Homemade Pizza
Say goodbye to pricey takeout and hello to a new family tradition with this homemade pizza recipe. Not only is it simple and delicious, but making pizza at home can double as a fun activity for kids and adults alike. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner, a kid’s sleepover, or a cozy date night, this recipe is versatile enough to suit any occasion. With endless topping options, everyone can customize their own perfect slice.
Table of Contents
Chef’s Tips
- Pre-bake the crust: Baking the crust for a few minutes before adding the toppings helps prevent it from becoming soggy and ensures a nice crispy base.
- Even topping distribution: Spread toppings evenly across the pizza to ensure every slice is packed with flavor.
- Experiment with sauces: While pizza sauce is a classic, try pesto, alfredo, or even BBQ sauce for a creative twist.
- Homemade dough: If you have extra time, making your own pizza dough can elevate the flavor and texture of your pizza.
Ingredients
- 13.8 oz refrigerated pizza dough: A convenient option for quick pizza nights. For a more hands-on approach, substitute with homemade dough.
- 8 oz jar of pizza sauce: Provides a flavorful base. Consider adding extra garlic or herbs for a personalized touch.
- 1 1/2 tsp garlic powder: Enhances the sauce with a robust, savory flavor.
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning: A perfect blend of herbs to complement the pizza sauce.
- 12 oz mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully for a classic gooey topping. Freshly shredded cheese works best for optimal melt.
- Toppings:
- 28 slices of pepperoni: Adds a smoky, spicy kick.
- 1/3 lb Italian sausage: Pre-cooked and crumbled for rich, savory bites.
- 10 sliced portobello mushrooms: Earthy and meaty, balancing the richness of the meats.
Substitutions
- Swap Italian sausage with ground turkey, chicken sausage, or plant-based sausage for dietary preferences.
- Use dairy-free mozzarella or goat cheese for a twist.
- Substitute portobello mushrooms with bell peppers, olives, or onions for added variety.
- Try whole wheat or cauliflower crust for a healthier base.
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 425°F. Lightly grease an 18×12 inch baking sheet.
- Shape the Dough: Unroll the refrigerated dough and gently press it to cover the entire baking sheet. Bake for 5 minutes.
- Cook the Sausage: While the crust bakes, form the Italian sausage into 1-inch balls. Cook in a small skillet over medium heat until browned and cooked through. Drain on a paper towel-lined plate to remove excess grease.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, combine the pizza sauce, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Stir until well mixed.
- Assemble the Pizza: Remove the pre-baked crust from the oven. Spread the sauce evenly over the crust, followed by the mozzarella cheese.
- Add Toppings: Evenly distribute the pepperoni, cooked sausage, and sliced mushrooms over the cheese.
- Bake: Return the pizza to the oven and bake for 11-16 minutes, depending on your desired level of crispness and cheese browning.
- Serve: Remove from the oven, let cool slightly, slice into squares or wedges, and enjoy!
FAQs
Yes! Homemade dough enhances the flavor and texture of the pizza. It takes a little extra time but is well worth the effort.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 375°F for 5-7 minutes or in a skillet for a crispy crust.
Absolutely! Wrap unused dough tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe bag. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before using.
The best method is to reheat slices in a skillet over medium heat with the lid on. This keeps the crust crispy while warming the toppings evenly.
This homemade pizza recipe is more than just a meal—it’s an experience that brings people together. Whether you’re keeping it classic or experimenting with new flavors, this is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen!
More Of My Yummy Pizzas
- Pepperoni Pizza Casserole
- Authentic Pizza Margherita
- Italian Sub Pizza
- 10 Minute Pizza Dough
- Deep Fried Neapolitan Pizza
Homemade Pizza
Ingredients
- 13.8 oz tube of refrigerated pizza dough
- 8 oz jar of pizza sauce
- 1 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 12 oz mozzarella cheese
- variety of toppings – this recipe used 28 slices of pepperoni, 1/3 lb Italian sausage and 10 sliced portobello mushrooms
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425 degrees.
- Grease a 18×12 inch baking sheet.
- Unroll the dough, and gently stretch and press it down to cover the entire bottom of the pan.
- Bake for 5 minutes.
- While the crust is baking, if using Italian sausage, form into 1 inch balls, and add to a small skillet. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until cooked all the way through. Once it is done, line a plate with a few pieces of paper towel, and put the cooked sausage on the paper towel, then fold it onto itself, to absorb the grease.
- Once the crust has baked for 5 minutes, remove it from the oven.
- Pour the sauce into a small bowl, and add the garlic and Italian seasoning. Stir well.
- Spread the sauce across the entire sheet of cooked pizza crust.
- Sprinkle the cheese across the entire sheet of sauce topped pizza crust.
- Add your toppings.
- Bake for 11-16 minutes, depending on how golden you like your cheese to be.
- Remove from the oven, cut, and serve!
Nutrition
Nutrition values are estimates, for exact values consult a nutritionist.
