This easy cheesy homemade pizza is the perfect solution for a delicious, satisfying meal made right in your own kitchen. With a crispy golden crust, rich tomato sauce, and an irresistible layer of melted cheese, this pizza will quickly become a family favorite. Whether you’re making it for a casual dinner or a fun weekend treat, this recipe ensures a flavorful and comforting experience every time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple Ingredients: Uses common pantry staples and fresh ingredients.
- Customizable: Easily add your favorite toppings like vegetables, meats, or extra cheese.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Great for family dinners, game nights, or gatherings.
- Budget-Friendly: Making pizza at home is more cost-effective than ordering takeout.
- Quick and Easy: Requires minimal prep and baking time, making it perfect for busy days.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- Tomato sauce or pizza sauce
- Mozzarella cheese, shredded
- Parmesan cheese, grated
- Olive oil
- Dried oregano
- Garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: pepperoni, mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, olives, basil
Directions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 475°F (245°C) and place a pizza stone or baking sheet inside to heat.
- Prepare the Dough: Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface to your desired thickness. Transfer it to a parchment-lined pizza peel or baking sheet.
- Assemble the Pizza: Spread a thin layer of tomato sauce over the dough, leaving a small border for the crust. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese evenly over the sauce, followed by Parmesan cheese. Add any additional toppings of your choice.
- Bake the Pizza: Transfer the pizza onto the preheated stone or baking sheet. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and the crust is golden brown.
- Finish and Serve: Drizzle olive oil over the pizza, sprinkle with oregano and garlic powder, then slice and serve hot.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4-6 slices
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
- Total Time: 25-30 minutes
Variations
- Margherita Pizza: Use fresh mozzarella, basil leaves, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze.
- Meat Lover’s Pizza: Add pepperoni, sausage, bacon, and ham for a protein-packed option.
- Vegetarian Delight: Load up with mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, olives, and spinach.
- BBQ Chicken Pizza: Swap tomato sauce for BBQ sauce and add shredded chicken, red onions, and cilantro.
- White Pizza: Skip the tomato sauce and use ricotta cheese, garlic, and spinach for a creamy alternative.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftover pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 5-7 minutes or in a skillet over medium heat until the crust crisps up. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the crust soggy.
- Freezing: Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat directly from frozen in the oven.
FAQs
How do I make homemade pizza dough?
Combine flour, yeast, salt, water, and olive oil, then knead and let rise until doubled before rolling out.
Can I use store-bought pizza dough?
Yes, store-bought dough works well and saves time while still giving a homemade taste.
What’s the best cheese for homemade pizza?
Mozzarella is the classic choice, but you can also mix in provolone, cheddar, or gouda for extra flavor.
How do I prevent a soggy pizza crust?
Preheat your oven properly, avoid overloading with toppings, and bake on a hot pizza stone or preheated baking sheet.
Can I make this pizza without an oven?
Yes, cook it in a covered skillet on medium heat until the bottom crisps up, then finish under a broiler.
What sauce is best for homemade pizza?
A simple tomato sauce with garlic, oregano, and basil works well, but you can also try pesto, white sauce, or BBQ sauce.
How do I make my pizza crust crispy?
Bake at a high temperature, use a pizza stone, and brush the edges with olive oil before baking.
Can I make this pizza gluten-free?
Yes, use a gluten-free pizza dough or cauliflower crust as an alternative.
What’s the best way to stretch pizza dough?
Let the dough rest at room temperature for 30 minutes before stretching it gently with your hands.
Can I prepare the pizza ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the pizza and refrigerate it for up to 8 hours before baking. Let it sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before placing it in the oven.
Conclusion
This easy cheesy homemade pizza recipe is the perfect way to enjoy a fresh, flavorful meal with minimal effort. Whether you prefer a classic cheese pizza or want to experiment with different toppings, this recipe is endlessly versatile. Enjoy a crispy, cheesy slice straight from your oven, and make pizza night a regular tradition in your home!
Print
A simple, delicious homemade pizza loaded with gooey cheese.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- 1 pizza dough
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp oregano
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 450°F (232°C).
- Roll out pizza dough and spread sauce evenly.
- Sprinkle mozzarella, Parmesan, oregano, and garlic powder.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes until cheese is bubbly.
- Slice and serve hot!
Notes
- Add toppings like pepperoni, mushrooms, or olives.
- Use a pizza stone for a crispier crust.