Homemade Classic Italian Pizza: Step-by-Step Recipe

Ingredients

  • 2 1/4 cups of warm water
  • 1/2 teaspoon of sugar
  • 2 1/4 teaspoons of active dry yeast
  • 5 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons of olive oil
  • 2 teaspoons of salt
  • 1 cup of pizza sauce
  • 2 1/2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup of sliced black olives
  • 1/2 cup of sliced mushrooms
  • 1/2 cup of sliced bell pepper
  • 1/2 cup of sliced onions
  • 1/2 cup of sliced pepperoni

Steps and instructions

  1. In a bowl, combine the warm water and sugar, stirring until sugar is dissolved.
  2. Add the yeast to the sugar water, let it sit for 5 minutes until it becomes frothy.
  3. In a separate large bowl, mix the flour and salt together.
  4. Make a well in the center of the flour mixture and pour in the yeast mixture and olive oil.
  5. Slowly mix the ingredients together until a dough begins to form.
  6. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 10 minutes until it's smooth and elastic.
  7. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 2 hours or until it doubles in size.
  8. Preheat your oven to 475 degrees Fahrenheit (245 degrees Celsius).
  9. Punch down the dough and divide it into 2 equal pieces. Roll out each piece into a 12-inch circle.
  10. Transfer the dough onto your prepared pizza stone or baking sheet.
  11. Spread half of the pizza sauce over each pizza base, followed by the cheese, and then your chosen toppings.
  12. Bake for about 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is crispy and the cheese is melted and slightly golden.
  13. Remove from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

Tools for making

Recipe variations

  • Thin crust: Roll the dough out thinner for a crispy, thin crust pizza.
  • Whole wheat crust: Substitute some or all of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier option.
  • Gluten-free crust: Use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour to make it suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
  • Cauliflower crust: Replace the traditional dough with a cauliflower crust for a low-carb alternative.
  • Vegan option: Omit the cheese and use vegan-friendly toppings such as vegan cheese, tofu, or a variety of vegetables.
  • Barbecue chicken pizza: Use barbecue sauce instead of traditional pizza sauce and top with cooked chicken, red onions, and cilantro.
  • Margarita pizza: Top the pizza with fresh mozzarella, sliced tomatoes, and fresh basil leaves for a classic and simple flavor combination.
  • Spicy pepperoni: Swap regular pepperoni for spicy pepperoni or add crushed red pepper flakes for an extra kick.
  • Hawaiian pizza: Add sliced ham and pineapple chunks to create a sweet and savory pizza.
  • Caprese pizza: Top the pizza with sliced tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, basil leaves, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze for an Italian-inspired delight.

Recipe overview

Welcome to our delicious homemade pizza recipe! This easy-to-follow guide will help you make the perfect pizza from scratch, right in your kitchen. You'll be using simple pantry staples to create a flavorful dough and top it with your favorite ingredients. Expect to create a pizza with a crispy crust, melted cheese, and a rich sauce. Not only is homemade pizza a fun dish to create, but it's also a great way to personalize your meal with your favorite toppings. Plus, the smell of fresh pizza baking in your oven is unbeatable! So let's get started!

Common questions

  1. Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast? Yes, you can substitute instant yeast for active dry yeast in this recipe. However, you may need to adjust the amount or follow the instructions provided on the yeast packaging.
  2. Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour? Yes, you can use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour. Keep in mind that the texture and taste of the dough may be slightly different compared to using all-purpose flour.
  3. Can I freeze the pizza dough? Yes, you can freeze the pizza dough. After kneading and allowing it to rise, divide the dough into portions, wrap each portion tightly with plastic wrap, and place them in a freezer-safe bag. When ready to use, thaw the dough in the refrigerator overnight and let it come to room temperature before rolling it out.
  4. Can I use pre-made pizza dough? Absolutely! If you prefer to use store-bought or pre-made pizza dough, you can skip the steps of making the dough from scratch. Simply follow the instructions provided with the pre-made dough for baking.
  5. Can I use different toppings? Yes, feel free to customize the toppings to your preference. You can add or omit any toppings listed in the recipe and replace them with your favorite ingredients.
  6. Can I use a different cheese? Yes, you can use a different type of cheese or a combination of cheeses. Mozzarella cheese is a classic choice for pizza, but you can experiment with other cheeses like cheddar, provolone, or even goat cheese.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Pizza stone - A baking surface that helps to create a crisp and evenly baked pizza crust.
  • Pizza peel - A long-handled tool used to transfer the pizza to and from the oven.
  • Pizza cutter - A sharp cutting tool specifically designed to slice through pizzas with ease.
  • Pizza pan - A round, shallow pan with a perforated bottom that allows for proper airflow and crispy crust.
  • Measuring cups and spoons - Utensils for accurately measuring ingredients.
  • Mixing bowls - Bowls used for combining ingredients and kneading the pizza dough.
  • Clean cloth - Used to cover the dough while it rises.
  • Rolling pin - A cylindrical tool used to roll out and flatten the pizza dough.
  • Baking sheet - A flat sheet used to hold and bake the pizza in the oven.
  • Oven mitts - Protective gloves used to handle hot pans and trays.

Origin stories

Pizza, as we know it today with its classic combination of yeasted flatbread, tomatoes, and cheese, originated in Naples, Italy in the late 18th century. Interestingly, it was initially regarded as a dish for poor people, often sold in the street and not considered a kitchen recipe for a long time. It's said that the world-famous Margherita Pizza was named after Queen Margherita of Italy in 1889. The story goes that when the Queen visited Naples, a local pizzaiolo named Raffaele Esposito was asked to prepare a dish. He created a pizza with ingredients that represented the colors of the Italian flag: red tomatoes, white mozzarella cheese, and green basil. The Queen enjoyed the dish so much that it became a staple, spreading the popularity of pizza across the globe. Now, the humble pizza is no longer seen as simply 'street food', but a beloved dish enjoyed by all, regardless of class or status.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.