Homemade Cheese Pizza
This homemade cheese pizza recipe offers a perfect balance of chewy crust, rich sauce, and melty cheese, making it ideal for any pizza night.
Equipment
- 1 Pizza stone preheated
- 1 Rolling Pin
- 1 Mixing Bowl large
Ingredients
Pizza Dough
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 3/4 cup warm water
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 packet active dry yeast
Pizza Sauce
- 1 can 15 oz crushed tomatoes
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Toppings
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil leaves optional
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt. In a separate bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water and let it sit until frothy. Mix yeast mixture and olive oil into the dry ingredients, and knead until smooth. Let the dough rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
- In a saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant. Stir in crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, and salt. Simmer on low heat for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Assemble the Pizza
- Punch down the risen dough and transfer it to a floured surface. Roll it out to your desired thickness, then place it on a preheated pizza stone or baking sheet.
- Evenly spread the prepared pizza sauce over the rolled-out dough, leaving a small border for the crust.
- Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese evenly over the sauce, followed by a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
Baking
- Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). Bake the pizza in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the crust is golden brown.
Serving
- Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool slightly. Cut into slices and serve hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves if desired.
Storage
- Store leftover pizza slices in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in an oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
Notes
Pro Tips: Use a pizza stone for a crispier crust, and let your dough rest for enhanced flavor. Ingredient Substitutions: Try different cheese blends like provolone or Asiago. How to Serve: Best served hot with a side salad. Storage & Freshness: Store in the fridge for up to 3 days, or freeze individual slices. Make-Ahead Tips: Prepare dough and sauce in advance for quick assembly.