Classic Homemade Pizza

Make a classic homemade pizza with a crisp crust, rich tomato sauce, melted cheese, and your favorite toppings. Simple, reliable, and delicious.

This classic homemade pizza recipe delivers a crisp yet tender crust, a bright tomato sauce, and plenty of melted cheese. It is easy enough for a weeknight and satisfying enough for a weekend pizza night with family or friends. Customize it with your favorite toppings or keep it simple for a timeless result.

Ingredients

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 packet active dry yeast
• 1 and 1/2 cups warm water
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 cup tomato sauce
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 cup sliced mushrooms
• 1/2 cup sliced black olives
• 1/2 cup sliced bell peppers
• 1/2 cup sliced pepperoni or other preferred topping
• Extra flour or cornmeal for shaping

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it stand for 5 to 10 minutes until foamy.
2. Add flour, salt, and olive oil. Mix until a shaggy dough forms, then knead for 8 to 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
3. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
4. Preheat the oven to 475 degrees F or 245 degrees C. If using a pizza stone or baking steel, place it in the oven while preheating.
5. Punch down the dough and divide it into 2 equal portions. Roll or stretch each portion into a round pizza base on a floured surface.
6. Transfer the dough to a pizza pan or parchment-lined baking sheet. Spread tomato sauce evenly over the surface, leaving a small border.
7. Sprinkle with mozzarella, Parmesan, oregano, and garlic powder. Add your chosen toppings evenly over the cheese.
8. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly and lightly browned.
9. Remove from the oven, let rest for 2 minutes, slice, and serve hot.