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Delicious Homemade Pizza: A Step-by-Step Guide

Make authentic Italian-style pizza at home with this foolproof recipe. Features a crispy yet chewy crust, tangy tomato sauce, and customizable toppings. Perfect for family cooking nights!
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Prep Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Servings: 4 People
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 680
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • For the dough:
  • - 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
  • - 1 1/2 cups warm water 110°F/43°C
  • - 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • - 2 tbsp olive oil
  • - 1 tsp sugar
  • - 1 1/2 tsp salt
  • For the sauce:
  • - 1 14oz/400g can crushed tomatoes
  • - 2 garlic cloves minced
  • - 1 tsp dried oregano
  • - 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
  • - 1 tbsp olive oil
  • - Salt and pepper to taste
  • Toppings:
  • - 2 cups shredded mozzarella
  • - 1/2 cup grated parmesan
  • - Your choice: pepperoni mushrooms, bell peppers, olives, fresh basil

Method
 

  1. Make dough: Dissolve yeast and sugar in warm water. Wait 5 minutes until foamy.
  2. Mix flour and salt in large bowl. Add yeast mixture and olive oil. Knead for 8 minutes until smooth.
  3. Place dough in oiled bowl, cover. Rise for 1 hour until doubled.
  4. Make sauce: Sauté garlic in olive oil 1 minute. Add tomatoes, oregano, pepper flakes. Simmer 15 minutes.
  5. Preheat oven to 475°F (245°C) with pizza stone or baking sheet inside.
  6. Punch down dough. Divide into two balls. Roll each into 12-inch circle on floured surface.
  7. Assemble: Spread sauce on dough, leaving border. Add cheeses and toppings.
  8. Bake 12-15 minutes until crust is golden and cheese bubbly.
  9. Rest 5 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh basil.

Notes

• For crispier crust: Preheat pizza stone 30 minutes
• Gluten-free option: Use 1:1 gluten-free flour blend
• Make ahead: Dough refrigerates for 3 days or freezes 3 months
• Sauce tip: Add 1 tsp honey to balance acidity
• Don't overload toppings to prevent soggy crust