Why You’ll Love This Homemade Pizza Recipe
When you make this homemade pizza recipe, you’ll discover just how satisfying it’s to create a delicious meal from scratch.
I love how the aroma fills my kitchen, making my mouth water long before it’s ready to eat. The best part? You can customize it exactly to your taste!
Whether you prefer classic pepperoni or a veggie-packed delight, the options are endless. Plus, the texture of the freshly baked crust can’t be beaten.
It’s crispy on the outside and chewy inside. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll never want store-bought pizza again!
Ingredients of Homemade Pizza
Making homemade pizza is like crafting a masterpiece in the kitchen. There’s something truly magical about combining fresh ingredients to create a dish that not only satisfies your hunger but also brings joy to your taste buds.
Imagine the aroma wafting through your home as you knead the dough and prepare the toppings. You can tailor your pizza to match your cravings, whether you’re in the mood for a cheesy delight or a veggie extravaganza.
So, let’s gather our ingredients and plunge into this delicious adventure!
Ingredients for Homemade Pizza:
- 1/2 tablespoon active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon sugar, divided
- 1/2 cup warm water (105 F to 115 F)
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour, divided
- 3/4 teaspoon salt, divided
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 1 (14 1/2 ounce) can whole canned tomatoes, undrained
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano leaves, crushed
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil leaves, crushed
- 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 small red bell pepper, cored and seeded
- 1/2 small green bell pepper, cored and seeded
- 4 fresh medium mushrooms, sliced
- 1 3/4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 1/3 cup sliced black olives
- 1 boneless skinless chicken breast, cooked and shredded
Now, before you rush to the store, let’s talk about some ingredient considerations. Make sure your yeast is fresh, or you might end up with a dough that won’t rise—trust me, I’ve been there, and it’s a real bummer when your pizza dreams deflate.
Also, if you’re feeling adventurous, feel free to switch up the toppings. Love spicy food? Add some jalapeños. Not a fan of chicken? Toss in some pepperoni instead.
The beauty of making your pizza is that it’s all about what you love. So, gather your ingredients, and let’s get ready to make something truly delicious!
How to Make Homemade Pizza
Making homemade pizza isn’t just about the end product; it’s about the journey you take to get there. To kick things off, let’s start with the yeast. Grab 1/2 tablespoon of active dry yeast and sprinkle it over 1/2 cup of warm water that’s between 105 F to 115 F. You want it just right—too hot, and it’ll be a yeast graveyard. Add in 1 teaspoon of sugar (just half for now), stir it up, and let it sit for about 15 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it gets all bubbly and frothy. If it doesn’t, well, you might need to make a quick run to the store for some fresh yeast.
While that’s doing its thing, in a medium bowl, combine 1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Once your yeast is proofed, mix it in with the flour and a tablespoon of olive oil. Stir until a soft dough forms.
Now, let’s get our hands a little floury. Transfer that dough to a lightly floured surface and knead it like you mean it. You’re going to fold it in half and push it away with the heels of your hands—turning it a quarter turn after each press. If it feels too sticky, don’t be shy to sprinkle on a bit more flour as you work. After a good knead, shape the dough into a ball and place it in a greased bowl, turning it so the entire surface is coated. Cover it with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm spot for about 30 to 45 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when you press your fingers into it and the indentations stay put.
While the dough is rising, let’s whip up that luscious sauce. Grab a medium saucepan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat, and toss in a chopped medium onion. Cook it for about 5 minutes until it’s soft, then add in a minced garlic clove and let it cook for another 30 seconds.
Next, add a can of whole tomatoes (14 1/2 ounces, undrained), 2 tablespoons of tomato paste, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, 1/2 teaspoon of dried basil, the remaining 1/2 teaspoon of sugar, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and a pinch of black pepper. Bring that to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer until it thickens, which should take about 10 to 15 minutes.
Once your sauce is ready, it’s time to punch down that dough (literally) and roll it out into a 10-inch circle. Place it in a greased pizza pan, spread the sauce evenly, sprinkle on 2/3 of your cheese (1 3/4 cups of mozzarella and 1/2 cup of parmesan), and then bake it at 350°F for about 25 minutes.
After that, up the oven temperature to 400°F, add your favorite toppings—like bell peppers, mushrooms, black olives, and shredded chicken—and top it off with the rest of your cheese. Bake it for another 10 minutes until it’s all melty and golden. Trust me, the smell alone will have everyone drooling.
Homemade Pizza Substitutions & Variations
While crafting a homemade pizza, the possibilities for substitutions and variations can truly elevate your creation.
If you’re out of mozzarella, try using provolone or gouda for a unique flavor. For the sauce, blend in fresh basil or sun-dried tomatoes to jazz it up.
If you prefer a healthier crust, consider using whole wheat flour or even cauliflower. You can switch up the toppings too—swap out chicken for pepperoni or add spinach for a veggie delight.
Don’t hesitate to experiment; each variation can lead to a delicious, personalized pizza that’s distinctly yours!
What to Serve with Homemade Pizza
What should you serve alongside your homemade pizza to create a well-rounded meal?
I love pairing my pizza with a fresh green salad. A simple mix of arugula, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette works wonders.
If you’re in the mood for something heartier, garlic bread is a fantastic choice. It complements the flavors of the pizza beautifully.
For a touch of indulgence, consider serving a side of marinara sauce for dipping.
Finally, a nice beverage, like a chilled soda or a glass of red wine, can really elevate the meal. Enjoy your homemade pizza experience!
Additional Tips & Notes
To guarantee your homemade pizza turns out perfectly, consider using a pizza stone if you have one; it can help achieve a crispier crust.
Also, don’t rush the dough rising process; a longer rise results in better flavor and texture.
When it comes to toppings, less is more—too many can make your pizza soggy. I recommend pre-cooking certain toppings, like mushrooms and bell peppers, to avoid excess moisture.
Finally, keep an eye on the cheese; it should be bubbly and slightly golden when done.
Enjoy experimenting with different flavors, and remember, practice makes perfect!