Quick Description
This Homemade Cheese Pizza is the ultimate comfort food with a golden, crispy crust, a rich and savory tomato sauce, and generous amounts of melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Perfect for family dinners, casual meals with friends, or any time you’re craving pizza!
Servings & Timing
- Servings: 8 slices
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients List
For the Pizza Dough:
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 ½ cups warm water (110°F)
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Pizza Sauce:
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Toppings:
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
- Olive oil for drizzling (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Make the Dough:
- In a small bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir to combine and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
- In a large bowl, combine flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture and olive oil, stirring until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough for 5-7 minutes on a floured surface until it is smooth and elastic. Form it into a ball.
- Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a kitchen towel, and let it rise for 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
Prepare the Sauce:
- In a saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the tomato sauce, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir and let it simmer for 5-10 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C) and place a pizza stone or baking sheet inside to heat up.
Shape the Pizza Dough:
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into two equal portions (for two pizzas).
- Roll out the dough on a floured surface into a circle or your desired shape, about 12 inches in diameter.
Assemble the Pizza:
- Transfer the shaped dough to a parchment paper-lined pizza peel or baking sheet.
- Spread a thin layer of the prepared pizza sauce over the dough.
- Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded mozzarella cheese on top, followed by the grated Parmesan cheese.
Bake the Pizza:
- Carefully slide the pizza onto the preheated pizza stone or baking sheet in the oven.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serve:
- Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing.
- Optional: Drizzle with a little olive oil and garnish with fresh basil leaves.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a side salad or garlic bread for a full meal.
- Pair with a refreshing lemonade or a glass of red wine.
Storage & Reheating
- Refrigerator: Store leftover pizza in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Heat in the oven at 375°F for 5–7 minutes, or in a skillet for a crispy bottom.
Benefits & Nutritional Info
- Customizable: Add your favorite toppings like pepperoni, mushrooms, or bell peppers.
- Easy & Delicious: A classic, quick, and tasty meal perfect for any time of day.
FAQs
-
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the dough ahead and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before using. -
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! You can use cheddar, provolone, or parmesan for a unique twist. -
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, you can use gluten-free flour or a store-bought gluten-free pizza dough for a gluten-free version.
Conclusion
This Homemade Cheese Pizza is perfect for a family dinner, casual meal, or a pizza night with friends. It’s simple, flavorful, and sure to please everyone!
