How to Make Delicious Homemade Pizza: An Easy Recipe for Beginners
Make pizza from scratch with this easy guide. Covers dough prep, sauce, toppings, and baking for a crispy crust.
What You'll Need
- 1 lb (450g) pre-made pizza dough
- 1 (15 oz) can crushed tomatoes or passata
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp dried basil
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 8 oz (225g) fresh mozzarella, shredded or sliced
- Your choice of toppings (e.g., pepperoni, mushrooms, bell peppers, onions)
- Large mixing bowl (if making dough from scratch)
- Medium bowl for sauce
- Pizza stone or baking steel (recommended) OR large baking sheet
- Pizza peel or flat baking sheet
- Rolling pin (optional)
- Chef's knife and cutting board
- Oven preheated to 500°F (260°C)
Prep time: 20 minutes. Cook time: 10-15 minutes. Yields: 1 large pizza (serves 2-4).
Step 1: Prep Your Pizza Dough
If using store-bought dough, remove it from the refrigerator 30-60 minutes before baking to let it relax. On a lightly floured surface, stretch or roll the dough into a 12-inch circle. Transfer to a pizza peel or baking sheet dusted with cornmeal or flour.
Step 2: Make the Pizza Sauce
In a medium bowl, combine crushed tomatoes, minced garlic, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (if using), olive oil, salt, and pepper. Stir well. Spread a thin layer of sauce over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border for the crust.
Step 3: Add Toppings
Evenly distribute the mozzarella over the sauce. Add your chosen toppings, ensuring they are sliced thin and not overloaded. Keep toppings light to avoid a soggy crust.
Step 4: Bake the Pizza
Preheat your oven to 500°F (260°C) with a pizza stone or baking sheet inside. Slide the pizza onto the hot stone or sheet. Bake for 10-15 minutes until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly and slightly charred. Let cool for 2 minutes before slicing.
Tip
For a crispier crust, use a pizza stone and preheat it for at least 30 minutes. Also, avoid overloading with wet toppings like fresh tomatoes.
Warning
The pizza stone and oven are extremely hot. Use oven mitts and handle with care to avoid burns.
