Who doesn’t love pizza?

Pizza is an all-time favorite comfort food enjoyed by people around the world. Making your own pizza from scratch allows you to customize the flavors, experiment with toppings, and enjoy a truly mouthwatering experience. In this blog post, I will share a tried-and-true pizza recipe that will help you create a delicious homemade pizza that rivals your favorite pizzerias. We have been making homemade pizza in our house every Friday for more years than I can remember. It is the highlight of the week and my daughter loves to help us make it! In the summer we even cook it on the grill!

Ingredients:

For the Pizza Dough:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 cup warm water
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt

For the Pizza Sauce:

• 1 can (14 ounces) crushed tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Toppings:

• Shredded mozzarella cheese
• Desired pizza toppings (pepperoni, mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, etc.)
• Fresh basil leaves (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Pizza Dough:
   • In a small bowl, dissolve the sugar in warm water. Sprinkle the yeast on top and let it sit for about 5 minutes until foamy.
   • In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Create a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture and olive oil.
   • Stir the ingredients together until a shaggy dough forms.
   • Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
   • Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours until doubled in size.
2. Prepare the Pizza Sauce:
   • In a medium bowl, combine the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well to incorporate all the ingredients. Adjust the seasoning to taste.
3. Assemble and Bake the Pizza:
   • Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven while preheating.
   • Punch down the risen dough and divide it into two equal portions.
   • On a lightly floured surface, roll out each portion of dough into a desired pizza shape and thickness.
   • Transfer the rolled-out dough to a pizza peel or a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
   • Spread a generous amount of pizza sauce evenly on the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
   • Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce, followed by your favorite toppings.
   • Carefully transfer the pizza to the preheated oven or onto the hot pizza stone.
   • Bake for approximately 12-15 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
   • Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes.
   • Garnish with fresh basil leaves (optional), slice, and serve hot.

Conclusion: With this homemade pizza recipe, you can create a delicious and satisfying pizza in the comfort of your own kitchen. From the perfect crust to the flavorful sauce and your favorite toppings, this recipe will surely impress your family and friends. So put on your apron, gather the ingredients, and get ready to enjoy a slice of homemade pizza perfection!