Few things are as comforting as a warm slice of pizza you made right in your own kitchen. With our Classic Homemade Pizza & Easy Pizza Dough Recipe, you’ll craft a pizzeria-style masterpiece that’ll make delivery seem overrated. The dough is simple yet creates a flavorful, chewy crust, and the toppings? Totally up to you! This recipe is all about making pizza night a homemade event, whether you load yours with veggies, gooey cheese, or spicy meats. In just a few steps, you’ll have everyone saying, ‘Can we do this every week?’
Table of content
- About The Recipe
- Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Key Ingredients and Substitutions
- How to Make the Recipe(Step-by-Step)
- Expert Tips for Success
- Variations and Customizations
- Health Benefits
- Nutritional Information
- Storage and Reheating Instructions
- Recipe Card
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Comments & Reviews
- Social Sharing Options
About The Classic Homemade Pizza & Easy Pizza Dough Recipe Recipe
There’s something special about homemade pizza that just hits differently. Maybe it’s the sense of accomplishment you feel when you take that first bite of gooey cheese and golden crust. Or maybe it’s the creative freedom of choosing your own toppings—whether it’s classic pepperoni or unexpected combos like arugula and pesto. This Classic Homemade Pizza & Pizza Dough Recipe is all about turning your kitchen into a mini pizzeria. We’re giving you a step-by-step guide to making a perfect dough that’s stretchy, chewy, and full of flavor. Plus, you’ll learn tricks to bake it to crispy perfection, right in your oven! Whether it’s a Saturday movie night or a special treat for guests, this recipe is bound to become a family favorite. And hey, once you start making your own pizza, there’s no going back to takeout. At BellRecipes, we’re here to guide you to pizza greatness!
Why You’ll Love Classic Homemade Pizza & Easy Pizza Dough Recipe Recipe
- Easy-to-follow, foolproof pizza dough recipe
- Perfect for family dinners, parties, or date nights
- Completely customizable toppings to suit your cravings
- Step-by-step instructions for beginners
- No special equipment needed—oven-based prep!
- Guaranteed to taste better than takeout
- Flexible resting time for ultimate flavor
- Kid-friendly and fun for DIY pizza nights
Key Ingredients for Classic Homemade Pizza & Easy Pizza Dough Recipe
- Bread Flour: Key for structure and chewy crust—substitute with all-purpose if needed.
- Active Dry Yeast: Helps the dough rise—use quick-rise yeast for shorter prep time.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Adds flavor and smooth texture—skip for wood-fired ovens.
- Tomato Sauce: Adds moisture and tang—try BBQ or Alfredo sauce for unique flavors.
- Mozzarella Cheese: The classic choice—sub with dairy-free cheese for a vegan version.
How to Make the Classic Homemade Pizza & Easy Pizza Dough Recipe Recipe (Step-by-Step)
- Making the Pizza Dough
In a bowl, combine warm water and yeast, letting it sit for 5 minutes until dissolved. Add flour, salt, sugar, and olive oil. Mix on low speed or by hand until a tacky dough forms. Knead for 7-10 minutes until smooth. Let the dough rest and rise for 1.5 hours or refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
- Preparing the Pizzas
Preheat oven to 475°F with a pizza stone or baking sheet for at least 30 minutes. Divide the dough into two balls and let them rest. Flatten and stretch each ball into a round shape, brush with olive oil, and add on your choice of toppings. Bake for 10-15 minutes until the crust turns golden brown.
Expert Tips for Success for Classic Homemade Pizza & Easy Pizza Dough Recipe
Use warm water for yeast activation (not hot).
Let the dough rest in a warm spot for best rising results.
Always preheat your oven with the pizza stone/baking sheet for crispy results.
Flatten your dough gently to avoid breaking the structure.
Go light on sauce to prevent a soggy crust.
Variations and Customizations of Classic Homemade Pizza & Easy Pizza Dough Recipe
Get creative with flavors! Swap tomato sauce for pesto or BBQ sauce for a twist. Try toppings like caramelized onions for sweetness or crumbled feta for tang. For a spicy kick, toss some jalapeños or red pepper flakes. Substitute regular flour for gluten-free options if needed. And for anyone going vegan, swap out cheese for plant-based alternatives like cashew cheese or soy mozzarella.
Health Benefits of Classic Homemade Pizza & Easy Pizza Dough Recipe Recipe
This Classic Homemade Pizza & Pizza Dough Recipe offers a healthier alternative to store-bought or fast-food pizza. Bread flour provides essential B-vitamins for sustained energy, and olive oil adds heart-healthy monosaturated fats. With custom toppings like fresh vegetables and herbs, you can increase its antioxidant and fiber content. Plus, homemade options allow for less sodium and sugar than pre-made pizzas, making it a balanced choice for a satisfying dinner.
Nutritional Information about Classic Homemade Pizza & Easy Pizza Dough Recipe Recipe
Each serving of this Classic Homemade Pizza packs about 322 calories, making it a satisfying treat. With 61g of carbohydrates for energy and 10g of protein to keep you full, it’s great for an active day or a cozy movie night. The 4g of fat keeps it reasonably light (especially compared to takeout pizza), and the low sugar and fiber content help with digestion. It’s also easy to adapt based on your toppings for unique dietary needs!
Storage and Reheating Instructions for Classic Homemade Pizza & Easy Pizza Dough Recipe Recipe
Leftovers? No problem! Store your leftover pizza slices in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When it’s time to eat, reheat in the oven at 375°F for about 8-10 minutes to maintain the crispy crust. If you’re in a rush, microwave it for about 90 seconds on a microwave-safe plate, but keep in mind the crust might lose some of its snap. You can also freeze portions for up to a month—just thaw overnight in the fridge and bake or toast to reheat.
Recipe Card of Classic Homemade Pizza & Easy Pizza Dough Recipe
Ingredients list
- 1 1/2 cups warm water 105°F-115°F
- 1 package active dry yeast 2 1/4 teaspoons
- 3 3/4 cups bread flour
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil omit if using wood-fired oven
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Extra virgin olive oil for brushing
- Cornmeal for sliding the pizza
- Tomato sauce smooth or puréed
- Firm mozzarella cheese grated
- Fresh soft mozzarella cheese separated into small clumps
- Fontina cheese grated
- Parmesan cheese grated
- Feta cheese crumbled
- Mushrooms thinly sliced if raw
- Bell peppers thinly sliced
- Italian pepperoncini thinly sliced
- Italian sausage cooked and crumbled
- Sliced black olives
- Chopped fresh basil
- Baby arugula tossed in olive oil
- Pesto
- Pepperoni thinly sliced
- Onions thinly sliced or caramelized
- Ham thinly sliced
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Place the warm water in a large mixing bowl, sprinkle the yeast, and let it sit for 5 minutes. Stir to dissolve. Add flour, salt, sugar, and olive oil, and mix with a stand mixer on low. Knead for 7-10 minutes until tacky. Let dough rise for 1.5 hours in a warm place or up to 24 hours in the fridge for better flavor.
- Preheat oven to 475°F with a pizza stone for at least 30 minutes. Divide dough into 2 balls, allow to rest for 15 minutes. Flatten a dough ball, stretch into a round, brush with olive oil, and let rest again. Place on cornmeal-sprinkled pizza peel, add toppings, and slide onto the baking stone. Bake for 10-15 minutes until crust is golden.
Recipe Video
Notes
Nutrition
All Your Questions About the Recipe
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can refrigerate the dough for up to 24 hours for better flavor.
Do I need special equipment for this recipe?
Nope! A baking sheet works just fine if you don’t have a pizza stone.
What toppings work best with this recipe?
The options are endless—think classic pepperoni, mushrooms, or even arugula & feta for gourmet vibes.
