There’s nothing quite like the joy of homemade pizza—crispy, chewy crust topped with melty cheese and your favorite flavors. Whether you’re a classic Margherita lover or someone who enjoys experimenting with toppings, this Easy Pizza Recipe is a must-try. The dough is light yet sturdy, the sauce is rich, and the cheese? Oh, it’s the perfect melty goodness. Trust me, once you try this, you may never go back to store-bought pizza again!
Why You’ll Love Easy Pizza Recipe
This isn’t just about making pizza; it’s about creating a fun, delicious experience in your own kitchen. Whether you’re hosting a pizza night, making dinner for the family, or just craving a fresh, homemade slice, this recipe delivers.
Is this Easy Pizza Recipe for you? Let’s see. Easy Pizza Recipe is…
- Super simple to make, even for beginners.
- Incredibly flavorful with a perfectly crispy yet chewy crust.
- Versatile—customize it with your favorite toppings.
- Made with pantry staples and fresh ingredients.
- A fun way to bring everyone together in the kitchen.
Ingredients in Easy Pizza Recipe
Here’s the magic of homemade pizza—it’s all about a simple, well-balanced dough and high-quality toppings. Let’s break it down:
For the Pizza Dough (3 Individual Crusts):
Warm Water: Activates the yeast and helps create a soft, pliable dough.
Instant Yeast: Speeds up the rise time, making this an easy, fuss-free dough.
Granulated Cane Sugar: Feeds the yeast and adds a subtle hint of sweetness.
Salt: Enhances the flavor of the crust and balances the other ingredients.
Milk: Adds tenderness and a slight richness to the dough.
Olive Oil: Contributes to a smooth, elastic dough and a crispier crust.
All-Purpose Flour: The base of the dough, giving it the perfect texture.
Finely Ground Cornmeal: Adds a slight crunch and prevents sticking when baking.
For the Margherita-Style Pizza:
Pizza Sauce: A rich tomato sauce that forms the base of all that delicious flavor.
Low-Moisture Mozzarella: Melts beautifully and provides a stretchy, cheesy bite.
Fresh Mozzarella: Adds creamy, indulgent pockets of cheese throughout the pizza.
Parmesan or Pecorino Cheese: A sprinkle of this sharp, nutty cheese takes the flavor up a notch.
Fresh Basil: Brings in a fresh, herby touch that completes the classic Margherita profile.
Freshly Cracked Black Pepper: Adds a subtle spice and enhances the overall flavor.
(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this perfect homemade pizza:
Prepare the Dough: In a mixing bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy. Add salt, milk, and olive oil, then gradually mix in the flour and cornmeal. Knead for about 8-10 minutes until smooth. Cover and let rise for 1 hour.
Preheat Your Oven: Set your oven to its highest setting (450°F to 500°F) and place a pizza stone or baking sheet inside to heat up.
Roll Out the Dough: Divide the dough into three portions. On a lightly floured surface, roll out each portion into a thin crust.
Assemble the Pizza: Spread pizza sauce evenly over the crust. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella on top, then add fresh mozzarella slices. Finish with grated Parmesan or Pecorino.
Bake to Perfection: Carefully transfer the pizza onto the preheated stone or baking sheet. Bake for 8-12 minutes until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
Finishing Touches: Remove from the oven and immediately garnish with fresh basil and a crack of black pepper.
Serve and Enjoy: Slice up your masterpiece and enjoy every cheesy, crispy bite!
How to Serve Easy Pizza Recipe?
Here are a few serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience:
Fresh Salads: A crisp Caesar or arugula salad with a lemony dressing balances the rich, cheesy pizza.
Garlic Knots: Serve with buttery, garlicky knots for the ultimate pizzeria experience at home.
Dipping Sauces: Try a side of marinara, ranch, or garlic butter for extra indulgence.
Charcuterie Board: Pair your pizza with cured meats, olives, and fresh fruits for an elegant touch.
Wine or Sparkling Water: A glass of red wine or sparkling water with a squeeze of lemon makes a great pairing.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Additional Tips
Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:
Make-Ahead Dough: The dough can be refrigerated for up to 3 days. Just bring it to room temperature before using.
Crispier Crust: Bake the pizza on a preheated pizza stone for the best texture.
Cheese Variation: Add ricotta, gouda, or burrata for extra creaminess.
Topping Ideas: Try roasted veggies, pepperoni, mushrooms, or arugula for a custom twist.
Freezing Tips: Par-bake the crust, then freeze for an easy make-ahead meal.
Tips & Variations
- For Extra Flavor: Brush the crust with garlic butter before baking.
- Spicy Kick: Add a drizzle of hot honey or red pepper flakes.
- Gluten-Free Option: Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend.
- Vegan Alternative: Use dairy-free cheese and plant-based milk for a delicious vegan pizza.
- Thin or Thick Crust: Adjust the thickness based on your preference—thicker for a chewier bite, thinner for a crispier texture.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Pizza Recipe is everything a homemade pizza should be—crispy, cheesy, and absolutely delicious. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or a fun weekend treat, it’s guaranteed to be a hit. Give it a try, and let me know your favorite toppings!
Easy Pizza Recipe
Ingredients
- For the Pizza Dough 3 Individual Crusts:
- 1 cup warm water
- 2½ tsp 1 packet instant yeast
- 1 tbsp granulated cane sugar
- 2 tsp salt
- ⅓ cup milk
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup finely ground cornmeal
- For the Margherita-Style Pizza:
- ¾ cup pizza sauce
- 2½ cups low-moisture mozzarella grated or shredded
- 1 block fresh mozzarella thinly sliced
- Parmesan or pecorino cheese finely grated
- Fresh basil chopped (for garnish)
- Freshly cracked black pepper for garnish
Instructions
- Make the Pizza Dough:
- In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.
- Add olive oil, milk, salt, and flour. Using the dough hook attachment, mix on low speed for 2-3 minutes until a shaggy dough forms.
- Increase speed to medium and knead for 3-5 minutes until smooth and pliable. The dough should bounce back when pressed.
- Cover and let rest for 20 minutes.
- Proof the Dough:
- Divide the dough into 2-3 pieces. Place in a greased baking pan and drizzle with olive oil.
- Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm spot for 1.5 – 3 hours, until doubled in size.
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat oven to 500°F (260°C) for 30 minutes. Place a pizza steel or baking rack in the oven to heat.
- Shape the Pizza Dough:
- Sprinkle cornmeal on a clean surface. Stretch the pizza dough into a thin base with a ½-inch crust.
- Carefully remove the pizza steel/rack from the oven and place the shaped dough on top.
- Assemble & Bake the Pizza:
- Lightly drizzle the dough with olive oil.
- Spread a thin layer of pizza sauce, followed by ¾ cup shredded mozzarella and 3-4 fresh mozzarella slices.
- Sprinkle with freshly grated pecorino or parmesan.
- Bake for 8-12 minutes, until the crust is golden and crispy.
- Garnish & Serve:
- Top with chopped basil and freshly cracked black pepper.
- Slice and enjoy warm! Repeat for remaining pizza dough.
Notes
- Make-Ahead Dough: Store the dough in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Crispier Crust Tip: Preheat the pizza steel for at least 30 minutes to get an ultra-crispy base.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free flour and add ½ tsp xanthan gum for elasticity.
- Cheese Swap: Try smoked gouda, fontina, or provolone for different flavor profiles.
- Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat at 375°F until warm.
