Slice of Heaven: Your Go-To Homemade Pizza Recipe!

When unexpected relatives show up, what do you usually serve? As for me, all I have to do is bake a pizza! I have mastered making pizza for quite some time now, and this simple pizza dough recipe is ideal for beginners. Every great pizza starts with superb pizza dough. Some people enjoy it as thin and crispy, while others like a thick and soft crust. And I'm telling you that this handmade pizza crust has it all: soft and chewy, with a great crunch and an incredible taste.

It's my go-to pizza dough recipe, and you may even get creative with the toppings you can put on it. So, let's get started! 

Ingredients

For the Dough:

• 5 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 1 1/2 teaspoons sea salt
• 2 1/4 cups cold water
• Olive oil

Topping Ideas:

• Extra virgin olive oil
• Tomato sauce (smooth or pureed)
• Bacon
• Firm mozzarella cheese, grated
• Fresh, soft mozzarella cheese, separated into small pieces
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Feta cheese, crumbled
• Mushrooms, thinly sliced
• Peppers, very thinly sliced
• Italian sausage
• Sliced black olives
• Fresh basil, chopped
• Pesto
• Pepperoni, thinly sliced
• Onions, thinly sliced (raw or caramelized)
• Ham, thinly sliced

How to Make Pizza At Home? 

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

To start, put the all-purpose flour into a large mixing bowl or the bowl of your electric mixer. Add the salt and active dry yeast, then mix the ingredients well. Add the cold water slowly, one cup at a time, while mixing. The cold water slows down the fermentation process of the yeast. This allows the dough more time to rise, giving it a more complex flavor.

As soon as the dough sticks together, knead it by hand or with a dough hook on your stand mixer until it becomes soft and slightly sticky. It should take eight to ten minutes. When you feel like the dough is too dry, add a tablespoon of water until it's just right. If it's too sticky, on the other hand, add a little more flour.

Put a clean kitchen towel over the dough and let it rest for 5 minutes. This resting time enables the flour to soak up all the water, making it easier to shape later.

Step 2: Shape and Portion the Dough

After the dough rests, put it onto a lightly floured surface. Shape it into a large ball and place it on a silicone baking mat or a greased surface to prevent sticking. Using a bench scraper, divide the dough into 6 equal portions. This size is perfect for personal-sized pizzas, ensuring everyone gets their favorite toppings!

Roll each piece of dough into a ball, then use a rolling pin to flatten it into a circular shape, about ¼ inch thick. But if you prefer a thicker crust, you can roll the dough to about ½ inch thickness. Once shaped, place each dough circle onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Cover them loosely with plastic wrap and let them rest for another 10-15 minutes.

Step 3: Preheat the Oven

While the dough rests, preheat your oven to a scorching 525°F (273°C). A high temperature is key to achieving that perfect crispy crust. If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven while it preheats. This will help to evenly distribute the heat and create a deliciously crisp base.

Step 4: Add the Toppings

Brush the edges of your pizza dough with a bit of extra virgin olive oil. This adds flavor and helps the crust turn golden brown in the oven. Spread a thin layer of tomato sauce over the center of the dough, leaving about an inch around the edges for the crust.

Now, it’s time to get creative! Start with a grated firm mozzarella cheese base, then layer on any of your favorite toppings. Whether you're a classic pepperoni and cheese fan or want to go gourmet with caramelized onions, feta, and pesto, the choice is yours. Be generous with your ingredients, but avoid piling on too many heavy toppings, which can make the pizza soggy.

Step 5: Bake the Pizza

Carefully transfer your assembled pizza onto the preheated pizza stone or directly onto the oven rack if you don’t have one. Bake for 7-12 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbling and slightly browned. Watch out for baking times, which may vary depending on your oven and the thickness of your crust.

Once baked to perfection, use a pizza peel or a large spatula to remove the pizza from the oven. Let it cool for a couple of minutes before slicing. This allows the cheese to set slightly, making for cleaner slices.

Zulay's Recommendation: Our Expert Tips for Perfect Pizza Every Time!

• Room Temperature Dough Make sure your dough is at room temperature before rolling it out. Cold dough is more elastic and harder to shape.
• Use a Pizza Stone Bake your pizza on a preheated pizza stone for the crispiest crust. It mimics the intense, even heat of a brick oven.
• Less is More When it comes to toppings, less is often more. Overloading can make the pizza soggy. Aim for a balanced layer of sauce, cheese, and toppings.
• Experiment with Sauces Don’t limit yourself to just tomato sauce! Try pesto, barbecue sauce, or even a white garlic sauce for a unique twist.

Homemade Pizza Serving Suggestions

Try a classic Caesar salad, arugula, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette as a side dish to your homemade pizza. A glass of red wine, such as Chianti or Pinot Noir, or a refreshing beer will go wonderfully with the cheesy, rich flavors. A refreshing lemonade or sparkling water flavored with a splash of juice is a great party drink for children.

Pizza, garlic bread, or cheesy breadsticks make for a perfect accompaniment to a night in front of the TV, and a healthy dessert like fruit sorbet or tiramisu is the perfect way to round out the meal!

Zulay's Final Thoughts

Making pizza at home is about enjoying the process. Kneading the dough, choosing the toppings, and watching your creation bake in the oven is extremely satisfying! It's also a fun activity to do with family or friends, allowing you to create memories while eating. And, let's be honest, there's something undeniably satisfying about making your own pizza that differs from ordering from a delivery service.

FAQs About Making Homemade Pizza

What is the best flour to use for homemade pizza dough?

Using all-purpose flour is a great choice for homemade pizza dough because it gives a nice balance of chewiness and crispiness. For a more authentic, chewy crust, you can also use bread flour with a higher gluten content. If you want a healthier option, consider using whole wheat flour or a mix of whole wheat and all-purpose flour for added fiber and nutrients.

Can I make pizza dough in advance?

Yes, making pizza dough in advance is a great idea! You can prepare the dough 24 hours ahead and store it in the refrigerator. The slow fermentation process in the fridge develops a deeper flavor. Just bring the dough to room temperature before rolling it out for your homemade pizza.

What are some creative pizza toppings to try?

The best thing about homemade pizza is that you can get creative with toppings! Beyond the classic pepperoni and cheese, try adding roasted vegetables, caramelized onions, fresh herbs, goat cheese, or even fruits like figs or pineapple. You can also experiment with different sauces, like pesto, barbecue, or garlic white sauce.

How do I store leftover homemade pizza?

To store leftover homemade pizza, place slices in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in aluminium foil or plastic wrap. Keep them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For reheating, use a skillet over medium heat to maintain a crispy crust or a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 5-7 minutes.

Can I make homemade pizza without a pizza stone?

Absolutely! While a pizza stone helps create a crispy crust by distributing heat evenly, you can still make delicious homemade pizza without one. Use a preheated baking sheet or cast-iron skillet instead, or bake directly on an oven rack for a crispy finish.

Can I freeze homemade pizza dough?

Yes, homemade pizza dough can be frozen for later use. After dividing and shaping the dough into balls, wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. The dough can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to use, thaw the dough in the refrigerator overnight and bring it to room temperature before shaping.