Homemade Pizza with a Chewy Crust, Bold Sauce, and All the Toppings You Love
There’s something deeply satisfying about making pizza from scratch. From kneading the dough to layering on the sauce, cheese, and your favorite toppings—it’s not just dinner, it’s an experience. This recipe delivers a crisp-but-chewy crust, tangy tomato sauce, and endless room to customize. Whether it’s a Friday night tradition or a weekend project, this pizza brings comfort and fun to the table.
Why This Pizza Recipe Works
It all starts with a simple dough that bakes up with golden edges and a chewy, flavorful bite. The sauce is made from pantry staples but tastes fresh and bold, and the topping combos are totally up to you. From pepperoni to margherita to veggie-loaded, this is your new go-to base for pizza nights at home.
Ingredients
For the Dough (makes 1 large or 2 medium pizzas):
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1 ½ cups warm water
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
For the Sauce:
- 1 can (15 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon sugar
- Optional: red pepper flakes, basil, or onion powder to taste
Toppings (use what you love!):
- Shredded mozzarella
- Pepperoni, sausage, or cooked chicken
- Sliced onions, mushrooms, bell peppers, olives, spinach, basil
- Grated Parmesan or fresh herbs for garnish
Instructions
1. Make the Dough
In a large bowl, mix warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy. Stir in olive oil and salt, then gradually add flour. Knead for 7–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Place dough in an oiled bowl, cover with a towel, and let rise for 1–1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
2. Make the Sauce
Heat olive oil in a saucepan. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute. Stir in crushed tomatoes, oregano, salt, and sugar. Simmer for 15–20 minutes to thicken slightly. Taste and adjust seasoning.
3. Roll and Top
Preheat oven to 475°F (245°C). If using a pizza stone, place it in the oven while it heats.
Punch down the dough and divide if making two pizzas. Roll into your desired shape on a floured surface. Transfer to a pizza pan or baking sheet.
Spread with sauce, add cheese, then toppings.
4. Bake
Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Let cool slightly, slice, and enjoy!
Tips for the Best Pizza
- Use high heat for a crisp crust
- Let your dough rest 10 minutes after rolling for easier handling
- Don’t overload with toppings—they can weigh down the crust
Fun Variations
- White Pizza: Skip the sauce and add ricotta, garlic, and mozzarella
- BBQ Chicken: Use barbecue sauce, shredded chicken, and red onion
- Margherita: Fresh mozzarella, basil, olive oil, and a sprinkle of sea salt
Final Thoughts
Homemade pizza is the ultimate customizable comfort food. With a great dough, flavorful sauce, and your favorite toppings, it’s easy to bring that pizzeria magic straight into your kitchen.
Stick around—every visit tastes better than the last at The Buttered Bliss.
