Go Back

Easy Homemade Pizza

A chewy homemade pizza with a crisp golden crust, quick tomato sauce, bubbling mozzarella, and fresh basil. Makes two 12-inch pizzas.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 1 hour
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 12 minutes
Servings: 8 slices (2 per serving)
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 460
Ingredients Equipment Method

Ingredients
  

  • 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
  • 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
  • 1 cup warm water
  • 3 cups bread flour
  • 1 teaspoon fine salt
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2/3 cup crushed tomatoes
  • 1 clove garlic minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/4 teaspoon fine salt
  • 8 ounces low-moisture mozzarella shredded
  • 8 leaves fresh basil leaves

Equipment

  • Pizza stone or heavy baking sheet

Method
 

  1. Stir the active dry yeast and sugar into warm water (105–110°F / 40–43°C). Let stand for 5 minutes until foamy.
  2. Add the flour, salt, and olive oil. Knead for 6–8 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  3. Transfer the dough to a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let rise until puffy, 45–60 minutes.
  4. Heat the oven to 500°F (260°C) with a pizza stone or inverted heavy baking sheet inside for at least 30 minutes.
  5. Mix crushed tomatoes with garlic, oregano, olive oil, and salt. Divide the dough in half and stretch each piece into a 12-inch round; spread a thin layer of sauce over each.
  6. Add mozzarella and desired cooked toppings. Bake one pizza at a time for 8–12 minutes, until the crust is browned and the cheese bubbles.
  7. Rest each pizza for 2 minutes, add fresh basil, and slice.