homemade pizza made with love!

If you enjoyed this classic homemade pizza recipe, you’ll love discovering even more delicious ideas on my Pinterest! I share easy homemade meals, comfort food favorites, and family-friendly recipes you can save and recreate anytime. Visit my Pinterest and follow along for daily cooking inspiration.

Classic Homemade Pizza: The Easiest Dough Recipe Ever!

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• Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
• Yield: 2 pizzas 1x

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Description

Enjoy a classic homemade pizza made from scratch! This recipe features a chewy crust, flavorful tomato sauce, and your favorite toppings. Perfect for family night!

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 cups warm water (105 degrees F to 115 degrees F)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil, plus more for greasing
• 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 8 ounces mozzarella cheese, shredded
• Your favorite toppings (pepperoni, sausage, mushrooms, onions, peppers, olives, etc.)

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Instructions

1. 1. Prepare the dough: In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. Add the warm water and olive oil and mix until a shaggy dough forms. Knead for 5-7 minutes, or until smooth and elastic.
2. 2. Let the dough rise: Lightly grease a large bowl with olive oil. Place the dough in the bowl, turning to coat. Cover and let rise in a warm place for at least 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
3. 3. Make the sauce: Heat olive oil in a saucepan. Add garlic and cook until fragrant. Stir in crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Season with salt and pepper. Simmer for 15-20 minutes.
4. 4. Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F (232 degrees C) with a pizza stone or baking sheet inside.
5. 5. Shape the dough: Punch down the risen dough and turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Divide the dough in half and roll out each portion.
6. 6. Assemble the pizza: Spread the tomato sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border. Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese and top with your favorite toppings.
7. 7. Bake the pizza for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. 8. Cool slightly and serve: Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 400mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 15g
• Cholesterol: 25mg

Keywords: pizza, homemade, easy pizza, family dinner