If you’ve ever dreamed of creating a pie that bursts with fresh, homemade flavors and a crust that’s perfectly crisp yet tender, this Homemade Pizza from Scratch Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. Nothing beats crafting your own dough, layering it with tangy sauce, creamy mozzarella, and your favorite toppings—it’s a celebration of food and fun. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or indulging your inner foodie, making pizza at home brings warmth, excitement, and endless delicious possibilities right to your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, quality ingredients is the secret to amazing pizza that sings with flavor and boasts a great texture. Each item plays its role, from the yeast that gives your dough lift and airiness to the olive oil that adds richness and helps with crisping the crust.
- 2 ¼ teaspoons instant yeast: This is the magic that makes your dough rise and become fluffy.
- ¾ cup warm water (105-115° F): Perfect temperature to activate the yeast without killing it.
- 2 teaspoons sugar: Feeds the yeast and helps achieve a lovely golden-brown crust.
- 2 cups all-purpose or bread flour: Provides structure; bread flour gives more chewiness if you prefer.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all flavors and balances the dough.
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder: Adds subtle depth and savory notes.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Keeps the dough tender and forms a perfect crust.
- ½ cup pizza sauce: The tangy, herby base that brings all the toppings to life.
- 1 ½ cups mozzarella cheese: Melted to a gooey, golden perfection for that classic pizza pull.
- Pizza toppings (as desired): Customize with veggies, meats, or extra cheese to suit your cravings.
- Roughly chopped parsley: Adds a fresh, vibrant finish.
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese: For an extra salty, umami kick.
- Red pepper flakes: A little heat for those who love a spicy touch.
How to Make Homemade Pizza from Scratch Recipe
Step 1: Activate Your Yeast
Start by dissolving yeast and sugar in warm water to wake up the yeast and get it ready to do its work. This little step sets the stage for a dough that rises beautifully, giving your pizza that fantastic airy texture.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
Combine salt, garlic powder, and half the flour in a large bowl. This seasoning blend quietly layers flavor into your dough and helps develop structure, making every bite packed with taste and resilience.
Step 3: Combine and Stir
Add the yeast mixture and olive oil to the dry ingredients. Stir it all together until it works into an elastic ball, carefully integrating the remaining flour bit by bit. This slow mixing builds gluten, key for a dough that stretches without tearing.
Step 4: Knead with Love
Dust your hands with flour and knead the dough right in the bowl until it’s smooth and elastic, around 3-5 minutes. Extra flour can be added if the dough feels sticky—just enough to keep it manageable while preserving softness.
Step 5: Let It Rise
Oil a large bowl and place your dough ball inside, covering it with plastic wrap. Let it rise for 30 to 60 minutes or until it’s doubled in size—this slow development lets gluten relax and strengthens the dough for easier stretching.
Step 6: Preheat and Prep
Turn your oven to 450° F and give it a good 30 minutes to reach full heat. If you’re using a pizza stone or heavy pan, place it inside now—this will help you achieve that perfect crispy crust from the bottom up.
Step 7: Shape Your Dough
Gently punch down the risen dough and knead it a few more times to smooth it out. Then, stretch or roll it into a 12-inch circle. Form a slight raised edge if you like a crust that holds up to toppings and sauce beautifully.
Step 8: Prepare the Pan
Remove your pan or stone, sprinkle it lightly with flour, and transfer your dough onto it. Use a fork to poke gentle holes to prevent bubbles, then brush the surface with olive oil for that golden, crisp finish.
Step 9: Add Sauce, Cheese, and Toppings
Slather on the pizza sauce, sprinkle your mozzarella evenly, and layer on your chosen toppings. This step is your canvas—design it with whatever flavors excite your palate.
Step 10: Bake to Perfection
Bake your pizza for 13-15 minutes, watching carefully for a crisp, golden crust underneath and melted, bubbly cheese on top. Resist the urge to open the oven too often; patience here yields the best texture and flavor.
Step 11: Finish and Garnish
Once out of the oven, lift the pizza to confirm a crisp bottom, then add parsley, Parmesan, and red pepper flakes. Slice generously and get ready to enjoy that unbeatable aroma and homemade goodness.
How to Serve Homemade Pizza from Scratch Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like parsley bring a pop of color and freshness, while Parmesan adds a sharp umami punch. Red pepper flakes give your pizza a subtle bite that can be adjusted to your mood or guest list. These final touches elevate both taste and presentation with minimal effort.
Side Dishes
A crisp green salad with a lemony vinaigrette or a simple garlic bread complements your pizza beautifully, balancing the richness with crunch and brightness. Roasted vegetables or a light soup also make excellent companions for a satisfying meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your pizza family-style on a rustic wooden board for a casual vibe or cut into smaller squares for parties and snacking. Adding small bowls with extra toppings and spices invites everyone to customize their slices, turning dinner into a fun shared experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap leftover pizza tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container to keep it fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days. Proper storage preserves the taste and texture so every bite feels almost as good as freshly baked.
Freezing
To enjoy your Homemade Pizza from Scratch Recipe later, freeze cooled slices on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. This method keeps slices from sticking and maintains flavor for up to 2 months. Just thaw and reheat when craving hits.
Reheating
Reheat leftover pizza in a hot skillet or oven to revive its crispiness instead of using the microwave, which can make crust soggy. A few minutes on medium heat on the stove or 375° F in the oven works wonders to refresh all those textures and flavors.
FAQs
Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?
Yes! If you only have active dry yeast, activate it in the warm water with the sugar for about 5-10 minutes until foamy before adding it to your flour mixture. This step ensures your dough will rise properly.
How do I know when the dough has risen enough?
Look for the dough to double in size and become soft and puffy. Pressing your finger gently into the dough should leave an indentation that slowly fills back in, which means it’s ready to shape.
What if my dough feels too sticky or too dry?
If sticky, dust your hands and the dough lightly with flour during kneading. If too dry and crumbly, add a teaspoon of water at a time until it comes together. The goal is an elastic, slightly tacky dough—not sticky or stiff.
Can I add toppings before baking or after?
It’s best to add toppings before baking so everything melts and cooks evenly. However, fresh herbs and some delicate greens are great added just after to keep their brightness intact.
How can I make the crust extra crispy?
Using a pizza stone or preheated heavy pan, brushing the dough with olive oil, and baking at a high temperature are key to crisp crust. Avoid overcrowding the pizza with toppings for better heat circulation too.
Final Thoughts
Diving into this Homemade Pizza from Scratch Recipe is truly a joyful experience that rewards you with irresistible flavors and proud moments. There’s something so special about shaping your own dough, layering your favorite ingredients, and creating a pizza that’s uniquely yours. I can’t wait for you to try it and make pizza night your new favorite tradition!
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Homemade Pizza from Scratch Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This homemade pizza recipe features a perfectly chewy and crisp crust made with instant yeast, topped with rich tomato sauce, melted mozzarella, and your choice of toppings. With simple pantry ingredients and straightforward instructions, you can enjoy a classic pizzeria-style pizza baked in your oven at home.
Ingredients
For the Dough
- 2 ¼ teaspoons instant yeast (1 packet)
- ¾ cup warm water (105-115° F)
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose or bread flour (plus up to 1/3 cup as needed, 250–290 g)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (plus more for bowl and crust)
For the Toppings
- ½ cup pizza sauce
- 1 ½ cups mozzarella cheese (whole milk low moisture)
- Pizza toppings of your choice
- Roughly chopped parsley
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast and sugar in the warm water. Cover with plastic wrap and let it sit for 5 minutes until frothy, which indicates the yeast is active.
- Mix the dough ingredients: In a large bowl, combine salt, garlic powder, and half the flour. Add the yeast mixture and olive oil, stirring well with a wooden spoon. Gradually add the remaining flour and stir until an elastic dough ball forms, slightly sticking to the bowl’s sides.
- Knead the dough: Dust your hands with flour and knead the dough in the bowl for 3-5 minutes. If sticky, add flour gradually in small amounts up to 1/3 cup. When poked, the dough should slowly bounce back. Shape into a ball.
- Let the dough rise: Drizzle a separate large glass bowl with olive oil and brush sides and bottom. Place the dough ball inside, cover with plastic wrap, and let it rise for 30-60+ minutes until doubled in size. Optionally, refrigerate overnight for slower fermentation.
- Preheat your oven: During the last 30 minutes of rising, preheat the oven to 450° F. Place a pizza pan or stone inside to heat up as well.
- Prepare the dough for shaping: Punch down the risen dough and knead it 5 times to smooth it out.
- Shape the pizza crust: Spread the dough evenly into a 12-inch circle using hands or rolling pin. Use your fingers to form a raised crust edge if desired.
- Prepare the baking surface: Remove the hot pizza pan from the oven, sprinkle it with a thin, even layer of flour, and transfer the shaped dough onto it.
- Prevent bubbling: Use a fork to poke gentle holes evenly in the dough. Drizzle 1 tablespoon olive oil over the top and brush it evenly with a pastry brush.
- Add sauce and toppings: Spread pizza sauce, sprinkle mozzarella cheese evenly, and add your chosen pizza toppings.
- Bake the pizza: Bake in the preheated oven for 13-15 minutes. Allow the crust to crisp on the bottom without removing too early, and avoid letting the top brown excessively. The cheese should be melted and bubbly.
- Check doneness: Remove pizza and use a spatula to lift the crust, checking it is golden and crisp underneath.
- Garnish and serve: Finish with chopped parsley, freshly grated Parmesan cheese, and red pepper flakes if you like. Slice and serve immediately.
Notes
- Water temperature is critical for yeast activation; too hot will kill yeast and too cold will slow activation.
- You can let the dough rise overnight in the refrigerator instead of 30-60 minutes to develop more flavor.
- Flour dusting on the baking surface prevents sticking and aids transfer.
- Use a pizza stone or preheated pan for best crust crispness.
- Customize toppings according to preference—veggies, meats, or simple Margherita work great.
- Dough consistency should be elastic and slightly tacky but not overly sticky.
